Understanding factors shaping adolescent nutrition and mental health in Latin America: a new UNICEF study 
Human rights, Health, Development hera Human rights, Health, Development hera

Understanding factors shaping adolescent nutrition and mental health in Latin America: a new UNICEF study 

hera recently contributed to a regional qualitative study led by UNICEF LACRO examining how obesogenic and sociocultural environments influence body image, mental health, nutrition, and physical activity among adolescents in Latin America and the Caribbean. Conducted in Peru and El Salvador, the study offers new insights into the behavioural drivers and lived experiences of young people—an increasingly important focus area for global health research. 

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Strengthening safe passage for migrants by improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Sexual and Gender Based Violence services in emergencies
Human rights, Health, Development hera Human rights, Health, Development hera

Strengthening safe passage for migrants by improving access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Sexual and Gender Based Violence services in emergencies

Migration across South and Central America continues to pose significant challenges for migrants, particularly women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ individuals. These groups face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and barriers to accessing essential Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services. Recognising these urgent and evolving needs, hera partnered with IPPF under the Safe Passage Programme to design a new initiative by launching a strategic Call for Proposals through this comprehensive consultancy, laying a strong foundation for future interventions. 

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Shifting perceptions on safe abortion in Liberia 
Human rights, Health, Development hera Human rights, Health, Development hera

Shifting perceptions on safe abortion in Liberia 

Unsafe abortion remains a major public health challenge in Liberia, contributing significantly to maternal mortality and undermining women’s rights and health. To better understand the social attitudes, knowledge, and norms shaping access to safe abortion and family planning, the Informal Working Group for Reproductive Health and Rights (IWG) commissioned a national research study: the Perception Survey on Social Norms on Access to Safe Abortion. Implemented by hera and NCG, the project aimed to fill critical evidence gaps and strengthen advocacy and policy reform efforts in the country. 

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Strengthening access to reproductive health commodities: hera’s evaluation of the Best Practices Grant 
Human rights, Health hera Human rights, Health hera

Strengthening access to reproductive health commodities: hera’s evaluation of the Best Practices Grant 

From 2020 to 2025, the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), with funding from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), led a programme entitled “Establishing Best Practices for Government-Led Product Introductions” (referred to as the Best Practices Grant)—an ambitious £40 million initiative aimed at improving access to Reproductive Health (RH) commodities across several low- and middle-income countries.

hera was contracted by CHAI to conduct the final external evaluation of the BPG, with a mandate to capture lessons, assess results, and generate insights to inform both the FCDO’s final Programme Completion Review and future investments in RH market shaping. 

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Pioneering health sector reform: Rwanda's National Pharmacy Policy (2024-2029) 
Human rights, Health hera Human rights, Health hera

Pioneering health sector reform: Rwanda's National Pharmacy Policy (2024-2029) 

In a milestone achievement for global health policy, Rwanda has successfully launched its National Pharmacy Policy (2024-2029), marking a transformative step toward strengthening pharmaceutical governance and aligning with the country’s ambitious Vision 2050 goals. This comprehensive policy, developed by hera through a participatory and evidence-based process, not only addresses systemic gaps in the pharmaceutical sector but also positions Rwanda as a regional leader in innovative and inclusive health reforms. 

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