Member Associations

Guinea-Bissau is one tenth the size of its neighbour Guinea-Conakry, but its people suffer equally distressing sexual and reproductive health (SRH) problems. The Associação Guineense para o Bem Estar Familiar was established in 1993 to address the major issue in family planning: equipping couples to make active, informed choices about the number of children they would have, and when they would have them.   Since then, the Member Association’s work has expanded to embrace a full range of SRH concerns. It provides young people with information, education and communication (IEC) and behaviour change communication (BCC) around sexual and reproductive health; it works on the prevention, diagnosis and management of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) includind HIV; it provides post-abortion care and support; it provides care for victims of gender-based violence (GBV); and it advocates strongly at government level for legislation to prevent GBV. Associação Guineense para o Bem Estar Familiar achieved these results through a small but committed team that operate over hundred service points, including static clinics and community-based service points. Despite the relatively small size of the organization, it is growing rapidly with strong central support from IPPF, influential government partnerships, and backing from non-governmental organizations including UNFPA.

The Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA) is a non grant-receiving Associate and also functions as a federation that comprises sexual health and family planning organizations across the country. It is the national voice of these organizations and represents their interests and perspectives at national and international levels. Projects are shared among these member organizations within Australia and outside of the country, SH&FPA works in partnership primarily with sister IPPF Member Associations. SH&FPA maintains a dynamic international programme in South East Asia and the Pacific. The major strategies of the programme are focused on enhancing the management and delivery of sexual and reproductive health care and education delivered by or with local organizations in a sustainable setting. AusAID funds most of this work. For up to 80 years, SH&FPA member organizations in each state and territory have looked after the sexual and reproductive health needs of a large number of Australians. SH&FPA member organizations provide a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services that focus on prevention, early intervention, diagnosis and treatment, and community and professional education. Member organizations deliver clinical services, which include pap smears, breast checks, sexually transmitted infection (STI) checks and counselling services (including HIV), consultations, counselling and provision of contraceptives, pregnancy tests and counselling, treatment and counselling for menopause problems, and information and education services for the public around reproduction, contraceptive methods and relationships and self-esteem. Website: https://www.shfpact.org.au/