To apply for WHO – Climate and Sexual/Reproductive Health Research Grants 2026Promising researchers in Cape Verde will have a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding and mitigating the interconnected impacts of climate change on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of the population. This initiative, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), aims to foster cutting-edge research and knowledge production that informs public policies and practical interventions, with a special focus on the specific vulnerabilities faced by communities in small island nations like Cape Verde. The intersection between the climate crisis and sexual and reproductive health is a rapidly growing field, with increasing evidence pointing to increased risks of waterborne diseases, food insecurity, and water stress, all with direct implications for fertility, pregnancy outcomes, and the prevalence of sexually transmitted infections.
These grants are intended to support research projects addressing critical issues such as the resilience of health systems in the face of extreme weather events, the development of adaptation strategies to ensure uninterrupted access to SRH services in climate crisis scenarios, and the study of the psychosocial impacts of climate change on individuals' mental and sexual health. Cape Verde, with its exposure to prolonged droughts, floods, and rising sea levels, is at the forefront of these challenges. Therefore, this opportunity is crucial to empower Cape Verdean researchers to generate relevant local data, develop solutions adapted to the national and international context, and strengthen the country's scientific research capacity. Collaboration with local and international health institutions will be encouraged, promoting knowledge transfer and the building of robust research networks.
The selected projects are expected to contribute significantly to the available scientific knowledge base, filling existing gaps in the literature and providing empirical evidence to guide future actions. The research results are expected to inspire the creation of more effective public health and climate adaptation policies, ensuring that sexual and reproductive health is an integral component of climate resilience strategies. WHO trusts that this initiative will promote interdisciplinary and intersectoral dialogue, bringing together experts in climate, public health, sociology, and other relevant areas to address one of the most pressing challenges of the 21st century. The active participation of Cape Verdean researchers is fundamental to ensuring that the proposed solutions are equitable, sustainable, and culturally appropriate.
The deadline for submitting applications is April 12, 2026.
For more information and to access the application form, please visit: https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/topics/climate
