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.

Established in 1949, the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) is a founding member of IPPF. Its work in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) covers safe motherhood and child survival, empowerment of women, male involvement, adolescent health and youth development. FPAI works closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the government. It runs 39 permanent clinics, 101 mobile facilities, and has a network of nearly 2,700 community-based distributors /services (CBDs/CBSs). It works with 563 private practitioners and 196 other agencies. In addition, FPAI operates 3 infertility clinics, a contraceptive retail sales programme, and a condom dispensing service. In total, FPAI operates over 4,000 service points. A community-centred approach is at the core of FPAI's work. Our programmes are designed to deliver improved health and standards of living, better decision-making, and greater self-reliance. It aims to enable men and women to form local voluntary groups to initiate action in communities. Work primarily focuses on under-served rural areas and urban slums. The organization exploits a variety of media to impart its message, including film, radio, newsletters, journals and other print materials, as part of a wide-ranging education programme addressing topics such as family planning, maternal and child health, the risks of unsafe abortion, infertility, the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and counselling for newlyweds. FPAI encourages the empowerment of women through mahila mandals (women's groups), balwadis (nursery schools), and literacy and income generation programmes. It’s been addressing the concerns of young people in a holistic manner through 30 Sexuality Education, Counselling, Research, Training/Therapy (SECRT) Centres spread acrosss the country. The centres offer youth-friendly services that prepare young people for their future by building the confidence and self-esteem essential to forging healthy relationships. They also offer counselling and information on various developmental issues, including sex, coping with preer pressure, relationships, responsible sexual behaviour, marriage, parenthood, contraception and the prevention of STIs including HIV and AIDS. As an advocate, FPAI exerts influence through community representatives, through the media, and through representation on government bodies such as the Central Health and Welfare Council and Steering Committee on Population Education.   Contacts Website: http://fpaindia.org/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FPAI.national