CISALVA, Researching the determinants of health: enabling peace through healthy environments. Cali,

Research enables countries to address complex problems and helps populations be more competitive and productive. In 1995, the Universidad del Valle, in Cali, Colombia, opened the Research Centre on Health and Violence (CISALVA) to use research as a means to address and reduce the impact of violence and to promote peaceful coexistence and its determinants. CISALVA partnered with other centers and networks throughout the Americas, including Georgetown University, which led to the development of 20 crime observatories in intermediate-sized municipalities in Colombia. Monitoring implemented with low-cost, geo-referenced data collection and analysis allowed for better governance, the development of informed policies, and the implementation of effective prevention programs. CISALVA has integrated different research areas and tools, such as surveillance systems, mental health research, social and behavioral research, evaluation methods, and capacity development for people working on these topics.