New Scope For Tommorrow’s SRHR: WHO is Offering Research Fund for Youth’s to Advance Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health
The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Human Reproduction Programme (HRP) has announced a call for concept notes to advance adolescent sexual and reproductive health research, addressing key priorities identified in the 2022-2024 HRP stocktaking and research priority-setting exercise. This initiative seeks to bridge critical knowledge gaps and improve policies and interventions that shape the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) landscape for young adolescents (ages 10-19).
Why This Matters: A Decade of Lessons Learned
In 2010, a WHO consultation recommended expanding SRH research beyond 15-19-year-olds to include younger adolescents, emphasizing the need for developmentally appropriate interventions. However, due to a lack of age-specific data, conservative policies have often restricted access to essential sexual health education and services. Recognizing these gaps, HRP commissioned five priority research papers in 2022, analyzing trends in adolescent health, sexual health risk factors, laws and policies, effective interventions, and research advances. The findings, published in the Journal of Adolescent Health in September 2024, have paved the way for this new research initiative.
Key Research Priorities for 2025-2035
The WHO has outlined ten pressing research questions aimed at shaping policies and programs for young adolescents. These include:
- The impact of social media on adolescent SRH, both positive and negative.
- The intersection of mental health challenges and SRH outcomes.
- SRH needs among subpopulations, including displaced communities and marginalized groups.
- Strengthening the implementation of comprehensive sexuality education.
- Addressing early pregnancy, child marriage, and gender-based violence.
- Age-appropriate health service delivery, considering caregiver involvement.
- Information-seeking behavior among young adolescents regarding SRHR.
- Strategies for meaningful youth engagement in co-designing SRHR services.
- Adolescent perspectives on positive SRHR experiences.
- Enhancing provider training and resources for SRHR service delivery.
A Critical Research Opportunity for Bangladesh
Bangladesh, home to over 36 million adolescents, faces persistent SRHR challenges. High rates of child marriage (51% of girls married before 18) and adolescent pregnancy (one of the highest in South Asia) underscore the urgency of age-sensitive interventions. Additionally, restrictive policies around sexuality education hinder progress. This WHO call provides an opportunity for Bangladeshi researchers, civil society organizations, and youth-led initiatives to contribute evidence-based solutions tailored to the country’s unique context.
Who Can Apply?
Eligible applicants include institutions from low- and middle-income countries, academic institutions, NGOs, and youth organizations. Proposals must focus on one of the outlined priorities and employ multidisciplinary research methods. Successful applicants will receive $2,500 to further develop their research proposals.
How to Apply
Submissions must be in English, using an 11-point font, and limited to three pages. The deadline is February 21, 2025, at 11:59 PM CET. Applications must be submitted via email to srhrel@who.int. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Final Thoughts
This initiative is not just about research—it is about shaping the future of adolescent SRHR policies globally. As Bangladesh navigates its SRHR challenges, evidence-based approaches informed by rigorous research will be critical in ensuring young people’s rights to health, information, and agency. Researchers and advocates must seize this opportunity to influence policies that truly reflect adolescent needs.
Source: World Health Organization
