| 31 March 2016
Mauritius Family Planning & Welfare Association
Set up in 1957, the Mauritius Family Planning & Welfare Association (MFPWA) was one of the earliest organizations in Africa focusing on family planning issues. As the nation struggled to find a way to address pressing population issues, a group of advocates formed MFPWA and started to provide services directly to women. Today, the organization caters to the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of the whole community. It also has particular strands of activity relating to specific groups including sexually abused children, elderly people and marginalized populations on Rodrigues Island. Through 2 permanent facilities, and a private sector-supported daycare centre, MFPWA’s 15 staff and 550 volunteers deliver services including family planning, the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS through voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), support for people living with HIV/AIDS, infertility management, antenatal and post-natal care, post-abortion care, the diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and screening for cancers of the reproductive systems. The Member Association also operates peer-educator-led outreach programmes targeting hotels, export processing zones and popular tourist hot spots. MFPWA has played a critical role in promoting the integration of family life education into the national school curriculum and its powerful, informed advocacy has been influential in shaping government legislation on SRH, particularly in relation to HIV and AIDS. MFPWA partners with and advises government departments which address health, quality of life, women’s rights, child development, family welfare, social security and youth and sports. MFPWA works with a large number of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) including the Mauritius Council of Social Service, the Mauritius Alliance of Women, PILS (People living with AIDS), SOS Pauvrete, the National Women’s Council, the Senior Citizen Council and Link. Donors include the Indian Ocean Commission and UNFPA. Website: http://mauritiusfamilyplanning.com
| 31 March 2016
Planned Parenthood Federation of America
The Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) is a trusted provider of high quality affordable sexual and reproductive healthcare, an informed educator, a passionate advocate and a global partner helping similar organizations around the world. It works with millions of women, men, and young people worldwide. With a 90-year heritage, PPFA is America’s most trusted provider of reproductive health care. The heart of PPFA is in the local community. The organization has 82 unique, locally governed affiliates around the United States of America, operating nearly 800 health centres. These health centres provide a wide range of safe, reliable health care — and more than 90% is preventive, primary care, which helps prevent unintended pregnancies through contraception, reduces the spread of sexually transmitted infections through testing and treatment, and screens for cervical and other cancers. 1 in 5 American women has chosen Planned Parenthood for health care during her life. Planned Parenthood is proud of its vital role in providing young people with honest sexuality and relationship information in classrooms and online to help reduce the country’s alarmingly high rates of teen pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. Nearly 1.2 million youths and adults participate in Planned Parenthood educational programs every year. On campuses and online, in statehouses and courts, in community settings, and in the media, PPFA is a visible and passionate advocate for policies that enable Americans to access comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care, education, and information. Whether talking with members of Congress, parents, or faith leaders, or arguing cases before the U.S. Supreme Court, PPFA fights for commonsense policies. PPFA has more than 4 million activists, supporters, and donors nationwide. It has a network which enables online activists in all 50 states to stay on top of the issues and get involved with campaigns that advance and protect women’s rights and health. Also furthering PPFA’s mission are several advisory boards and initiatives. The Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. Fortifying PPFA’s commitment to protect women’s health, educate teens, and prevent unintended pregnancies, the Action Fund engages in educational and electoral activity, including public education campaigns, grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy. Globally, PPFA works with local partners in Africa, Asia, and Latin America to increase access to SRH and education. It nurtures local leadership, fosters sustainable health and education programs, and fights for legal, social, and political improvements in communities around the world. Contacts Website: www.plannedparenthood.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlannedParenthood/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/PPFA