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March 13th, 2025 - A new project titled “Preventing Maternal and Reproductive Health Morbidities and Mortalities Among Crisis-Affected Populations, IDPs, Syrian Refugees, and Host Communities in Lebanon” has officially launched. Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented by IPPF Member Association, SALAMA (The Lebanese Association for Family Health), this project aims to enhance and sustain high-quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services for Lebanon’s crisis-affected populations  Following the ceasefire in Lebanon last year, the need for comprehensive SRH services remains urgent, as many people continue to struggle to access essential maternal, newborn, and reproductive healthcare. Internally displaced people, Syrian refugees, and local host communities in the Beqaa Valley require multifaceted interventions that include not only clinical care but also psychosocial support, medical services, and targeted community outreach.  This project addresses these needs by providing quality, clinic-based SRH services for women, youth, and other marginalised groups to reduce SRH-related mortality and morbidity and to improve care for survivors of gender-based violence. Additionally, community outreach and capacity-building programs will empower individuals to make informed decisions regarding their sexual and reproductive health.  Key activities include:  Clinical services: Offering high quality, rights-based, and client-centered SRH care, including specialised maternal, newborn, and child health services such as safe delivery and newborn care. Distribution of kits: Providing pregnant and postpartum women with ‘mama-baby’ kits, as well as dignity and sanitary kits containing essential hygiene items for key populations.  Community outreach: Conducting awareness sessions and collaborative events on SRHR, family planning, gender-based violence, and HIV.  Capacity building: Training service providers and peer educators in comprehensive SRHR service delivery and developing educational materials.  H.E. Ambassador MAGOSHI Masayuki stated, “Ensuring that crisis-affected communities have access to quality maternal and reproductive health services is a matter of human rights and dignity, hence human security. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to supporting vulnerable populations in Lebanon and underscores the critical importance of sexual and reproductive health to foster resilient communities.”  Lina Sabre, Executive Director of SALAMA, noted, “The health and well-being of our mothers, children, and families are paramount. Through this project, we are dedicated to providing life-saving services and empowering communities, even in times of crisis, with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions.”  Dr. Fadoua Bakhadda, Regional Director of the IPPF Arab World Regional Office, added, “This project will be for transformative for women in Lebanon. This funding ensures the continued provision of essential sexual and reproductive healthcare, and the safety for pregnant mothers and newborns." Over the course of this project, it is anticipated that:  28,000 crisis-affected individuals will gain access to essential SRH services,  84,000 SRH service interventions will be delivered, and  Nearly 37,000 people will be reached through comprehensive awareness initiatives.    About SALAMA  SALAMA, the Lebanese Association for Family Health, is an NGO founded in 2008 under the statement of registration No 1740. SALAMA advocates for sexual and reproductive health and rights SRHR by inducing the concerned authorities in Lebanon to support and protect SRHR, promotes and provides high quality SRH services (for children, young people, men and women), and raises awareness for all groups in the society (particularly the underserved and marginalized) in order that they make informed decisions regarding their SRHR.   About IPPF Arab World Office  International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) Arab World Office: IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952. Today, we are a movement of over 120 autonomous member associations and 23 collaborative partners with a presence in 146 countries. Established in 1971 the  IPPF Arab World Region (IPPF AWR) is one of IPPF’s six regional offices. Based in Tunis, it is the leading Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) service delivery organization in North Africa and the Middle East, and the leading Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. 

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.