Aiming to build upon previous research co-operations by drawing on the expertise of Indian and US scientists and institutions to promote and support collaborative research that will result in expanded contraceptive options and improved reproductive health, India and the US will soon begin joint research on ‘contraceptive and reproductive health research.’

The major purpose of the joint research is to address shared concerns in contraception and reproductive health. Both the Indian and US scientists will undertake a coordinated programme involving participation in collaborative, peer-reviewed research projects designed to achieve enhanced reproductive health, disease prevention, product development and technology transfer.

The Indo-US programme will emphasize on ‘translational’ types of research intended to move from basic science and discovery to product development and delivery, consolidating on existing leads available. Emphasis should be placed on candidate methods and approaches to family planning that have achieved a level of development that would make them ideal candidates to move to the delivery/implementation phase.

The specific areas to be emphasized include Product Development and Applied Research Development of new methods of male contraception including: post-testicular methods and non-surgical methods of sterilization; Long-acting and hormonal contraceptives including injectable (development and expanding the access to and use), implants, vaginal rings and transdermal methods; Female barrier methods for dual protection, i.e. for contraception and HIV/STI prevention; projects to expand the knowledge about and access to emergency contraception using different service delivery options; evaluation of Point Of Care (POC) immunodiagnostics for STIs/HIV and sperm count; Expanding the use of available methods of contraception, especially for young, low parity women; Improving the image and acceptance/use of vasectomy and IUDs, and of condoms for pregnancy and HIV/STI prevention;  and Investigation of the full range of r issues that impact on the ability of women, particularly young married women, to use contraception and, Development of interventions to overcome these barriers.

The Indo-US Program on Contraception and Reproductive Health Research (CRHR) will be administered by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in India and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in US.