Innovating for Impact: NIH mHealth Funding for LMICs (PAR-25-188)

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a new funding opportunity, PAR-25-188, designed to stimulate the development of mobile health (mHealth) tools tailored for health promotion and maintenance in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs). As digital infrastructure expands globally, the potential for mHealth to mitigate healthcare disparities has become a focal point for international research. Peer-reviewed literature emphasizes that mHealth interventions are most effective when they are integrated into existing health systems and address specific local barriers to care (Free et al., 2013).

Scope

The primary objective of this R01 program is to support the development, implementation, and rigorous evaluation of mHealth technologies. These tools should focus on health promotion, disease prevention, and the maintenance of chronic conditions. Solutions must demonstrate evidence of affordability, scalability, and sustainability within the specific socio-economic contexts of LMICs.

Eligibility

This opportunity is open to a wide range of organizations, including:

Higher Education Institutions (both US and non-US)

Non-profit organizations

For-profit and small business entities

Governmental agencies

Partnership

Collaborative research is mandatory. Applications must include substantial participation from investigators based in the host LMIC. This requirement ensures that the proposed technology is culturally appropriate and that the research builds local capacity for digital health innovation. Partnerships should prioritize long-term sustainability beyond the initial grant period.

Application Deadlines: May 5, 2025; May 5, 2026; and May 5, 2027.

By leveraging the ubiquity of mobile devices, this initiative aims to deliver high-quality health interventions to underserved populations worldwide.

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More Info : https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/pa-files/PAR-25-188.html