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Grand Challenges — Ultralow-Cost Diagnostics and Screening for Low-Income Countries

Grand Challenges Africa — Accelerating Innovation in Vaginal Formulations for Women's Health

Funds African-context researchers and companies developing novel vaginal drug delivery technologies and formulations that safely deliver therapeutics while supporting vaginal health.

This grant is administered by Grand Challenges Africa — a program of the African Academy of Sciences (AAS) in partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the African Union Development Agency. It is part of a multi-partner launch of the vaginal formulations challenge, with this edition specifically covering African applicants. Applicants from South Africa apply via the Grand Challenges

Novel vaginal drug delivery platforms and formulations for the African context. Approaches include: drug delivery technologies for antiretrovirals, contraceptives, or anti-infective agents; formulation science for vaginal microenvironment compatibility; ring, film, gel, or other dosage forms; microbiome-aware formulations; platforms enabling combination products. Focus on safety, efficacy, and acceptability in Sub-Saharan African populations. Applications from South Africa go via the Grand Challenges South Africa portal; all other African countries via Grand Challenges Africa portal.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.No fixed schedule
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.24 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.0%
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.

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Last verified: 22 Jul 2026Source: gcgh.grandchallenges.org