Document Type

Case Study

Publication Date

2-2026

Abstract

The Baobab Research Programme Consortium (Baobab) is an Africa- based, African-led consortium, spearheaded by the Population Council, Inc., in partnership with the Population Council–Kenya and the African Population and Health Research Centre (APHRC), that is reshaping the narrative around sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) research in refugee settings. Across Africa’s most challenging humanitarian landscapes, Baobab is proving that evidence can ignite action. Starting with the first-ever Humanitarian Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys in Uganda and Ethiopia, Baobab turned data into solutions—co-designing a school-based sexual violence screening model with governments, UNHCR, and civil society. By embedding trained para-social workers (PSWs) in schools, this approach ensures proactive identification, on the spot psychological first aid, rapid referral (where needed), and consistent care for child survivors of sexual violence, all while strengthening existing systems. Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development co-designed the model, building upon its existing National PSW Programme, and integrating it into national training and guidance manuals, a bold step toward systemic change.

With a proven model now embedded in national systems, Baobab is helping translate frontline success into wider policy influence by elevating Africa-led solutions onto the global stage. Baobab has partnered with the African Child Policy Forum to amplify Africa’s voice globally, shaping commitments from the first-ever Global Ministerial Conference to End Violence Against Children held in Bogota, to ARISE Africa: Accelerating Action to End Violence Against Children. This case study is a blueprint for scalable, replicable interventions that transform crises into opportunities for protection, accountability, and African leadership on the world stage.

DOI

10.31899/sbsr2026.1002

Language

English

Project

Baobab: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Refugee Settings; Population Council Kenya

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