The Department of Operational Research at the Institute has a number of programs in the area of adolescent sexual and Reproductive Health. One such project entitled "Implementing Linked RCH (ARSH-Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health) – HIV Services to meet the Sexual and Reproductive Health needs of Adolescents" funded by WHO was implemented from February 2009 in Karjat block of Raigad district in Maharashtra .

The project has envisaged operationalizing Adolescent Friendly Health services within the health system of Karjat block. A series of activities like sensitizing different stake holders and training all levels of health care providers in the GOI ARSH modules were undertaken. Necessary financial aid was mobilized for infrastructure, IEC material and paying peer volunteers from district NRHM funds.

On 7 th and 13 th November 2009, after all the ground work was done, the Adolescent Friendly Health centers were inaugurated at the PHCs and Subdistrict hospitals in the block during a specially planned Adolescent Health Awareness Campaign in which education, Integrated Child Development Scheme and other sectors were involved.

Rally by school students with slogans for promoting adolescent health, street plays by NSS volunteers on various adolescent health issues and the services that would be provided at the center along with folk songs talking on adolescent issues, measurement of height, weight and hemoglobin, demonstration of healthy eating habits by ICDS workers and information on contraception for young couples along with poster exhibition were the salient features of the campaign.

The event was a combined effort of the district health system and NIRRH.