International research
Research is an important foundation for improving sexual and reproductive health in the Pacific.
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We work with partners in Pacific countries, and specialist researchers, to carry out research to better understand sexual and reproductive health needs in the Pacific, and to demonstrate how sexual and reproductive health can contribute to development.
There is limited public data on sexual and reproductive health in the Pacific. This can make it difficult to understand the current situation in the region — for example what sexual health services are available, and whether people are able to access the contraceptives they need. A lack of information can also make it difficult to assess the impact of policies and programmes, and whether they are making a positive difference for individuals, families, and communities.
That’s why we prioritise research, and building a solid foundation of data and evidence to inform our work in the Pacific. Through our research, we are able to understand how we can better support the countries we work with to improve sexual and reproductive health and rights, and provide other countries with the tools and data to advocate for change.
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What we're working on
Kiribati research project
Kiribati faces unique challenges when it comes to family planning, and sexual health services. Its scattered geography, cultural diversity, and limited healthcare resources have made it important to tailor sexual health, and family planning intervention programs to local contexts.
Over the last decade, various initiatives and programs have been implemented to improve family planning accessibility, and sexual and reproductive health outcomes in Kiribati. The current research project we're undertaking in Kiribati seeks to understand the impact and effectiveness of these initiatives, and to identify future priorities to improve sexual and reproductive health in the country, including the outer islands.
Vanuatu research project
The research we're undertaking in Vanuatu will build on our previous research on the barriers to knowledge, access, and barriers to family planning in rural Vanuatu. It will delve further into the barriers to knowledge of a range of sexual and reproductive health issues, with the intention of identifying some key areas that could be improved.
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Recent research in the Pacific
We have conducted a range quantitative, and qualitative research on sexual and reproductive health with our partners in the Pacific. Download the reports (PDF), below.
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Planem Gud Famili Blong Yumi: Knowledge, Access and Barriers to Family Planning in Rural Vanuatu
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This research draws on the experiences and views of the people of the Big Bay Bush region of Vanuatu. Findings show relatively low knowledge of sexual and reproductive matters, and a range of barriers that prevent people accessing contraceptives including supply, stigma, and traditional views of approaches to family planning.
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Family planning in South Tarawa, Kiribati: Usage and Barriers
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Using surveys, focus groups, and interviews, this research found that despite low levels of knowledge there was an increase in contraceptive use compared to previous years. The report proposes a number of recommendations to respond to barriers — for example targeting men in sexual and reproductive health campaigns, and developing home visit programmes.
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Investment in Family Planning in Kiribati: A Cost-Benefit Analysis
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This report outlines some of the benefits of improving access to sexual and reproductive health services through a cost-benefit analysis. This research finds that meeting peoples’ contraceptive needs would result in fewer maternal and infant deaths, and would result in significant financial savings in the health, and education systems in Kiribati.
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Cost-benefit Analyses of Family Planning in Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
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This report outlines some of the benefits of improving access to sexual and reproductive health services through a cost-benefit analysis. This research finds that meeting peoples’ contraceptive needs would result in improved maternal and infant outcomes, and would result in significant financial savings in Vanuatu, and the Solomon Islands.
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Integrating HIV and Sexual and Reproductive Health: A Pacific Specific Mapping
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This report was developed to understand how to respond to rapid increases in HIV as part of sexual and reproductive health work. There are a number of recommendations in response to the current barriers identified, which include incorporating work to address HIV as part of the broader sexual and reproductive health awareness raising, and service delivery.
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A Measure of the Future: Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Risk Index for the Pacific
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This research takes a life cycle approach to understand the reproductive risk to women across Pacific countries. The research identifies several broad recommendations to improve sexual and reproductive health.
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