Member Associations

The Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) was established in 1965 by pioneers in obstetrics and gynaecology in response to increases in maternal, neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity. As the statistics show, Sudan is a country in great need of frontline sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Advocacy, and undertaking information, education and communication (IEC) programmes are critical. The organization has a strong team of health personnel and professional staff that operate 389 service points. These diverse outlets and outreach services are designed to secure the greatest possible access, particularly for vulnerable groups. Outlets include 11 permanent clinics and 4 mobile units, and the organization works in conjunction with 62 associated operations, 60 private physicians, and over 90 other agencies. 158 community-based distributors/community-based services (CBDs/CBSs) provide the essential platform of on-the-ground support which enables SFPA to meet an estimated 64% of the country’s current demand for contraceptive pills. A major priority for SFPA is improving the status of women and enhancing their understanding of their rights. The organization allies SRH closely with development initiatives for women. Economic independence, or the capacity to make a significant contribution to a family’s income, empowers women, and with economic empowerment comes the potential for greater control over reproductive health and family planning. In Sudan (particularly in rural areas) harmful practices such as female genital mutilation are widespread. SFPA is vigorous in combating FGM. SFPA has played a key role in the design, testing and implementation of the HIV and AIDS Stigma Index, and has undertaken critical work in HIV prevention initiatives amongst at-risk groups. It’s a founder member of the Sudan AIDS Network (SAN). It’s highly active as a technical adviser to the government on population policy, and it advocates strenuously for financial and political support for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).    

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/