| 31 March 2016
Fianakaviana Sambatra, Madagascar
Relative to much of Africa, Madagascar has high levels of contraceptive use, but high birth rates coupled with endemic poverty and limited government-led sexual and reproductive health (SRH) provision mean that child mortality and maternal death figures are high. Fianakaviana Sambatra (FISA) has been fighting since 1967 to improve the nation’s SRH through advocacy, education and direct service provision. Currently, it runs 67 service points, including: 11 permanent clinics, 3 mobile units and 12 community-based services (CBSs), across 6 of the country’s regions. FISA works with 5 associated clinics and 29 private practitioners. FISA has 70 full-time staff, 184 peer educators, and a youth action movement made up of 42 members. FISA delivers a wide range of services: family planning, prevention and management of HIV and the provision and dissemination of comprehensive SRH materials. FISA has used its on-the-ground experience to advise government on national SRH policy. It has partnered with the Ministry of Health, Family Planning and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Youth to advocate for a concerted approach to resolving the critical SRH issues currently facing the country. At the same time, it works with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Marie Stopes International, and the ASSONG coalition of NGOs. FISA receives financial support from UNFPA, the Big Lottery Fund, Amélioration de la Qualité De Services, the EU and IPPF’s Japan Trust Fund. It’s also closely connected to other organizations promoting SRH rights across the country and the region.
| 31 March 2016
Riksförbundet för Sexuell Upplysning - Sweden
Founded in 1933, RFSU is a non-profit membership organization aiming to promote access to sexual and reproductive health and rights — both in Sweden and internationally. RFSU has 16 local branches in Sweden and a sexual health clinic in Stockholm, also providing an invaluable source of learning for the organisation. In addition, we own a company that makes and sells condoms and wide range of products for sex, pleasure and health. To achieve our vision, of a world in which everyone is free to make decisions over their own bodies and sexuality, RFSU combines several strategies: Expertise and evidence-based knowledge and information, clinical research and global studies on SRHR lay a foundation for a solid argument for SRHR. Extensive experience in comprehensive sexuality education – guarantees the most pedagogical methods for strengthens SRHR and enhance public support for SRHR for all. Global influence and local partnerships. RFSU advocates and influences shaping the political agenda on gender equality (as well as SRHR) in Sweden and internationally. Much of this work is done with partners - for us, partnership is a fundamental way of working. We channel support to civil society organisations in a number of countries (Bolivia, Kenya, Ghana, Liberia, Georgia, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka) and with regional networks in Asia, Africa and Latin America. We also work with organisations and networks in Brussels, Geneva and New York to secure strong support for SRHR in international agreements, and to ensure their implementation.