| 31 March 2016
Association Comorienne pour le Bien-Etre de la Famille
Located off the eastern coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean, Comoros is an archipelago of 4 islands at the northern end of the Mozambique Channel between northeaster Mozambique and northwestern Madagascar. At a little over 1,800 square kilometres, it’s the third smallest nation in Africa, but has over 700,000 inhabitants. It is one of the most densely populated countries on the continent. A third of the population are women of reproductive age and the absence of essential health services presents major risks to their health and survival. High fertility levels allied to low contraceptive uptake, and widespread poverty combine to drive high risks related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH). In response, the Association Comorienne pour le Bien-Être Famille (ASCOBEF) is delivering a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health programmes and services. These include family planning, gynaecological counselling and services, antenatal care, information, education and communication (IEC) programmes and behaviour change communications (BCC) activities to promote health-seeking behaviour. It is also playing a major advocacy role in the fight against gender-based violence, and has provided extensive victim support. The majority of ASCOBEF's clients are poor, marginalized, socially excluded and/or under-served. ASCOBEF deliver services and programmes supported by volunteers, Youth Action Movement members and peer educators. ASCOBEF works in partnership with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including Réseau Femmes et Développement. It receives financial support from UNFPA, the Global Fund, UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Contacts Website: www.ascobef.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Association-Comorienne-Pour-Le-Bien-Etre-De-La-Familla-Ascobef-1514140762210292/
| 31 March 2016
Family Planning Association of India
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