Resources

Joint research projects

Societal outreach outputsCover ANSER book

ANSER publication 'Five years of global academic collaboration building evidence for sexual and reproductive health and rights policies'

In this publication you will find a glimpse of what ANSER has achieved so far bridging the gap between research and policymaking. May it inspire you to keep advocating sexual and reproductive health and rights worldwide. Click here for the pfd version or send an email to anser@ugent.be for a paper version.


ANSER publication 'Pioneering Change: ANSER’s Impact on Linking Research and Policy in Sexual and Reproductive Health'
cover Sex Education and Family Planning

 The paper published in the FORUM Sex Education and Family Planning by the Federal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) underscores ANSER's groundbreaking contributions to the field of sexual and reproductive health. By successfully linking research and policy, ANSER has paved the way for a more evidence-informed approach to sexual and reproductive health policies worldwide. The combination of accessible research findings, increased stakeholder interaction, enhanced research receptivity in policy agencies, and incentives for collaboration marks ANSER's pioneering impact. Explore the full article here to gain deeper insights into how ANSER is spearheading positive change by fostering collaboration, disseminating knowledge, and influencing the landscape of sexual and reproductive health policies on a global scale.

Podcasts

ANSER was highlighted as best practice in the podcast series of Ghent University's Department of Public Health and Primary Care  '39, Reach Out!'  about 'Where science meets politics'.

Knowledge clip on medicalization of female genital mutilation/cutting

That the practice of FGM is increasingly being performed by trained health professionals, is one of the major trends in FGM/C today. The video gives a good insight in what FGM/C and medicalization of FGM/C is exactly. To showcase the complexity of medicalization of FGM/C the video gives practical examples of ongoing debates around the issue. At the end, the speakers list a set of clear recommendations for policy makers on how to take action. With this video ANSER wants to raise awareness among all stakeholders involved in FGM/C, especially policy makers, and encourage them to make evidence based decisions.

Screencast: https://www.screencast.com/t/o77pApT9pVpo

Knowledge clip on the intersection of climate change and SRHR

Discover the intersection between climate change and sexual and reproductive health. Through the stories of Chioma, Dimitri, and Nyasha, we witness how climate disruptions impact lives worldwide. Chioma's HIV treatment is disrupted by floods, highlighting the need for disaster plans that protect reproductive health. Dimitri's story shows how extreme weather fuels gender-based violence, and finally, the preterm birth of Nyasha’s baby due to heat exposure raises concerns about maternal and child health. In the face of this global challenge, "Empowering Change" calls on policymakers to take immediate action by investing in disaster preparedness, educating communities, and supporting research initiatives. Climate change affects us all, and by addressing its impact on sexual and reproductive health and rights, we can build a more equitable and resilient future for everyone.


Link to the video: https://youtu.be/4Gdrg2PgsyA



Knowledge clip on ANSER - Academic Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy

Discover how ANSER, as an international academic network, is at the forefront of shaping evidence-based policies for global sexual and reproductive health. Through education, research, and societal outreach, ANSER serves as a crucial link between researchers and policymakers, focusing on key areas such as maternal health, family planning, and gender rights. By facilitating increased interaction between policymakers and researchers, ANSER ensures that research outcomes align with policy priorities, thereby fostering mutual understanding and trust. As we look ahead, ANSER remains committed to driving sustainable change by bringing together academics and stakeholders, setting an example for effective knowledge translation and policy implementation in sexual and reproductive health and rights. Learn more in the following video: video: https://youtu.be/lTj9UVriRUM  



Knowledge clip on SRHR in the UNECE Region: Progress and Challenges

Commemorating the 30th anniversary of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD), this video examines the progress and challenges of SRHR in the UNECE Region. Delve into key findings from recent reports shedding light on contraceptive knowledge, access, and attitudes, alongside a critical analysis of maternal mortality trends over the past two decades. Uncover the underlying factors contributing to disparities in SRHR outcomes, from societal norms to systemic challenges in health information systems. Join us in advocating for comprehensive policies and transformative actions to safeguard SRHR for all.

Link to the video: https://youtu.be/hF2yT-RWQ1g

 

 


Policy papers

Technical Assistance

  •  Support to UNFPA Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) to implement the Sexual and Reproductive Health plans and strategies in the region. Several tools were developed:
    1. Suggested indicators for the monitoring of SRH National Programmes and Strategies for the acceleration of the universal access to SRH in line with the WHO EURO regional Action Plan for Sexual and Reproductive Health - link full text
    2. Checklist for developing National SRH Action Plans and Strategies for accelerating the Universal access to SRH - link checklist
    3. Recommendations to support the rollout of the WHO Europe Action Plan for SRH at a national level - link full text

Scientific Publications

  • Ivanova O., Rai M., Mlahagwa W., Tumuhairwe J., Bakuli A., Nyakato V.N., Kemigisha E. A cross-sectional mixed-methods study of sexual and reproductive health knowledge, experiences and access to services among refugee adolescent girls in the Nakivale refugee settlement, Uganda. Reproductive Health (2019) 16:35. Link
  • Van Eekert N, Leye E, Van de Velde S. The Association Between Women's Social Position and the Medicalization of Female Genital Cutting in Egypt. Int Perspect Sex Reprod Health. 2018 Sep 1;44(3). doi:10.1363/44e6618. Link
  • ANSER, Ogbe E, Van Braeckel D, Temmerman M, Larsson EC, Keygnaert I, De Los Reyes Aragón W, Cheng F, Lazdane G, Cooper D, Shamu S, Gichangi P, Dias S, Barrett H, Nobels A, Pei K, Galle A, Esho T, Knight L, Tabana H, Degomme O. Opportunities for linking research to policy: lessons learned from implementation research in sexual and reproductive health within the ANSER network. Health Res Policy Syst. 2018 Dec 17;16(1):123. Link
  • Oliveira C, Keygnaert I, Oliveira Martins MDR, Dias S. Assessing reported cases of sexual and gender-based violence, causes and preventive strategies, in European asylum reception facilities. Global Health. 2018 May 9;14(1):48. doi: 10.1186/s12992-018-0365-6. Link
  • R. Elise B. Johansen, Mahgoub Ziyada M, Shell-Duncan B, Marcusàn Kaplan A, Leye E. Health sector involvement in the management of female genital mutilation/cutting in 30 countries. BMC Health Services Research (2018) 18:240. Link
  • Kemigisha E, Nyakato V, Bruce K, Ndaruhutse Ruzaaza G, Mlahagwa W, Ninsiima A, et al. Adolescents’ Sexual Wellbeing in Southwestern Uganda: A Cross-Sectional Assessment of Body Image, Self-Esteem and Gender Equitable Norms. Int J Environ Res Public Health. MDPI AG; 2018;15(2). Link
  • Frederico M, Michielsen K, Arnaldo C, Decat P. Factors Influencing Abortion Decision-Making Processes among Young Women. Open Access Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2018, 15(2), 329. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/15/2/329 . Link
  • Kemigisha, E., Ivanova, O., Ruzaaza, G. N., Ninsiima, A. B., Kaziga, R., Bruce, K., … Michielsen, K. (2019). Process evaluation of a comprehensive sexuality education intervention in primary schools in South Western Uganda. Sexual & Reproductive Healthcare, 51–59.  Link
  • Ivanova, O., Wambua, S., Mwaisaka, J., Bossier, T., Thiongo, M., Michielsen, K.,  Gichangi, P. (2019). Evaluation of the ELIMIKA pilot project : improving ART adherence among HIV positive youth using an eHealth intervention in Mombasa, Kenya. AFRICAN JOURNAL OF REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH, 23(1), 100–110. Link
  • Leye E,  Van Eekert N, Shamu S, Esho T, Barrett H. Debating medicalization of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C): learning from (policy) experiences across countries. Reproductive Health (2019). Link
  • Wang MY, Zhang WH, Mu Y, Temmerman M, Li JK, Zheng A. Contraceptive practices among unmarried women in China, 1982-2017: systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Contracept Reprod Health Care. 2019 Jan 18:1-7. IF : 1.616. Link
  • Liu J, Wu S, Xu J, Temmerman M, Zhang WH; INPAC Group. Is Repeat Abortion a Public Health Problem among Chinese Adolescents? A Cross-Sectional Survey in 30 Provinces. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019 Mar 5;16(5). Link
  • Frederico, M., Arnaldo, C., Michielsen, K., & Decat, P. (2019). Adult and young women communication on sexuality: a pilot intervention in Maputo-Mozambique. Reproductive Health.16. Link
  • Hlatshwako TG, Shah SJ, Kosana P, Adebayo E, Hendriks J, Larsson EC, Hensel DJ, Toller Erausquin J, Marks M, Michielsen K, Saltis H, Francis JM, Wouters E, Tucker JD. Online health survey research during COVID-19. The Lancet Digital Health. Volume 3, Issue 2, 2021, Pages e76-e77, ISSN 2589-7500, Link.
  • Galle A, Semaan A, Huysmans E, Audet C, Asefa A, Delvaux T, Afolabi B, El Ayadi AM, Benova L. A double-edged sword—telemedicine for maternal care during COVID-19: findings from a global mixed-methods study of healthcare providers. BMJ Global Health 2021;6:e004575.  Link
  • Luo H, Wu S, Wang K, Xu J, Tang L, Temmerman M, Zhang WH. Repeat induced abortion in 30 Chinese provinces: A cross sectional study. International Journal of Gynecology and Obstetrics. 2021 Jan 25. Link
  • Blondeel K, Dias S, Furegato M, Seuc A, Gama A, Fuertes R, Mendão L, Temmerman M, Toskin I. Sexual behaviour patterns and STI risk: results of a cluster analysis among men who have sex with men in Portugal. BMJ Open. 2021 Jan 22;11(1):e033290. Link
  • Michielsen K, Brockschmidt L. Barriers to Sexuality Education for Children and Young People with Disabilities in the WHO European Region : A Scoping Review. Sex education: sexuality, society and learning. 2021. Link.
  • Ampt FH, Lim MSC, Agius PA, L'Engle K, Manguro G, Gichuki C, Gichangi P, Chersich MF, Jaoko W, Temmerman M, Stoové M, Hellard M, Luchters S. Effect of a mobile phone intervention for female sex workers on unintended pregnancy in Kenya (WHISPER or SHOUT): a cluster-randomised controlled trial. Lancet Glob Health. 2020 Dec;8(12):e1534-e1545.  Link
  • Wang MY, Temmerman M, Zhang WH, Fan Y, Mu Y, Mo SP, Zheng A, Li JK. Contraceptive and reproductive health practices of unmarried women globally, 1999 to 2018: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Dec 4;99(49):e23368.  Free PMC article. Link
  • Van Eekert N. To medicalize or not to medicalize: is that the question? Exploring medicalization of female genital cutting in Egypt and Kenya. University of Antwerp & Ghent University. November 2020. Link
  • Van de Velde S, Delaruelle K, Van Eekert N, Bracke P. Perceived group discrimination based on one’s gender and the gender gap in depression in Europe. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health. November 2020. Link
  • Ivanova O, Rai M, Michielsen K, Dias S. How Sexuality Education Programs Have Been Evaluated in Low-and Lower-Middle-Income Countries? A Systematic Review. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 8183. Link
  • Michielsen K, Larrson EC, Kågesten A, Erausquin JT, Griffin S, Van de Velde S, Tucker JD; I-SHARE Team. International Sexual Health And REproductive health (I-SHARE) survey during COVID-19: study protocol for online national surveys and global comparative analyses. Sex Transm Infect. 2020 Oct 20:sextrans-2020-054664. Link .

Newsletters

Newsletter January 2023