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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.   

Over the past few days, the world has watched in horror and disbelief at the events unfolding in Ukraine. It is estimated that over 500,000 people have now fled – many of whom are women and children – into neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary and Romania. The UN anticipates 4 million refugees by July 2022. During Humanitarian crises, sexual and reproductive healthcare is often overlooked. But the reality is daily sexual and reproductive healthcare needs such as essential care for pregnant people, access to menstruation products for people who menstruate, as well as ensuring people who need sexual and reproductive health assistance have access to the right information, remains an urgent priority. IPPF is working with partners on the ground in Poland to link those fleeing the conflict with critical sexual and reproductive health services as well as provide them with essential items.  Julie Taft,  Director of Humanitarian for the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said "As we mark one week since the invasion of Ukraine, the complex humanitarian situation has become even more apparent. Right now, millions across the country are fighting for their survival, while food, medical supplies and essential hygiene products run dangerously low, including equipment needed to provide life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare. The destruction of healthcare infrastructure also means that women are forced to deliver their babies in bomb shelters. At the same time, sick and vulnerable new-borns must receive care in the basements of hospitals.   "In response to the growing humanitarian crisis, the International Planned Parenthood Federation has partnered with the All-Poland's Women's Strike, a Polish women's rights movement currently supporting people displaced by the war. The $50,000 USD grant will go towards dignity kits, consisting of basic hygiene supplies, menstrual-hygiene products, blankets, food, diapers and baby clothes. Items will be distributed to Ukrainians who have fled into Poland as well as transported cross-border into Ukraine. The funds will also support the All-Poland's women's strike to link refugees who have crossed the Ukraine-Poland border with essential healthcare services. "IPPF is proud to partner with such a brave and unyielding organisation on the frontline and will continue to work closely with other NGOs to facilitate care for those who need it most. However, NGOs cannot operate efficiently without the support of the international community, which must guarantee the safe passage of humanitarian aid into Ukraine. The urgent need for unhindered humanitarian access is especially significant for unaccompanied minors and those left behind, who are often the most vulnerable populations and who will require distinct care during this tragic situation." Marta Lempart, Founder of the All-Poland Women's Strike, said: "We are deeply committed to helping displaced people flee the invasion of our neighbour, Ukraine. Our teams across Poland are working around the clock to support vulnerable people crossing both at the border, including unaccompanied minors at-risk of trafficking and those left behind or heading back to Ukraine. Both groups will require personalised care and support. "We are pleased to partner with the International Planned Parenthood Federation, so we can continue delivering dignity kits to those who need them most; for displaced people arriving with just the clothes on their back, access to even simple necessities are a lifeline. We are also thankful for the outpouring of support from across Europe - the funding will help care for exhausted families who have made it safely across the border, covering transport, rent, bills and other expenses as they begin to build their futures outside of Ukraine. "Disasters reinforce, perpetuate, and increase existing inequalities, making bad situations even more tragic and resulting in consequences that will carry down for generations. But with the international community's support, we can ensure that organisations like Women's Strike and IPPF are there for people every step of the way." Click here if you would like to donate to IPPF's Ukraine Appeal.  For media enquiries, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected] 

Following the disturbing reports coming out of Ukraine, IPPF has released a media statement on behalf of the Federation and its Member Association in Ukraine.   Despite the fact that sexual and reproductive healthcare (SRHR) needs increase significantly during conflict and humanitarian situations, the significant vulnerabilities of affected populations and displaced people are often overlooked, especially the experiences of women, girls and marginalized populations who are at increased risk of unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and sexual and gender-based violence. IPPF’s Director-General, Dr Alvaro Bermejo, said:   "The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is deeply concerned about the escalation of conflict in Ukraine. We take our responsibility to preserve the enormous gains made in life-saving sexual and reproductive healthcare across the country very seriously, especially for women, girls and marginalised populations, whose vulnerability and experiences are so often overlooked in humanitarian situations.  "For 20 years, IPPF has consistently worked to strengthen and protect the reproductive rights of people in Ukraine, working in the frontline conflict zones of Lugansk and Donetsk since 2014, training medical specialists to provide life-saving reproductive healthcare, psychosocial support and quality care to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. “Our teams are now contingency planning across the region to address not only the needs of those still in Ukraine, but also the millions who are likely to be displaced by the conflict and who will require critical support to continue accessing healthcare. We will work closely with partners and other NGOs to ensure the least possible disruption to services. "IPPF stands in solidarity with the international community and the brave people of Ukraine who for the last eight years have faced terrifying and difficult circumstances that nobody should ever have to suffer through. We stand by IPPF's frontline team, who, despite the dangers, continue to facilitate life-saving healthcare for those who need it most. We will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of our colleagues across the region.” For European outlets, please contact [email protected] For UK and other international media outlets, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]