Three finalists, Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team, Field Ready, and Hala Systems, will receive $3.7 million to develop innovative solutions for humanitarian crises caused by conflict. The projects aim to provide accurate maps, essential items, and early warning systems to help vulnerable populations.
Grand Challenges Canada announces $10 million investment in 100 innovative projects addressing women's and children's health challenges in low- and middle-income countries. The projects aim to reduce maternal mortality, improve reproductive healthcare, and combat stigmas, with potential to save 1.1 million lives by 2030.
The projects focus on advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights of women and girls. In Rwanda, affordable menstrual pads will be distributed to adolescent girls, while in Kenya, HIV/STI education and vocational training will reduce infections among vulnerable adolescents.
The Urban Sanitation Challenge funds five projects that aim to scale up innovative approaches to urban sanitation. Five projects funded under the new challenge include an affordable plastic toilet line that is being used in 14 countries, with more than 1.2 million toilets installed and improving the lives of 6 million people.
A study found that genetic variation impacts child development, with specific genes affecting attachment to mothers. Children with the short form of the SLC6A4 gene showed a strong response to maternal mentoring, while those with the long form were less affected.
A new study published in Lancet Global Health found that maternal micronutrient supplements during pregnancy significantly boost child development and cognitive ability. The research also highlights the importance of a strong nurturing environment, home conditions, and parental education in shaping a child's intellectual abilities.
The Friendship Bench program has shown significant results in reducing depression and anxiety symptoms among participants. After six weekly therapy sessions, patients who received problem-solving therapy on the benches had fewer symptoms of depression (14%) compared to those in a control group (50%). The program has the potential to im...
A study funded by Grand Challenges Canada reveals that premature babies who received Kangaroo Mother Care in infancy exhibit reduced aggressive behavior, higher brain size, and increased financial success as adults. These benefits persist even 20 years later.
A Canadian-funded study finds that poor fetal growth before birth is the greatest risk factor for child stunting in developing countries. The study suggests a need for greater emphasis on maternal health and environmental factors such as sanitation to prevent stunting.
Six Canadian innovations, including a low-cost drill system and an HIV self-test application, will receive $10 million in scale-up funding from Grand Challenges Canada. The projects aim to improve global health in developing countries by providing innovative solutions for diseases such as diarrhea, cervical cancer, and HIV.
A new Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health study funded by Grand Challenges Canada estimates that early life growth faltering results in a $176.8 billion reduction in potential career earnings for children born each year. Investing in better childhood growth could yield a threefold return.