Let’s take a leap back in time to the beginning of 2024: In twelve months, what victories has our movement managed to secure in the face of growing opposition and the rise of the far right? These victories for sexual and reproductive rights and health are the result of relentless grassroots work and advocacy by our Member Associations, in partnership with community organizations, allied politicians, and the mobilization of public opinion. Together, as we revisit the milestones of 2024, let us acknowledge that transformative change stems from collective action and steadfast solidarity.

On World AIDS Day, we commemorate the remarkable achievements of IPPF Member Associations in their unwavering commitment to combating the HIV epidemic. Their tireless efforts have significantly expanded access to prevention, sexual and reproductive health services, and rights, transforming the lives of countless individuals worldwide. One of the key achievements of IPPF Member Associations has been their ability to expand access to essential sexual and reproductive health services through innovative approaches to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment. By establishing comprehensive service delivery networks and building the capacity of healthcare providers, they have ensured that individuals can access the care they need, regardless of their geographic location or socioeconomic status.   Kazakhstan is facing an urgent public health challenge as the number of HIV infections continues to rise. Over the past decade, the number of people living with HIV has doubled, now surpassing 31,000 individuals. The primary driver of this surge is sexual transmission, which accounts for an alarming 74% of cases. One of the most pressing issues is the high rate of undetected HIV infections. This gap poses significant challenges to implementing effective prevention and control measures. Although testing and treatment services are readily available, deep-rooted societal stigma keeps many from accessing them—particularly young people and key populations who are most vulnerable. Addressing this crisis means confronting the stigma head-on. Reducing the shame and fear surrounding HIV testing is crucial to fostering a culture where individuals feel safe and empowered to seek diagnosis and treatment. By promoting awareness, open conversation, and a supportive environment, we can help break down barriers to care and encourage people to take charge of their health. Only through collective effort can Kazakhstan turn the tide on HIV and prevent its further spread.   Fighting the HIV Pandemic: KMPA's Pioneering Efforts The Kazakhstan Association on Sexual and Reproductive Health (KMPA) is at the forefront of the battle against HIV. In collaboration with the AIDS Center of Astana City, Chevron Munaigaz Inc., and the International Center for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) as well as NGOs working with key population in Astana and youth friendly centers, since August 2023, KMPA has launched two groundbreaking initiatives:

Over the past two decades, global forced displacement has consistently increased, affecting an estimated 114 million people as of mid-2023. Over half were women and girls, and in some emergencies, they made up nearly 90 per cent of the population. When a crisis strikes, women and girls are disproportionately disadvantaged and less prepared or empowered to survive or recover. Disasters reinforce, perpetuate, and increase gender inequality, making bad situations worse for women.

Love wins! The fight for marriage equality has seen incredible progress worldwide, with a recent surge in legalizations. Across the world, 36 out of 195 countries have legalized equal marriage: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Denmark, Ecuador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States of America and Uruguay. In 2023, three new countries legalized same-sex marriage (Andorra, Estonia and Slovenia), and three more solidified legislative progress towards decriminalizing same-sex unions: a Japanese court ruled it is unconstitutional for the nation not to legally recognize same-sex unions. And the Supreme Courts of Nepal and Namibia recognized marriages of same-sex couples registered abroad. So marriage equality marches on! Already in 2024, two more countries have said "I do" to equal rights.   According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, even more countries could legalize equal marriage in 2024. In particular, the Czech Republic, India, Japan, Nepal and Philippines show signs of growing support for marriage equality. The fight for marriage equality isn't over, but the momentum is undeniable. IPPF stands with those working to make love win everywhere.

Over the past 30 years, more than 60 countries and territories have liberalized their abortion laws. Only four have regressed, including the United States. Abortion rights are increasingly becoming recognized as fundamental human rights for millions of people worldwide. The global landscape of abortion rights continues to evolve in 2024, with new legislation and feminist movements fighting for better access. Let's take a trip around the world to see the latest developments.

What does 2024 hold for us? Some trends are already emerging for the opportunities and  battles ahead for sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice in 2024. Around the world, 2024 will see a historic number of elections, casting a shadow of political uncertainty that could lead to geopolitical instability. The climate crisis continues, threatening the livelihoods and human rights of affected populations. Sexual rights are integral to  the fight for our planet, which is why IPPF is continuing  environmental advocacy in 2024. At the same time, we continue to mobilize to ensure SRHR services during humanitarian crises, especially sexual and reproductive health services, for communities and displaced populations. 2024 also holds great promise: the fight for abortion rights continues, and we applaud the expansion of the Green Wave and liberalization of abortion laws in other regions that have historically been the most restricted, including in Africa. In Europe, we saw a turnaround in Poland: the results of the parliamentary elections showed growing support for democratic values and reproductive freedom. 2024 had a strong start with the victory of Marta Lempart in her libel case against the ultra-conservative organization Ordo Iuris. This is a clear win for freedom of speech and for all those who stand for women's rights.  But democracy remains at risk in 2024. Our identities and freedoms are being attacked by more state and non-state actors. They have been excluding and marginalizing LGBTIQ+ aiming  to strip away reproductive rights and to criminalize sexuality and gender, as in Uganda, Russia, Indonesia. In some countries, however, they failed and we celebrated great victories. In particular, in 2023, several countries decriminalized same-sex marriage. And we hope to see the wave of marriage equality continue to spread. In line with our Strategy 2028, the Federation is committed to continuing its work to ensure and extend access to sexual and reproductive health, rights and justice for and with the people we serve.