Member Associations

Founded in 1995, VerdeFam, Cape Verdean Association for the Protection of the Family, is a private, non-profit institution. Through fixed call centers (CinSaude) and mobile clinical posts, the Association offers a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services, from family planning, prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and pre-service and postnatal services to users. The team is supported by a large group of volunteers, adults and young people, an executive management and peer educators specially trained in different areas of intervention.  Due to its wide experience in SRH, VERDEFAM has been invited to participate in the discussions and elaborations of the national plans, studies and policies of Reproductive Health in Cape Verde  VERDEFAM works in partnership with several government departments, including the Ministry of Health and Social Security, the Cape Verdean Institute for Gender Equality and Equity (ICIEG), the Committee for the Coordination and fight against HIV and AIDS (CCS -SIDA), the Alcohol and Other Drugs Coordination Commission (CCAD), the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Family and Social Inclusion. It should be noted that Verdefam is a member of the Advisory Council of the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).  As an NGO, it is affiliated with the Cape Verdean NGO Platform and is a member of its Board. The Association is also a permanent member of the Executive Secretariat of the AIDS Combat Coordination Committee - CCS / SIDA, is the Focal Point of the CPLP Civil Society Forum in Cape Verde for Health, Member of the Board of Directors of WANEP - CV, member of the Municipal Health Commission and member of the National Coordination Instance (CCN) of the program financed by the Global Fund. It should also be noted that VerdeFam has Cooperation protocols with the Ministry of Health, with all Health Stations, Central Hospitals and Municipal Councils where it operates.  VERDEFAM receives funds from UNFPA through the Ministry of Health of the Global Fund through the Committee for the Coordination and fight against HIV and AIDS (CCS-SIDA), ICIEG, and the Coalition PLUS. 

The Union of Women Sex Workers of Paraguay (Unión de Trabajadoras Sexuales del Paraguay -UNES) is a grassroots organization founded in 2006 in Asunción by and for adult women who engage in sex work autonomously. As a member of Redtrasex, UNES advocates for the recognition of sex workers' rights, the elimination of stigma, and their social inclusion. Its main goal is to collaborate with the Paraguayan state to strengthen and expand guarantees for comprehensive healthcare access with a human rights approach. Through various projects, UNES raises awareness among healthcare professionals, distributes prevention packages (including condoms, lubricants, counseling, and rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B), and conducts community oversight visits to healthcare services. Additionally, it provides support to sex workers in accessing treatment and medical consultations. The organization promotes the political training of its leaders, builds alliances with feminist and human rights networks, and engages in public policy advocacy. UNES also works on developing legal frameworks that protect sex workers' rights, including legislative proposals such as the Sex Work Bill Proposal. Moreover, it carries out awareness-raising initiatives targeting key actors in the judicial, municipal, and governmental sectors. By strengthening partnerships with national and international organizations, UNES continues to advocate for the recognition and respect of sex workers' rights in Paraguay and across the region.   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unes_py/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UNESPY