Member Associations

One of IPPF’s central beliefs is that processes and approaches need to be adapted to meet the specific needs of a country. In Lesotho, a country with one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, LPPA is very active in finding new ways to address neglected needs. LPPA provides a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health including: family planning, the  management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs),  screening for cancers of the reproductive system, the distribution of contraceptives and emergency contraceptives, pregnancy testing, post-abortion care, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) and the management of infections. Clients are referred to other centres for CD4 tests and ARV treatment.  LPPA reaches out to the communities it serves through 47 service points: 10 permanent clinics, 9 private providers, 30 associated agencies, 90 peer educators and 14 community-based distributors (CBDs). There are 54 permanent staff who are supported by over 200 volunteers. An estimated 75% of LPPA's clients are poor, marginalized, socially excluded and/or under-served. Target groups include cattle herders, prisoners, rural populations, factory workers, university students, police trainees and people living with HIV and AIDS.  LPPA targets out-of-school children, and disseminates SRH information through drama, puppetry, sports for life, and facilitated discussions. Other education programmes include health talks, workshops, performances and radio and TV shows. In advocacy, LPPA reaches out to teachers, religious leaders and government leaders to promote favourable approaches to, and legislation on, SRH.  LPPA has influential partnerships with government health and population departments, and it partners with major non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Donors include Irish Aid, UNDP, the Japan Trust Fund, and IPPF’s Korea Africa Fund. The Member Association has strong linkages with other organizations across the country, particularly in relation to HIV and AIDS. Website: www.lppa.org.ls  

Founded in 1990, at an early stage in the country’s transition to democracy, the Societatea de Educatie Contraceptiva si Sexuala (SECS) is a true pioneer in the promotion of family planning and sex education. The organization's energies are focused on developing public awareness of women’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and in advocating for high quality service delivery. SECS has also been closely involved in training sexual and reproductive health (SRH) personnel. SECS promotes sex education through training seminars for teachers, and produces material for schools and for marginalized young people in informal settings. The majority of SECS’ members are under 26 years old. It is now recognized as a national youth organization by the Ministry of Youth and Sport. SECS has worked closely with other IPPF Member Associations across Europe, and with the Ministry of Health to develop an information, education and communication (IEC) project designed to further increase awareness of the importance of SRH to the overall well-being of individuals and to society as a whole.