title: Accelerating science-driven solutions to challenges in global reproductive health: a new framework for moving forward.
abstract: Recommendations shaping policies, programs, and practices in global health should be based on the best available science, but how best to achieve this objective is less clear. We describe a new approach developed by the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/World Health Organization/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction within the World Health Organization Department of Reproductive Health and Research for addressing key challenges in global reproductive health. This approach leads to new recommendations for accelerating solutions to priority needs in the field and continued improvements in the science base-including the implementation science base-for meeting these needs. The key components of this new cycle for science-driven solutions include: 1) identifying priority needs of the field; 2) creating guidance that meets the needs of the field; 3) identifying research gaps and establishing and funding research priorities; 4) research synthesis and updating of the guidance in a timely fashion; and 5) supporting utilization in countries through systematic introduction of science-driven solutions. There is a synergistic effect when the contributions of the individual components of this cycle are linked. Strong institutional support is required for this collective effort, as is the creation of a team of researchers, practitioners, donors, and implementing agencies with shared responsibilities for its success. This new approach has already made important contributions toward addressing key challenges in family planning and maternal and perinatal health. We believe that it will help bridge the gap between knowledge and action for reproductive health and for global health more broadly.
authors.affiliation: From the World Health Organization Collaborating Center for Research Evidence for Sexual and Reproductive Health, Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; the United Nations Development Programme/United Nations Population Fund/World Health Organization/ World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction, Department of Reproductive Health and Research, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland; Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia.
authors.forename: Herbert B
authors.initials: HB
authors.lastname: Peterson
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: d'Arcangues
authors.forename: Joumana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Haidar
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Curtis
authors.forename: Mario
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Merialdi
authors.forename: A Metin
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Gülmezoglu
authors.forename: Lale
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Say
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mbizvo
mesh_terms: D003267:Contraception; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D018456:Reproductive Medicine / Q000592:standards*; D014944:World Health Organization