The National Institutes of Health (NIH), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD), is issuing a funding opportunity for research focused on managing multimorbidity in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in the United States. This initiative, under the "Implementation Research for Multi-morbidity Management" title, seeks to enhance the accessibility, equity, integration, and sustainability of patient-centered care in settings where multiple chronic NCD conditions impact the quality of life and increase healthcare burdens. Key project outcomes include improved health system efficiency, reduced health inequities, and strengthened capacity for implementation science within resource-limited communities.

The program targets interventions that enable effective, coordinated, and integrated care for individuals managing multiple NCDs. Supported studies should evaluate strategies for overcoming barriers to the adoption, adaptation, and scaling of evidence-based interventions within community and healthcare settings. Research projects are expected to explore methodologies for context-sensitive, equitable implementation, potentially including technology integration, collaboration with local stakeholders, and adaptation to cultural and social contexts. For LMIC institutions, partnerships with U.S. researchers are optional but encouraged, whereas U.S. applicants must engage LMIC researchers.

Eligible applicants include a wide range of institutions, including higher education, nonprofits, and tribal organizations, among others. Both U.S. and non-U.S. organizations (limited to LMICs) are eligible to apply, provided they adhere to NIH funding and application guidelines. Project proposals should align with specific NIH Institute or Center priorities, such as those focused on aging, cancer, heart, lung, and blood diseases, mental health, neurology, child health, and eye health, as detailed in the funding announcement. Applications are encouraged to consider interdisciplinary approaches that address local health burdens and inequities, involve appropriate local collaborators, and are adaptable for scale-up in different healthcare contexts.

Applications must include a clear, evidence-based rationale for selected interventions, detailing how they can feasibly be adapted and implemented in the target populations. Research designs should incorporate frameworks that measure outcomes specific to multimorbidity management, such as patient-centered care indicators and health equity impacts. Applicants should provide a milestone plan for the research process, including recruitment and retention strategies for study populations, assessment of implementation outcomes, and evaluation of the intervention’s efficacy in real-world contexts. Additionally, plans for ongoing community engagement, data sharing, and capacity building within LMIC or AI/AN research teams are required.

Applications will undergo a rigorous review process based on factors such as significance, innovation, feasibility, and alignment with GACD and NIH goals. Special consideration will be given to projects demonstrating strong equitable partnerships and shared leadership between U.S. and LMIC or AI/AN researchers, as well as a commitment to improving health equity through social determinants of health. Financial requests should reflect the project’s actual needs, with a maximum project period of five years. Projects requesting $500,000 or more in any year must consult with NIH representatives six weeks before submission.

Letters of intent are encouraged 30 days before the application due date. Key dates include the initial application deadline of February 7, 2025, with subsequent due dates for renewals, resubmissions, and AIDS-related applications. Potential applicants should consider contacting NIH scientific staff to discuss alignment with program priorities and the requirements of their proposal prior to submission.