The mission of the Contraception and Reproductive Health Branch (CRHB), part of the Center for Population Research (CPR) within the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) , has traditionally been to support research on the discovery, development, efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action of various methods of contraception, as well as on reproductive health and epidemiology. In 1997, two Branches within the CPR, specifically the Contraceptive Development Branch and the Contraceptive and Reproductive Evaluation Branch, merged to form the CRHB. The CRHB combines the research foci of these two components and has undertaken development of a broad program that includes exploration of new reproductive health and contraceptive technologies, establishment of research programs on HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), female pelvic floor disorders, and design of multicenter contraceptive clinical trials. During the past several years, CRHB-sponsored research on these and other topics has significantly expanded.

Throughout the history of the CRHB and its predecessor Branches, there have been extensive collaborative efforts with other organizations, reflecting the worldwide need for safe and effective contraceptives. Development of new contraceptives involves the efforts of governmental agencies, academic institutions, non-governmental organizations, and private industry and cuts across national borders.

The Branch seeks to advance research in contraception and reproductive health. In support of this mission, the Branch pursues five major program areas, based upon specific goals:

•  Contraceptive research and development;
•  Contraceptive and reproductive evaluation;
•  Prevention of HIV/AIDS and other STIs;
•  Selected reproductive and gynecologic health issues; and
•  Research training.

This report highlights the scientific activities and achievements of the CRHB since its last report to the National Advisory Child Health and Human Development (NACHHD) Council in 1999. It notes progress in the five program areas, lists goals for these areas, and projects future directions for the Branch.

For more information about the Contraception and Reproductive Health Branch, visit its Web site at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/about/org/cpr/crh/.

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