Member Associations

Since its establishment more than 25 years ago, CIFWA has played a major role in expanding the range of SRHR services in the Cook Islands. Obstetrics, family planning (FP), HIV Prevention and STI Treatment including Voluntary Confidentiality Counseling are now available in addition to breast and cervical screenings and treatment of other gynecological disorders. The association is currently working with the Government through the support from the Board President who is currently the Government’s clerk in pushing forward the Family Law Bill. The Bill is expected to be passed in July of 2016 after the public consultation. It continues its work in the area of advocacy and this has encouraged more donor support to the work that they are doing in the area of provision of services to the rural and remote islands.

HERA (the Health Education and Research Association) was founded in 2000 as a volunteer’s movement of university students. It was in response to the country’s need for improved HIV education and treatment and for better care for people living with HIV. Since its beginnings HERA recognized the need to integrate HIV activities and services into broader sexual and reproductive health (SRH) provision. Today HERA is a leading national NGO working in the field of HIV and sexual and reproductive health and rights. HERA focuses on national and international advocacy for comprehensive and right-based policies and programmes on HIV and sexual and reproductive health. It particularly advocates for sexuality education and for a women’s right to choose and access to safe abortion services.