Member Associations

Merundoi incorporated is a non-governmental organisation (ngo) specialising in behaviour change communication through public education using the radio serial drama "merundoi". Our vision As the only Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) Non Governmental Organisation (NGO ) in Guyana with a US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) approved BCC edutainment methodology, Merundoi works towards strengthening communities, especially young adults and vulnerable populations, to take ownership of their attitudes, actions, and behaviours, and to work together for their mutual benefit. Their mission is “modeling, fostering and reinforcing healthy choices and lifestyles through innovative public education, facilitating positive behaviour change, utilising the creative arts and mass media platform”. They facilitate attitudinal and behaviour change related to good health, environment, economic, social, and governance practices.

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.