In 1999, the Department for International Development (DFID) funded a five-year programme of research into young people's sexual and reproductive health in poorer country settings. The principal objectives of the Safe Passage to Adulthood programme are to:- fill key knowledge gaps relating to the nature, magnitude and consequences of reproductive and sexual health problems amongst young people- identify situation-specific key determinants of young people's sexual behaviour- identify culturally-appropriate means by which barriers to good sexual and reproductive health can be overcome- identify new opportunities to introduce and evaluate innovative programme interventions- develop concepts and methods appropriate to the investigation of young people's sexual and reproductive health.