Member Associations

When the Association Tchadienne pour le Bien-Être Familial (ASTBEF) was formed in 1991, no one was under any illusions that it was faced with an almost impossible task as the international indices for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) demonstrate. Some suggested that it would be overwhelmed and would simply not survive. Over 20 years down the line, the organisation is thriving, thanks in large part to an immensely committed team of staff, over 1,000 volunteers, peer educators, and a strong youth action movement. The organisation runs static clinics and a number of mobile operations which offer voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV, post-abortion care, antenatal and post-natal care, treatment of opportunistic infections, treatment of male and female infertility, pre-marital counselling, and advocacy against harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation and gender based violence. ASTBEF has made a considerable impact on the country’s SRH activity by integrating family planning with maternal and infant health, HIV and AIDS services, and youth-friendly education programmes and service provision. ASTBEF works in partnership with the government’s Global Fund National Coordination Council, and the High Commission for Population and Human Resources National Reproductive Health Programme Supporting Committee. Non-governmental organisation (NGO) links include the Comité d’information et de liaison and the Organisation des Acteurs non Etatiques (OANET). Private sector partners include PPFAI, NACA, HAPAC, SFH, The Central Bank of Nigeria, CAP Plc, and Nigeria Breweries, and donors who support ASTBEF’s work include UNFPA, UNICEF,  PNUD, Médecins du Monde, the US Embassy, PSR, GTZ, the Ministry of Social Action and Family Affairs.  

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.