Member Associations

The people of Uganda face urgent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues, with high prevalence of HIV and AIDS and unmet needs for contraception presenting some of the most immediate and life-threatening risks. Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), formerly the Family Planning Association of Uganda, was established in 1957. It now provides services in 29 of the country’s districts through 768 service points: 17 static clinics, 74 mobile facilities, 35 associated clinics and a network of hundreds of community-based distributors/community-based services (CBDs/CBSs). RHU's comprehensive range of services include family planning, the prevention and treatment of HIV and AIDS, the diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections and post-abortion care. The work is led by a full-time staff of 19, supported by nearly 4,000 volunteers. These include 56 community-based distributors, 118 peer educators and a Youth Action Movement which has nearly 1,000 members. An estimated 98% of RHU's clients are poor, marginalized, socially excluded and/or under-served. Target groups include internally displaced persons, young women in conflict-affected areas, sex workers, hawkers, saloonists, bicycle taxi operators and maids.  RHU undertakes high level advocacy work. At present, advocating for policies and government action to end female genital mutilation (FGM) is one of its top priorities.  RHU runs training schemes for other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and health professionals. RHU representatives sit on the government’s SRH advisory board and RHU has played a critical role in shaping, developing and implementing policies on gender, adolescent reproductive health, domestic relations, safe motherhood, and private partnerships for health. RHU provides technical assistance to IPPF Member Associations (MAs) in Swaziland, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Namibia and Rwanda. RHU works with an immense range of NGOs and private sector organizations and it receives funding and support from over 20 different donors based locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. The organization is a national convenor: bringin together a broad range of agencies in Uganda which are engaged in campaigning and delivering services to coordinate work and synthesize efforts within the country for maximum impact.   Contacts Website: www.rhu.or.ug Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rhuganda Twitter: https://twitter.com/RHUganda

Set up in 1957, the Mauritius Family Planning & Welfare Association (MFPWA) was one of the earliest organizations in Africa focusing on family planning issues. As the nation struggled to find a way to address pressing population issues, a group of advocates formed MFPWA and started to provide services directly to women. Today, the organization caters to the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of the whole community. It also has particular strands of activity relating to specific groups including sexually abused children, elderly people and marginalized populations on Rodrigues Island.  Through 2 permanent facilities, and a private sector-supported daycare centre, MFPWA’s 15 staff and 550 volunteers deliver services including family planning, the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS through voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), support for people living with HIV/AIDS, infertility management, antenatal and post-natal care, post-abortion care, the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and screening for cancers of the reproductive systems. The Member Association also operates peer-educator-led outreach programmes targeting hotels, export processing zones and popular tourist hot spots.  MFPWA has played a critical role in promoting the integration of family life education into the national school curriculum and its powerful, informed advocacy has been influential in shaping government legislation on SRH, particularly in relation to HIV and AIDS. MFPWA partners with and advises government departments which address health, quality of life, women’s rights, child development, family welfare, social security and youth and sports. MFPWA works with a large number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including the Mauritius Council of Social Service, the Mauritius Alliance of Women, PILS (People living with AIDS), SOS Pauvrete, the National Women’s Council, the Senior Citizen Council and Link. Donors include the Indian Ocean Commission and UNFPA. Website: http://mauritiusfamilyplanning.com