New to CPRC - Sara Casey

Discipline/Training Background: I received an MPH in Forced Migration and Health (Mailman) and Master of International Affairs (SIPA) and later my DrPH from Columbia University

Department: Heilbrunn Department of Population and Family Health

Started at Columbia: I came to Columbia as a MPH/MIA student in 1999, and as staff beginning in 2003

What research are you working on currently? 

I am currently analyzing data from a mixed methods study to investigate the factors that influence access to and use of post-abortion care (PAC) services in humanitarian crisis settings in Afghanistan and South Sudan. I am also analysing data looking at adolescent and young women’s contraceptive use in conflict-affected North and South Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Main collaborators at Columbia? Elsewhere?

My main partners are international humanitarian organizations like CARE, International Medical Corps, International Rescue Committee and Save the Children.

What are the policies or areas of policies to which your work is relevant?

My work provides evidence to advance the field of sexual and reproductive health and rights in humanitarian settings. For example, my work with partners contributed evidence on contraception in humanitarian settings. We demonstrated that even in remote and unstable settings, when good quality contraceptive services, with a choice of short-acting, long-acting and permanent methods, are in place, women will choose to use contraception to exercise their right to reproductive choice.

Don't be shy; what accomplishment are you most proud of and why?

My work with partners to provide good quality contraceptive services in humanitarian settings contributed to the inclusion of contraception as an objective in the revised Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health (MISP), a minimum standard in humanitarian health response.

If people want to learn more about your research, where should they start?

https://www.mailman.columbia.edu/raise

Fun fact about you:

I am working my way (sometimes slowly) through a list of 50 books by African women.