FRED H. BIXBY
FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM
Mentor Research Interests

Nafissatou J. Diop, Ph.D.

Nafissatou J. Diop welcomes collaboration with a fellow on any of the following projects:

• Female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). Since 1998, Diop has been testing and evaluating strategies implemented by NGOs to reduce the practice of FGM/C. Two key objectives for the coming year include (1) supporting West African countries in using the results of what is learned from operations research; and (2) writing papers for publication using the broad range of results that have been generated.

• Adolescent health. Diop is currently promoting a multisectoral model to improve adolescent health in West Africa. Previously, an operations research study was implemented over a four-year period in Senegal, which then led to fostering utilization strategies at the policy and programmatic levels over the next two years. Presently scaling-up programs and institutionalization are taking place in Senegal. During the coming year, Diop is planning to work in other West African countries using a similar model.

• Postabortion care (PAC). Diop's team currently is conducting an assessment of PAC services in six countries in West Africa. Based on this research, Diop would like to provide technical assistance to countries through disseminating results and providing support to countries to help improve their reproductive health programs.

• Repositioning products, specifically emergency contraception and the female condom. Diop is assisting West African ministries of health in reintroducing these products into their reproductive health programs.

---