Member Associations

Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Comoros is an archipelago of 4 islands at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northeaster Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar. At a little over 1,800 square kilometres, it’s the third smallest nation in Africa, but has over 700,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most densely populated countries on the continent. A third of the population are women of reproductive age and the absence of essential health services presents major risks to their health and survival. High fertility levels allied to low contraceptive uptake, and widespread poverty combine to drive high risks related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). In response, the Association Comorienne pour le Bien-Être Famille (ASCOBEF) is delivering a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health programmes and services. These include family planning, gynaecological counselling and services, antenatal care, information, education and communication (IEC) programmes and behaviour change communications (BCC) activities to promote health-seeking behaviour. It is also playing a major advocacy role in the fight against gender-based violence, and has provided extensive victim support. The majority of ASCOBEF's clients are poor, marginalized, socially excluded and/or under-served. ASCOBEF deliver services and programmes supported by volunteers, Youth Action Movement members and peer educators. ASCOBEF works in partnership with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including Réseau Femmes et Développement. It receives financial support from UNFPA, the Global Fund, UNICEF and the World Health Organization.

The Haiti Midwives Association was created in 2004 as a local organisation promoting the midwifery profession to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rate. They work in collaboration with other entities (such as the Ministry of Health, obstetricians, etc.) to provide and promote health and wellbeing throughout Haiti. To ensure greater visibility and recognition of the midwifery profession in Haiti, the AISFH has officially changed its name to ASFH.ASFH provides ongoing training to its members and offers preventive and treatment services in the field of sexual and reproductive health.ASFH promotes the following values:Midwifery is an essential pillar in the promotion of health and in the fight to reduce infant and maternal mortality and morbidity in Haiti.The care provided by midwives is based on respect for the well-being and dignity of the family.Midwifery provides a favourable environment for the continuity of maternal and neonatal care.Proximity to women, continuity of care, informed choice, choice of delivery site and community services are at the core of the high quality care midwives provide.Midwifery care must be accessible to all Haitian women, regardless of socio-economic status.It is important to highlight and promote the potential of midwifery to improve the well-being of women, families and society.