The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, committed to directing and coordinating international health within the United Nations system. One of its core programs, the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), supports global health initiatives, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. TDR aims to foster innovation in research, policy development, and capacity building to combat infectious diseases of poverty. It adopts a One Health approach to address intersecting health issues linked to humans, animals, and the environment. With a focus on equity, diversity, and scientific collaboration, WHO-TDR empowers public health institutions and researchers through targeted funding programs and partnerships, enhancing evidence-based decision-making. The Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation (GRAKT) is one such initiative that encourages the effective use of research findings in shaping health policies. Through grant programs like the Knowledge Translation Research Grant, WHO seeks to transform how knowledge is communicated and implemented to improve health systems and outcomes worldwide.

The Implementation of the WHO Global Research Agenda on Knowledge Translation Research Grant Program aims to support projects that enhance the translation of research into policy and practice. Aligned with the GRAKT priorities, this grant encourages proposals that: identify, develop, and assess knowledge translation (KT) interventions; examine barriers, facilitators, and opportunities; and create innovative methods, standards, theories, and evaluation frameworks. The program is part of WHO-TDR’s broader strategy to tackle global health challenges, particularly those linked to infectious diseases of poverty, using an inclusive and integrated One Health approach. Focus areas include epidemic preparedness, disease elimination, climate change-related health impacts, and antimicrobial resistance. The grant promotes collaboration and encourages co-funding, especially within national and regional systems. It also supports ethical research conduct, planning, and dissemination. By fostering the implementation of actionable, policy-relevant research, the program aims to close the gap between evidence generation and practical application, ultimately improving health equity and outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.