The Polio Research Committee (PRC) is currently soliciting research proposals to support the implementation and evaluation of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) Strategic Plan 2010-2012, with particular focus on the following topics.
1. Operational research
A key aspect of the GPEI Strategic Plan 2010-2012 is to continuously review the quality of surveillance for supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) and fill critical gaps in quality. The GPEI is interested in research proposals to aid the process of identification of high-risk areas, support and facilitate evidence-based solutions to improve programme immunization operations.
Operational research priorities to be considered for funding include:
- Identification of key issues in areas with persistent polio transmission and/or repeated importations resulting in re-established transmission;
- Social research to understand migratory populations and implications to the polio epidemiology in polio-infected countries (e.g., the size and pattern of migration and their knowledge, attitude and practice towards immunization and general healthcare seeking behaviour);
- Evaluation of alternative operation model for the quality coverage of migratory populations during supplementary immunization activities and,
- Evaluation of initiatives to improve operations in areas with compromised security (e.g., short interval additional doses, alternative operational model to address security risks).
2. Communication research
The Independent Monitoring Board (IMB) report released in April 2011 recommended that the GPEI address complex operational or interpersonal difficulties in local communities (“worm’s eye view” of realities on the ground). Accordingly, the GPEI is soliciting proposals in the area of communication research, which help identify and address challenges and monitor performance in polio communication.
Some potential communications research subjects include:
- Evaluation of risk perception and risk communication among vaccine recipients and health workers;
- Innovative survey approaches to generate social data which does not rely on self-reported process indicators;
- Analysis of non-compliance and anti-vaccine behaviour (e.g., rumour surveillance) in order to develop better designed and more appropriately targeted interventions and,
- Evaluation of different communication interventions to promote knowledge, behaviour change and improve acceptance, including improved documentation of both successes and challenges concerning the demand for polio vaccine.
3. Evaluation of improving and utilizing IPV
The ability to affordably maintain immunity against polio in countries which choose to do so will be key to safely managing the transition period following OPV cessation, after which inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) will be the only appropriate polio vaccine.
Preparing for the wider use of IPV, the GPEI has intensified its programme of work to study a range of affordable IPV strategies and assess the feasibility and effectiveness of IPV introduction.
Especially, we are interested in the following areas:
Evaluation of immunological mechanisms and persistence of priming among infants vaccinated with IPV;
Assessment of impact of adding IPV on SIA quality (e.g., coverage) and,
Assessment of VDPV emergence after the switch from OPV to IPV-only schedule in national immunization programme in developing countries.
4. Improving routine immunization activities with GPEI infrastructure
Ensuring strong immunization systems for the delivery of routine childhood vaccines has been one of the four core strategies of the GPEI since its launch in 1988.
GPEI is interested in a pilot project to utilize GPEI assets (e.g. skilled human resource, immunization infrastructure, operating know-how) to improve the quality of routine immunization.
5. Improving acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance
Surveillance for cases of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) is the core strategy employed by the GPEI to detect the transmission of wild polioviruses or circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses, guide supplementary immunization activity strategy, and facilitate the eventual certification of eradication. In some areas of the world, there are still surveillance gaps in key high-risk areas.
The GPEI is interested in a pilot project to address these known gaps through the use of new technology (e.g., Geographic Information System - GIS or Short Message Service - SMS).
Research proposals are invited from GPEI staff (e.g., EPI managers) and independent institutions/investigators, as well as private cooperations.
How to apply
Process
1. Complete the research proposal form
The standard research proposal form should be used for all proposals. If you have any queries, please contact polioresearch@who.int. Download the standard research proposal form [MS Word file].
2. Submit the form electronically or by post
Please submit your completed proposal before the application deadline.
E-mail: polioresearch@who.int, with "PRC research proposal" in the subject line.
Mailing address:
Research and Product Development team
Global Polio Eradication Initiative
World Health Organization
Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland.
Any additional documents may be submitted as appendices to this form (e.g. CVs, institutional letter of support).
3. Procedure for submission of proposals:
All research proposals should include the following information:
- Research question/objectives (e.g., research questions, reference to published literature and cutting-edge science, description of how the results will be utilized).
- Qualification of investigators and collaborators (e.g., track record of researchers, capability of laboratory, necessary contractual arrangements).
- Budget request (e.g., appropriate for work anticipated).
- Study design and methodology (e.g., detailed activities, timelines, deliverables, availability of necessary capacities, feasibility of methods, plans for ethical and government approvals).
Researchers are invited to submit proposals by 31 July 2011 to the Research and Product Development team, GPEI, WHO Geneva, by email to polioresearch@who.int.
Moreinfo: http://www.polioeradication.org/Research/Grantsandcollaboration.aspx
