PAARRUAN is a Nigerian-led initiative dedicated to transforming the landscape of abortion research and advocacy. Established in 2021 through a collaboration between the Center for Research, Evaluation Resources and Development (CRERD) and the Academy for Health Development (AHEAD), with support from the Guttmacher Institute, PAARRUAN serves as a pivotal platform for setting research agendas, disseminating findings, and implementing projects aimed at reducing unsafe abortions in Nigeria. PAARRUAN is a partnership of important stakeholders in maternal health in Nigeria including academic institutions, Government agencies, non-Governmental Organisations and the media for driving evidence-based advocacy for reducing unsafe abortion in Nigeria. PAARRUAN’s activities focus on Advocacy, Research, Programme and Policy
Key Initiatives:
Scientific Forums: PAARRUAN has organised three scientific forums annually since 2023 (one regional scientific forum and two national forums). The forums convene researchers, healthcare providers, journalists, and policymakers to discuss strategies for reducing unintended pregnancies and unsafe abortions in the country. The forums also feature presentation of scientific papers and programme report by participants.
Capacity Building: The partnership focuses on strengthening the capabilities of young and emerging scholars through training and mentorship programs, fostering a new generation of researchers committed to reproductive health. Two rounds of small grants and mentorship has been completed with 33 grantees. PAARRUAN currently has 8 fellows in four institutions on the small grants programme.
Research and Documentation: PAARRUAN leads multidisciplinary research into the social contexts of unsafe abortion and unwanted pregnancies, ensuring that findings are well-documented and accessible for policy formulation and advocacy. PAARRUAN has three special volume of publications from the research carried out by the fellows and scientific forum participants.
Through these efforts, PAARRUAN exemplifies the power of collaborative, evidence-based approaches to address complex reproductive health challenges in Nigeria.