Resources

In February 2018, Tropical Cyclone Gita hit Tonga – the strongest storm in 60 years. Humanitarian disasters mean an increased risk of STI/HIV transmissions and gender-based violence. The consequences can be truly dire.  That's why in crises like this one, IPPF Humanitarian aims to provide sexual and reproductive healthcare through local partners.

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a procedure that involves altering or injuring female genitalia for non-medical reasons.   It is estimated that almost 200 million women and girls worldwide have undergone some form of FGM. FGM has been recorded in 30 countries with Somaliland having one of the highest prevalence rates in the world at 98% for women and girls aged between 15 - 49 years old. Hope on the horizon documents the hard work IPPF member association SOFHA (Somaliland Family Health Association) is doing within the local community to help change minds and eventually bring an end to female genital mutilation (FGM). Slowly, but surely, attitudes are changing.

Everyone has a sexual orientation and a gender identity (SOGI), both of which may shift and change during the course of a lifetime. People across the world face discrimination, abuse and violence because of their gender expression, who they love, who they have sex with and how they look. 

Following the devastation wrecked by Tropical Cyclone Gita on the island of Kingdon of Tonga, the Tonga Family Health Association deployed an emergency response team. The team was able to bring vital sexual and reproductive health care to local communities. By taking services to the people, the team has been able to expand the types of care that many women would not readily access including pap smears and the opportunity to raise awareness around gender-based violence.   Combining service delivery, as well as information, is part of our tailored approach to humanitarian crises; ensuring we meet need, wherever it is, whoever requires it, for as long as they want it.  Photography © IPPF/Alana Holmberg

IPPF strongly believes that safe, reliable and affordable health care is a universal right. It can change and even save lives.  Read our stories

Injectable contraceptives are an increasingly popular method of family planning. They are safe, discrete, highly effective, and generally last for several months. Sayana® Press, also known as subcutaneous depot medroxyprogesterone (DMPA‑SC), is a lower‑dose formula version of the already popular injectable Depo‑Provera. DMPA‑SC combines the drug and needle in a single‑use unit, which makes it easy to transport and simple to use with little training. DMPA‑SC can be administered by community health workers (CHWs) and women themselves – potentially making injectable contraceptives available to women who can’t easily travel to clinics.

Today we face unprecedented challenges related to ageing. Populations in many countries around the world are ageing rapidly. In 1950, there were 205 million people aged 60 years or over in the world. By 2012, the number of older people increased to almost 810 million. Almost two in three of these people lived in developing countries. The number of older people is projected to double by 2050, reaching 2 billion.  

Emergency contraception (EC) refers to any contraceptive method that can be used after having unprotected or inadequately protected sexual intercourse (UPSI) but before pregnancy occurs, providing women with the opportunity to prevent an unwanted pregnancy. EC is a safe and effective method for preventing unwanted pregnancy and can reduce the risk of pregnancy by up to 99%. In spite of its effectiveness, EC is not frequently used. In many countries, women face barriers to accessing EC. The majority of women in low‑income countries are unaware of EC. Moreover, some providers have negative attitudes toward providing EC to women and girls.

Today we celebrate and highlight the passion, continued commitment and steadfast dedication of the doctors, nurses, peer educators and volunteers around the world who help deliver vital healthcare to communities in over 170 countries. Meet the women who change lives every day

Current UK guidelines on relationships and sex education (RSE) haven’t changed since 2000; a review is long overdue. In 2020 relationships and sex education will become compulsory in schools in England.    Studies have shown that well-designed and well-taught sex education can support positive sexual health outcomes, such as reducing teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infection rates. Brook and FPA volunteers want more than that – they want to see issues like consent, support, and mutual respect included and discussed in an open, frank and positive way. Photography © IPPF/Laura Lewis