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12th of March, 2025 – A new project titled “Meeting the Urgent Needs of Marginalised Populations in Crisis-Affected Provinces through Provision of Quality Reproductive and Maternal Child Health Services” has been launched. Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by the Afghan Family Guidance Association (AFGA), an IPPF Member Association, the project aims to improve access to essential reproductive and maternal health services for vulnerable populations in Afghanistan's crisis-affected provinces.  With ongoing challenges from natural disasters, internal displacement, and a fragile healthcare system, comprehensive reproductive and maternal health services in Afghanistan are urgently needed. The project will focus on Logar and Parwan provinces, where communities continue to face significant barriers to accessing vital maternal, newborn, and reproductive healthcare.  This initiative will provide high-quality, clinic-based services, including safe delivery care, prenatal and postnatal services, and psychosocial support services (PSS). In addition to clinical care, the project will focus on community outreach and capacity-building programs, empowering individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.  Key activities and expected outcomes include:  Strengthening 21 health centres in Logar and Parwan provinces to provide essential reproductive and maternal care services. This will benefit over 40,000 people, with an estimated 120,000 health services delivered to the local population.    Comprehensive reproductive and maternal health services including prenatal and postnatal care for over 2,500 pregnant women, ensuring healthy pregnancies and deliveries. Safe deliveries will take place at Family Health Houses, ensuring the health and safety of mothers and babies.    Breast and cervical cancer screening and referrals for over 30,000 women.    Psychosocial support through counselling and mental health services.    Community outreach and education to raise awareness on reproductive health and rights and family planning.   Training local healthcare providers to improve their skills in reproductive healthcare, maternal care, and other essential services - enhancing the overall quality of care provided.  H.E. Mr. KUROMIYA Takayoshi, the Ambassador of Japan to Afghanistan, commented, “In Afghanistan, communities affected by crises need urgent access to essential maternal and reproductive health services. This project reflects Japan’s continued dedication to supporting those most severely affected to ensure leaving no one behind.”  Dr. Abdul Qayum Azeemi of AFGA, said, “The health of women and children in Afghanistan has always been at the heart of our work. This project will not only provide life-saving maternal and reproductive health services, but it will also help strengthen the healthcare infrastructure in the regions most affected by crises. Together with Japan’s support, we can ensure that those facing the greatest challenges have access to the care they need for a healthier future.”  Valerie Dourdin, IPPF Global Humanitarian Director, added, “For years, women and girls in Afghanistan have faced significant barriers to accessing essential health services. Now, more than ever, it is critical that we increase our support. This project will provide life-saving care, offering these communities the health services they so urgently need.”  --- About AFGA  The Afghan Family Guidance Association (AFGA) is an NGO that advocates for reproductive health and rights and provides quality maternal and reproductive health services across Afghanistan. AFGA is committed to empowering individuals to make informed decisions regarding their health, particularly in underserved and vulnerable communities.    About IPPF  The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate for reproductive health and rights. Established in 1952, in India, IPPF operates in over 146 countries through its network of autonomous member associations.   

Three leading women’s rights defenders are facing eight years in prison in Poland for exercising their right to peaceful protest.  Prosecutors in Warsaw filed the indictment against Marta Lempart, Klementyna Suchanow and Agnieszka Czerederecka-Fabin of the All-Poland Women’s Strike (Ogólnopolski Strajk Kobiet, OSK), a partner of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network, for allegedly organizing protests during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Massive protests were prompted back in October 2020 by the decision of the illegally appointed Constitutional Tribunal to impose a near-total ban on abortion care. Peaceful protesters were met with excessive force, with authorities using tear gas, pepper spray and physical assault. Now, two years on, women human rights defenders (WHRDs) are still being attacked by Polish authorities, with defenders facing violence from law enforcement and far-right groups, including bomb threats, as well as smear campaigns in state-controlled media, detention and excessive criminal charges orchestrated and encouraged by the government. In the case of the All-Poland’s women’s strike members, these charges include “causing an epidemiological threat”, endangering public health and publicly praising crimes.  The new indictment against the women’s rights defenders came just days before the second anniversary of the near-total ban on abortion, which has killed six women so far. It also comes in the same month that a court hearing was held in the trial of Justyna Wydrzyńska.  Justyna, a member of Abortion Without Borders and the Abortion Dream Team, is facing up to three years in prison for facilitating an abortion that didn’t happen. Her case marks the first in Europe where a WHRD is being prosecuted for helping ensure abortion care by providing abortion pills. Justyna’s trial is ongoing. Irene Donadio of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, European Network, said: