A scientific journal special issue amplifies research on adolescent reproductive health
A new supplement of the scientific journal BMC Reproductive Health showcases how IDRC-supported, locally led research is improving adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in fragile and complex settings.
Institute of Community and Public Health-Birzeit University
Adolescent volunteer smiles while participating in a data-collection training session.
On May 31, 2025, IDRC and BMC Reproductive Health published a new open-access supplement titled: Context matters: Real-world evidence and impact for better sexual and reproductive health in West Africa and the Middle East. The special issue features 12 peer-reviewed articles produced by the Cedar Cohort — 16 implementation research projects conducted across 11 countries between 2017 and 2023.
The supplement elevates locally led, policy-relevant research that is often underrepresented in global conversations. It also reflects IDRC’s long-standing investment in supporting Southern researchers to generate context-sensitive health solutions that have lasting impact.
Led by researchers based in low- and middle-income countries, these projects generated rigorous, context-sensitive evidence to inform SRHR policy and practice for adolescents in conflict-affected and fragile settings. They focused on improving health information systems, challenging harmful gender norms and co-developing scalable solutions with communities most affected by SRHR inequities. Key themes include locally rooted approaches, gender equality and inclusion, and the power of reliable health data.
IDRC guest editors Chaitali Sinha and Marie-Gloriose Ingabire, alongside Anne-Marie Schryer-Roy of the International Rescue Committee, bring a policy-relevant lens to the research. A companion blog by the editors further explores how the cohort bridged the “know-do” gap between research and action. It shares examples like co-designing peer-led education in Ghana, using radio in Kenya to spark dialogue on gender norms, and partnering with local leaders in the Gambia to shift attitudes on early marriage.
Media
Group photo of eight Cedar Cohort researchers, with names, affiliations and event information displayed.
To mark the launch of the supplement, IDRC will host a bilingual virtual event on June 19, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. EDT. Eight researchers from the cohort will discuss how their work is improving lives in West Africa and the Middle East, particularly for adolescents, women and displaced populations.
Simultaneous interpretation in French and English will be available.
This work illustrates IDRC’s commitment to advancing gender-transformative and evidence-informed solutions that improve health outcomes globally