

| 31 March 2016
Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone
The Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL), established in 1959, works on a range of serious sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues to improve people's health and quality of life. A key focus is to improve access to maternal health care, to reduce the risk of maternal and infant death. PPASL accesses the community through 5 service points, 12 workplace outreach projects, and 3 youth centres, via a 40-strong permanent staff team, backed by nearly 300 volunteers, 9 community-based distributors (CBDs) and a Youth Action Movement membership of 150. There is a 90% prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the country, and finding ways to handle the attendant psychological and physical trauma is one of the organization’s major challenges. Much of PPASL’s work is directed towards behaviour change communication (BCC) among community leaders, police and army personnel and Muslim and Christian groups. Safe motherhood, family planning, and the sensitisation of young people to SRH concerns are also central to the direct services which PPASL provides. The Member Association works in partnership with government health and development ministries and the Sierra Leone Armed Forces Hospitals. Non-governmental organization (NGO) partners include the Reproductive Health Service, CHASL, MSSL, National AIDS Secretariat/SHARP and the Marie Stopes Society. PPASL receives financial support from UNFPA, UNICEF, UNAIDS, the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, Plan International, MOHS & RH UNIT, Marie Stopes Society, SL Red Cross Society and Action Aid. Contacts Website: www.ppasl.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/454639337890032/

| 31 March 2016
Cook Islands Family Welfare Association
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.