In collaboration with Anesvad Foundation, a new funding opportunity, the RESILIENTD Grant, was launched in December 2023, with a special focus on the social determinants of skin neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) in Sub-Saharan Africa. The acronym REsearch on SocIaL determInants of lEprosy and skin NTDs reflects the resilience of communities affected by skin NTDs, as well as the commitment of researchers, donors, and public health stakeholders working towards their elimination.

The second call for proposals, launched in December 2024, attracted considerable interest, with 27 submissions received. Of these, nine applicants were invited to submit a full proposal. Following a rigorous review process conducted throughout 2025, three proposals were selected for funding.

Congratulations to all the successful researchers! We look forward to supporting these impactful projects and following their progress in the years ahead.

• An implementation research to develop integrated interventions for community mobilization and advocacy for control and elimination of Leprosy, LF and Tungiasis in Kenya and Tanzania
  The study aims to develop feasible and sustainable community advocacy, communication, and social mobilization (ACSM) interventions to inform the design of implementation research and enhance integrated Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention (MMDP) for the prevention, control, and eventual elimination of leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, and tungiasis, particularly in Kenya and Tanzania.

• Amplifying the Voices of Persons Affected by Leprosy, Lymphatic Filariasis, and Podoconiosis through Contextually Adapted Training Materials: A Participatory Approach to Reducing Stigma and Enhancing Participation in Neglected Tropical Disease Programmes in Ethiopia
  The project aims to explore how contextualised, modified training materials can contribute to the participation of persons affected by leprosy, lymphatic filariasis, and podoconiosis in decision-making, the effectiveness of NTD programmes, and the reduction of stigma.

• Empowering Young Minds: A School-Based Strategy to Combat Skin Neglected Tropical Diseases in Madagascar
  To project aims to co-develop, evaluate and constantly improve a school-based intervention that consists of (i) sensitizing school children and staff about leprosy and scabies, and (ii) active screening of leprosy and scabies among school children, with the aim of increasing knowledge about skin diseases and the acceptability of medical interventions such as clinical screening and blood sampling for anti PGL-I test at community level.