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

Established in 2004 by Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan, Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women (RENEW) became an Associate Member Association of IPPF in November 2009. It aims to be the leading organization in shaping the future role of women in Bhutanese Society, helping to reduce vulnerabilities while nurturing and empowering them. Their work is focused on reaching poor, disadvantaged and adolescent girls and women. RENEW has a widespread community-based support (CBS) system (established in 20 districts), and a community outreach programme run from the RENEW centre. Work focuses on sensitization with regard to HIV and AIDS, education in family planning approaches and contraceptive methods, and enhancing the safety of pregnancy and childbirth. A clear problem in Bhutan is the unequal position of women. One of the expressions of gender inequality is high levels of gender-based violence (GBV) which is seen as a natural part of married life, and not as an issue. RENEW has a vigorous education programme designed to reverse such attitudes. Bhutan is a unique country: all development is based on promoting Gross National Happiness (GNH), and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, acceptance of every individual’s sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), and the practical realization of those rights are regarded as critical components in increasing GNH. Given this political context, RENEW has ambitious targets. Although it has only been established for 10 years, it is making remarkable strides towards the achievement of better SRH and SRHR outcomes for the nation and its people.