Consistent with its mandate, OCHRC sponsors research in the Integrated Management of Child hood Illnesses (IMCI) and other areas that hold potential for translating research findings into preventive, curative, or rehabilitative programs.

In 2002, OCHRC issued a second request for proposal (RFP2) focused on research to inform policies for scaling up effective interventions. Two projects were funded under this grant. The first project on scaling up exclusive breastfeeding in Madagascar was completed in June 2004. The results were presented in the OCHRC organized satellite session on the effectiveness of child health and nutrition programs at Forum 8 (Mexico City, Nov, 2004).

The second project on extending the duration of breastfeeding in Bolivia will be completed in 2005. In 2003, the third request for proposal (RFP3) was issued on low birth weight and its determinants. Two research projects, one in The Gambia and the other in Bangladesh, are currently underway and results are expected in 2006.