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Welcome to the Second Issue of Show me the Evidence.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's health research investment agency. CIHR provides support for investigator-driven health research, but also sets strategic investment priorities to respond to key health and health system challenges. CIHR has established five research priorities for the organization and health research across the country:

• Enhance patient-oriented care and improve clinical results through scientific and technological innovations.
• Support a high-quality, accessible and sustainable health care system.
• Reduce health inequities of Aboriginal peoples and other vulnerable populations.
• Prepare for and respond to existing and emerging global threats to health.
• Promote health and reduce the burden of chronic disease and mental illness.

Show me the Evidence showcases some of the evidence being produced by Canadian health researchers in response to the challenges listed above. In this issue, we report the progress of several researchers who are working towards improving the management and treatment of chronic illness and mental health. In Canada and around the world, the research is making a difference. This issue highlights just a few examples:

• A clinical trial demonstrating the effectiveness of male circumcision for preventing the transmission of HIV/AIDS that has led to hundreds of thousands of procedures in a number of African countries.
• The role of research evidence in helping strengthen tobacco-control measures worldwide.
• A new program to help families with young children facing mental health challenges.

These CIHR-funded research projects have delivered:

• cost-effective infection prevention
• a new weapon in the fight against HIV/AIDS
• reduced wait times
• crucial evidence for tobacco control