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What does the year 2024 hold for us?

As the new year begins, we take a look at the trends and challenges ahead for sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin
story

| 08 February 2018

"...now I can provide MR (menstrual regulation) services efficiently."

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin is one of several staff members providing family planning, menstrual regulation, and post-procedure care services at Upzila Health Complex in Belkuchi, Bangladesh. “Before this training we used to sometimes advise people on such services and provided menstrual regulation (MR) services but after the training I’ve have become and confident and efficient in providing MR services,” she says. “Earlier there could possibly have been mistake but now I can provide MR services efficiently and perfectly. I can now provide MR services in more organized manner.” But while Yasmin, who has worked in family planning for 16 years, says that the recent training has increased her confidence in properly doing MR procedures, the health complex still lacks basic supplies. “There were difficulties due to limited equipment,” she says. “We sometimes have to use personal equipment.” But, she says, the presence of Kit 8 has made life easier. “Prior to this kit, many clients did not complete the full course of medical as advices due to financial issues… during floods there are many hardships including financial difficulty,” she says. “However with this kit, most of the medicines are provided and clients are easily managing on their own.”

Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin
story

| 28 March 2024

"...now I can provide MR (menstrual regulation) services efficiently."

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin is one of several staff members providing family planning, menstrual regulation, and post-procedure care services at Upzila Health Complex in Belkuchi, Bangladesh. “Before this training we used to sometimes advise people on such services and provided menstrual regulation (MR) services but after the training I’ve have become and confident and efficient in providing MR services,” she says. “Earlier there could possibly have been mistake but now I can provide MR services efficiently and perfectly. I can now provide MR services in more organized manner.” But while Yasmin, who has worked in family planning for 16 years, says that the recent training has increased her confidence in properly doing MR procedures, the health complex still lacks basic supplies. “There were difficulties due to limited equipment,” she says. “We sometimes have to use personal equipment.” But, she says, the presence of Kit 8 has made life easier. “Prior to this kit, many clients did not complete the full course of medical as advices due to financial issues… during floods there are many hardships including financial difficulty,” she says. “However with this kit, most of the medicines are provided and clients are easily managing on their own.”

Client at the hospital
story

| 08 February 2018

“After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. When Shana Khatun, a mother of three, became pregnant again she says she began to feel very weak and had issues with massive bleeding.Citing her age and the possibility of further medical complications, Khatun decided to undergo a menstrual regulation procedure. “But if the hospital and services weren’t there then I would have had to have continued with my pregnancy, even when (I do) not want another child” she says. Khatun says that the procedure went well, but that without the presence of medicine found in Kit 8 she would have lacked post-operation medicine. “After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition,” she says. “But the hospital gave me a number of medicines that I could take.” And while Khatun had talked with women about various family planning methods, she didn’t feel she could talk with anyone aside from her husband about getting the procedure. “I feared they would treat me poorly (the hospital),” she says. But Kahtun says she found the hospital trustworthy and helpful, even when she was suffering complications such as mass bleeding. “I will be very cautious that I should not get pregnant again however in event if I get pregnant again then I will come to this hospital only,” she says.

Client at the hospital
story

| 28 March 2024

“After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. When Shana Khatun, a mother of three, became pregnant again she says she began to feel very weak and had issues with massive bleeding.Citing her age and the possibility of further medical complications, Khatun decided to undergo a menstrual regulation procedure. “But if the hospital and services weren’t there then I would have had to have continued with my pregnancy, even when (I do) not want another child” she says. Khatun says that the procedure went well, but that without the presence of medicine found in Kit 8 she would have lacked post-operation medicine. “After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition,” she says. “But the hospital gave me a number of medicines that I could take.” And while Khatun had talked with women about various family planning methods, she didn’t feel she could talk with anyone aside from her husband about getting the procedure. “I feared they would treat me poorly (the hospital),” she says. But Kahtun says she found the hospital trustworthy and helpful, even when she was suffering complications such as mass bleeding. “I will be very cautious that I should not get pregnant again however in event if I get pregnant again then I will come to this hospital only,” she says.

Auliya Khatun, 40, of Village Chandangatti, Union Daulatpur, at her home
story

| 08 February 2018

“My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Auliya Khatun, a mother of three children, was 40 years old when she found out that she had unintentionally become pregnant again. Khatun says she had heard about family planning services and menstrual regulation services available at the Upzila Health Complex from other women in her small village. She discussed the option of undergoing menstrual regulation with her husband. “My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself,” Khatun says. “If this service was not available then I would have carried on with the pregnancy. It would have been embarrassing, though,” she explains. “It is embarrassing to have another child at this age.” Khatun, who sometimes assists her husband with work in a local handloom, also cited the financial burden another child would have on her family. “We are facing financial difficulty so it is not possible to have another child.” Khatun says she only experienced mild gastric discomfort after the procedure but felt assured about her recovery due to being able to check-in with doctors at the local health centre. The access to the services and doctors, she says, was a major factor in a smooth and easy recovery. “Since this service was in a government facility I could prevail [through] this and survive,” she says. “It is an important service.”  

Auliya Khatun, 40, of Village Chandangatti, Union Daulatpur, at her home
story

| 28 March 2024

“My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Auliya Khatun, a mother of three children, was 40 years old when she found out that she had unintentionally become pregnant again. Khatun says she had heard about family planning services and menstrual regulation services available at the Upzila Health Complex from other women in her small village. She discussed the option of undergoing menstrual regulation with her husband. “My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself,” Khatun says. “If this service was not available then I would have carried on with the pregnancy. It would have been embarrassing, though,” she explains. “It is embarrassing to have another child at this age.” Khatun, who sometimes assists her husband with work in a local handloom, also cited the financial burden another child would have on her family. “We are facing financial difficulty so it is not possible to have another child.” Khatun says she only experienced mild gastric discomfort after the procedure but felt assured about her recovery due to being able to check-in with doctors at the local health centre. The access to the services and doctors, she says, was a major factor in a smooth and easy recovery. “Since this service was in a government facility I could prevail [through] this and survive,” she says. “It is an important service.”  

IPPF clinician in Nigeria administers provides contraception to a client
story

| 11 May 2017

Collaborating with public health providers in Nigeria

"I feel satisfied as a service provider and as a member of the outreach team." Shodunke Mary, 53, has been a midwife from the Local Government Area Council for seven years. Now she is working with PPFN providing family planning counselling and a range of integrated sexual and reproductive health services. In addition, Mary also conducts on the job training to other facilities which are providing services for the PPFN model. "The model used by PPFN is successful because the services we provide are free for those in need, the providers are motivated and the community leaders are also involved in the implementation. Also, the commodities and equipment are always available." As seen above, Mary administers an implant to Bukola Akami, who has one baby. The number of new contraceptive users has dramatically increased by 400,000 in less than a year as a result of PPFN's outreach and service delivery. Yetunde, 26, like Bukola, is a client with a young baby and was also seeking family planning. She says: "I don't want to have another baby in the next three years. I have a lot of things I want to do and I want to have time to take care of my children. My baby is really affecting my work and I always have to leave her with my mother-in-law. I will be recommending PPFN's family planning to my friends so they can also know what to do when they don't want to get pregnant again." The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

IPPF clinician in Nigeria administers provides contraception to a client
story

| 28 March 2024

Collaborating with public health providers in Nigeria

"I feel satisfied as a service provider and as a member of the outreach team." Shodunke Mary, 53, has been a midwife from the Local Government Area Council for seven years. Now she is working with PPFN providing family planning counselling and a range of integrated sexual and reproductive health services. In addition, Mary also conducts on the job training to other facilities which are providing services for the PPFN model. "The model used by PPFN is successful because the services we provide are free for those in need, the providers are motivated and the community leaders are also involved in the implementation. Also, the commodities and equipment are always available." As seen above, Mary administers an implant to Bukola Akami, who has one baby. The number of new contraceptive users has dramatically increased by 400,000 in less than a year as a result of PPFN's outreach and service delivery. Yetunde, 26, like Bukola, is a client with a young baby and was also seeking family planning. She says: "I don't want to have another baby in the next three years. I have a lot of things I want to do and I want to have time to take care of my children. My baby is really affecting my work and I always have to leave her with my mother-in-law. I will be recommending PPFN's family planning to my friends so they can also know what to do when they don't want to get pregnant again." The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Clinicians from IPPF's clinic in Nigeria, PPFN
story

| 11 May 2017

Providing more than just one service to the community

"As a child I loved the medical profession so much. I always wanted to go with my aunt to the hospital for her antenatal check-ups. The neat and well-tailored uniform of the health workers always caught my eyes. And I knew one day, I would be wearing one of those uniforms serving my community.” Latifat Balogun explains how her childhood experiences led her to decide to train and work as a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), where she has worked for 20 years. She plays an integral part in delivering a wide range of services to women in her community. Here she is about to treat Zainab Akinsola, 52-years-old, who is waiting to have cervical cancer screening during a PPFN outreach programme at the Eni Ayo clinic in Ibadan, South West Nigeria. As a result of the strong integrated service delivery, non-contraceptive services increased from 42,700 in 2014 to 226,000 in 2015. Latifat's colleague, Adeyinka, is a faith-based health worker who encouraged a friend to undergo cervical cancer screening. "I counselled her and she went for screening, not knowing that she was going to test positive. If it wasn't for PPFN she might have died of cancer. I so nearly lost a friend. So I cannot forget that day. But now my friend is bouncing up and down, so excited about the project! During our last outreach she brought so many people."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Clinicians from IPPF's clinic in Nigeria, PPFN
story

| 28 March 2024

Providing more than just one service to the community

"As a child I loved the medical profession so much. I always wanted to go with my aunt to the hospital for her antenatal check-ups. The neat and well-tailored uniform of the health workers always caught my eyes. And I knew one day, I would be wearing one of those uniforms serving my community.” Latifat Balogun explains how her childhood experiences led her to decide to train and work as a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), where she has worked for 20 years. She plays an integral part in delivering a wide range of services to women in her community. Here she is about to treat Zainab Akinsola, 52-years-old, who is waiting to have cervical cancer screening during a PPFN outreach programme at the Eni Ayo clinic in Ibadan, South West Nigeria. As a result of the strong integrated service delivery, non-contraceptive services increased from 42,700 in 2014 to 226,000 in 2015. Latifat's colleague, Adeyinka, is a faith-based health worker who encouraged a friend to undergo cervical cancer screening. "I counselled her and she went for screening, not knowing that she was going to test positive. If it wasn't for PPFN she might have died of cancer. I so nearly lost a friend. So I cannot forget that day. But now my friend is bouncing up and down, so excited about the project! During our last outreach she brought so many people."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Sayana Press contraceptive
story

| 11 May 2017

Sayana Press: Finding the right contraception

"How do I feel about my role? I'm excited!" Emiade Kudirat, 24, is a Community Health Extension Worker doing outreach with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) for the last 18 months. She specializes in the Sayana Press - a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability. "I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work." One patient, 24-year-old Bukola Polpoola, says she is happy that her treatment was free and easy. "In my village we don’t have any information about this. At first I was afraid it would stop me from getting pregnant again. I’d heard stories of side effects. I’m a nurse and even I began to wonder about it. But I called the clinic and they counselled me and reassured me.” She talked to her partner before she decided to get an implant. Now, she says, she’d recommend it to anyone. "I would be happy to spread the word in my village. Taking this will help you plan your life. For example, you know that for the next two years you can’t get pregnant and you’ll be able to plan your life properly because an unwanted pregnancy can stop you from getting an education or a job. This removes that fear for a time."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Sayana Press contraceptive
story

| 28 March 2024

Sayana Press: Finding the right contraception

"How do I feel about my role? I'm excited!" Emiade Kudirat, 24, is a Community Health Extension Worker doing outreach with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) for the last 18 months. She specializes in the Sayana Press - a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability. "I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work." One patient, 24-year-old Bukola Polpoola, says she is happy that her treatment was free and easy. "In my village we don’t have any information about this. At first I was afraid it would stop me from getting pregnant again. I’d heard stories of side effects. I’m a nurse and even I began to wonder about it. But I called the clinic and they counselled me and reassured me.” She talked to her partner before she decided to get an implant. Now, she says, she’d recommend it to anyone. "I would be happy to spread the word in my village. Taking this will help you plan your life. For example, you know that for the next two years you can’t get pregnant and you’ll be able to plan your life properly because an unwanted pregnancy can stop you from getting an education or a job. This removes that fear for a time."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin
story

| 08 February 2018

"...now I can provide MR (menstrual regulation) services efficiently."

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin is one of several staff members providing family planning, menstrual regulation, and post-procedure care services at Upzila Health Complex in Belkuchi, Bangladesh. “Before this training we used to sometimes advise people on such services and provided menstrual regulation (MR) services but after the training I’ve have become and confident and efficient in providing MR services,” she says. “Earlier there could possibly have been mistake but now I can provide MR services efficiently and perfectly. I can now provide MR services in more organized manner.” But while Yasmin, who has worked in family planning for 16 years, says that the recent training has increased her confidence in properly doing MR procedures, the health complex still lacks basic supplies. “There were difficulties due to limited equipment,” she says. “We sometimes have to use personal equipment.” But, she says, the presence of Kit 8 has made life easier. “Prior to this kit, many clients did not complete the full course of medical as advices due to financial issues… during floods there are many hardships including financial difficulty,” she says. “However with this kit, most of the medicines are provided and clients are easily managing on their own.”

Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin
story

| 28 March 2024

"...now I can provide MR (menstrual regulation) services efficiently."

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Nursing Supervisor Ms. Lovely Yasmin is one of several staff members providing family planning, menstrual regulation, and post-procedure care services at Upzila Health Complex in Belkuchi, Bangladesh. “Before this training we used to sometimes advise people on such services and provided menstrual regulation (MR) services but after the training I’ve have become and confident and efficient in providing MR services,” she says. “Earlier there could possibly have been mistake but now I can provide MR services efficiently and perfectly. I can now provide MR services in more organized manner.” But while Yasmin, who has worked in family planning for 16 years, says that the recent training has increased her confidence in properly doing MR procedures, the health complex still lacks basic supplies. “There were difficulties due to limited equipment,” she says. “We sometimes have to use personal equipment.” But, she says, the presence of Kit 8 has made life easier. “Prior to this kit, many clients did not complete the full course of medical as advices due to financial issues… during floods there are many hardships including financial difficulty,” she says. “However with this kit, most of the medicines are provided and clients are easily managing on their own.”

Client at the hospital
story

| 08 February 2018

“After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. When Shana Khatun, a mother of three, became pregnant again she says she began to feel very weak and had issues with massive bleeding.Citing her age and the possibility of further medical complications, Khatun decided to undergo a menstrual regulation procedure. “But if the hospital and services weren’t there then I would have had to have continued with my pregnancy, even when (I do) not want another child” she says. Khatun says that the procedure went well, but that without the presence of medicine found in Kit 8 she would have lacked post-operation medicine. “After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition,” she says. “But the hospital gave me a number of medicines that I could take.” And while Khatun had talked with women about various family planning methods, she didn’t feel she could talk with anyone aside from her husband about getting the procedure. “I feared they would treat me poorly (the hospital),” she says. But Kahtun says she found the hospital trustworthy and helpful, even when she was suffering complications such as mass bleeding. “I will be very cautious that I should not get pregnant again however in event if I get pregnant again then I will come to this hospital only,” she says.

Client at the hospital
story

| 28 March 2024

“After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. When Shana Khatun, a mother of three, became pregnant again she says she began to feel very weak and had issues with massive bleeding.Citing her age and the possibility of further medical complications, Khatun decided to undergo a menstrual regulation procedure. “But if the hospital and services weren’t there then I would have had to have continued with my pregnancy, even when (I do) not want another child” she says. Khatun says that the procedure went well, but that without the presence of medicine found in Kit 8 she would have lacked post-operation medicine. “After the menstrual regulations services I was prescribed a few medicines which I could not buy due to poor financial condition,” she says. “But the hospital gave me a number of medicines that I could take.” And while Khatun had talked with women about various family planning methods, she didn’t feel she could talk with anyone aside from her husband about getting the procedure. “I feared they would treat me poorly (the hospital),” she says. But Kahtun says she found the hospital trustworthy and helpful, even when she was suffering complications such as mass bleeding. “I will be very cautious that I should not get pregnant again however in event if I get pregnant again then I will come to this hospital only,” she says.

Auliya Khatun, 40, of Village Chandangatti, Union Daulatpur, at her home
story

| 08 February 2018

“My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Auliya Khatun, a mother of three children, was 40 years old when she found out that she had unintentionally become pregnant again. Khatun says she had heard about family planning services and menstrual regulation services available at the Upzila Health Complex from other women in her small village. She discussed the option of undergoing menstrual regulation with her husband. “My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself,” Khatun says. “If this service was not available then I would have carried on with the pregnancy. It would have been embarrassing, though,” she explains. “It is embarrassing to have another child at this age.” Khatun, who sometimes assists her husband with work in a local handloom, also cited the financial burden another child would have on her family. “We are facing financial difficulty so it is not possible to have another child.” Khatun says she only experienced mild gastric discomfort after the procedure but felt assured about her recovery due to being able to check-in with doctors at the local health centre. The access to the services and doctors, she says, was a major factor in a smooth and easy recovery. “Since this service was in a government facility I could prevail [through] this and survive,” she says. “It is an important service.”  

Auliya Khatun, 40, of Village Chandangatti, Union Daulatpur, at her home
story

| 28 March 2024

“My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself”

Menstrual regulation, the method of establishing non-pregnancy for a woman at risk of unintended pregnancy, has been a part of Bangladesh’s family planning program since 1979. It is allowed up to 10 –12 weeks after a woman’s last menstrual period. Auliya Khatun, a mother of three children, was 40 years old when she found out that she had unintentionally become pregnant again. Khatun says she had heard about family planning services and menstrual regulation services available at the Upzila Health Complex from other women in her small village. She discussed the option of undergoing menstrual regulation with her husband. “My spouse was supportive and he gave me the freedom to come to this decision myself,” Khatun says. “If this service was not available then I would have carried on with the pregnancy. It would have been embarrassing, though,” she explains. “It is embarrassing to have another child at this age.” Khatun, who sometimes assists her husband with work in a local handloom, also cited the financial burden another child would have on her family. “We are facing financial difficulty so it is not possible to have another child.” Khatun says she only experienced mild gastric discomfort after the procedure but felt assured about her recovery due to being able to check-in with doctors at the local health centre. The access to the services and doctors, she says, was a major factor in a smooth and easy recovery. “Since this service was in a government facility I could prevail [through] this and survive,” she says. “It is an important service.”  

IPPF clinician in Nigeria administers provides contraception to a client
story

| 11 May 2017

Collaborating with public health providers in Nigeria

"I feel satisfied as a service provider and as a member of the outreach team." Shodunke Mary, 53, has been a midwife from the Local Government Area Council for seven years. Now she is working with PPFN providing family planning counselling and a range of integrated sexual and reproductive health services. In addition, Mary also conducts on the job training to other facilities which are providing services for the PPFN model. "The model used by PPFN is successful because the services we provide are free for those in need, the providers are motivated and the community leaders are also involved in the implementation. Also, the commodities and equipment are always available." As seen above, Mary administers an implant to Bukola Akami, who has one baby. The number of new contraceptive users has dramatically increased by 400,000 in less than a year as a result of PPFN's outreach and service delivery. Yetunde, 26, like Bukola, is a client with a young baby and was also seeking family planning. She says: "I don't want to have another baby in the next three years. I have a lot of things I want to do and I want to have time to take care of my children. My baby is really affecting my work and I always have to leave her with my mother-in-law. I will be recommending PPFN's family planning to my friends so they can also know what to do when they don't want to get pregnant again." The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

IPPF clinician in Nigeria administers provides contraception to a client
story

| 28 March 2024

Collaborating with public health providers in Nigeria

"I feel satisfied as a service provider and as a member of the outreach team." Shodunke Mary, 53, has been a midwife from the Local Government Area Council for seven years. Now she is working with PPFN providing family planning counselling and a range of integrated sexual and reproductive health services. In addition, Mary also conducts on the job training to other facilities which are providing services for the PPFN model. "The model used by PPFN is successful because the services we provide are free for those in need, the providers are motivated and the community leaders are also involved in the implementation. Also, the commodities and equipment are always available." As seen above, Mary administers an implant to Bukola Akami, who has one baby. The number of new contraceptive users has dramatically increased by 400,000 in less than a year as a result of PPFN's outreach and service delivery. Yetunde, 26, like Bukola, is a client with a young baby and was also seeking family planning. She says: "I don't want to have another baby in the next three years. I have a lot of things I want to do and I want to have time to take care of my children. My baby is really affecting my work and I always have to leave her with my mother-in-law. I will be recommending PPFN's family planning to my friends so they can also know what to do when they don't want to get pregnant again." The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Clinicians from IPPF's clinic in Nigeria, PPFN
story

| 11 May 2017

Providing more than just one service to the community

"As a child I loved the medical profession so much. I always wanted to go with my aunt to the hospital for her antenatal check-ups. The neat and well-tailored uniform of the health workers always caught my eyes. And I knew one day, I would be wearing one of those uniforms serving my community.” Latifat Balogun explains how her childhood experiences led her to decide to train and work as a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), where she has worked for 20 years. She plays an integral part in delivering a wide range of services to women in her community. Here she is about to treat Zainab Akinsola, 52-years-old, who is waiting to have cervical cancer screening during a PPFN outreach programme at the Eni Ayo clinic in Ibadan, South West Nigeria. As a result of the strong integrated service delivery, non-contraceptive services increased from 42,700 in 2014 to 226,000 in 2015. Latifat's colleague, Adeyinka, is a faith-based health worker who encouraged a friend to undergo cervical cancer screening. "I counselled her and she went for screening, not knowing that she was going to test positive. If it wasn't for PPFN she might have died of cancer. I so nearly lost a friend. So I cannot forget that day. But now my friend is bouncing up and down, so excited about the project! During our last outreach she brought so many people."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Clinicians from IPPF's clinic in Nigeria, PPFN
story

| 28 March 2024

Providing more than just one service to the community

"As a child I loved the medical profession so much. I always wanted to go with my aunt to the hospital for her antenatal check-ups. The neat and well-tailored uniform of the health workers always caught my eyes. And I knew one day, I would be wearing one of those uniforms serving my community.” Latifat Balogun explains how her childhood experiences led her to decide to train and work as a Community Health Extension Worker with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), where she has worked for 20 years. She plays an integral part in delivering a wide range of services to women in her community. Here she is about to treat Zainab Akinsola, 52-years-old, who is waiting to have cervical cancer screening during a PPFN outreach programme at the Eni Ayo clinic in Ibadan, South West Nigeria. As a result of the strong integrated service delivery, non-contraceptive services increased from 42,700 in 2014 to 226,000 in 2015. Latifat's colleague, Adeyinka, is a faith-based health worker who encouraged a friend to undergo cervical cancer screening. "I counselled her and she went for screening, not knowing that she was going to test positive. If it wasn't for PPFN she might have died of cancer. I so nearly lost a friend. So I cannot forget that day. But now my friend is bouncing up and down, so excited about the project! During our last outreach she brought so many people."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Sayana Press contraceptive
story

| 11 May 2017

Sayana Press: Finding the right contraception

"How do I feel about my role? I'm excited!" Emiade Kudirat, 24, is a Community Health Extension Worker doing outreach with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) for the last 18 months. She specializes in the Sayana Press - a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability. "I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work." One patient, 24-year-old Bukola Polpoola, says she is happy that her treatment was free and easy. "In my village we don’t have any information about this. At first I was afraid it would stop me from getting pregnant again. I’d heard stories of side effects. I’m a nurse and even I began to wonder about it. But I called the clinic and they counselled me and reassured me.” She talked to her partner before she decided to get an implant. Now, she says, she’d recommend it to anyone. "I would be happy to spread the word in my village. Taking this will help you plan your life. For example, you know that for the next two years you can’t get pregnant and you’ll be able to plan your life properly because an unwanted pregnancy can stop you from getting an education or a job. This removes that fear for a time."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success

Sayana Press contraceptive
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| 28 March 2024

Sayana Press: Finding the right contraception

"How do I feel about my role? I'm excited!" Emiade Kudirat, 24, is a Community Health Extension Worker doing outreach with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) for the last 18 months. She specializes in the Sayana Press - a three-month, progestin-only injectable contraceptive favoured for its convenience in administration and portability. "I go from house-to-house to provide health education and introduce family planning services. I do counselling and provision of these services too. The PPFN model can really reduce the mortality rate of women in the community. We're taking the clinic to women at the market, to their homes and to their work." One patient, 24-year-old Bukola Polpoola, says she is happy that her treatment was free and easy. "In my village we don’t have any information about this. At first I was afraid it would stop me from getting pregnant again. I’d heard stories of side effects. I’m a nurse and even I began to wonder about it. But I called the clinic and they counselled me and reassured me.” She talked to her partner before she decided to get an implant. Now, she says, she’d recommend it to anyone. "I would be happy to spread the word in my village. Taking this will help you plan your life. For example, you know that for the next two years you can’t get pregnant and you’ll be able to plan your life properly because an unwanted pregnancy can stop you from getting an education or a job. This removes that fear for a time."   The team Read more about the team behind Nigeria's amazing success