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Spotlight

A selection of stories from across the Federation

2024 trends
Story

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.
Aminata Sonogo in school
story

| 08 January 2021

"Girls have to know their rights"

Aminata Sonogo listened intently to the group of young volunteers as they explained different types of contraception, and raised her hand with questions. Sitting at a wooden school desk at 22, Aminata is older than most of her classmates, but she shrugs off the looks and comments. She has fought hard to be here. Aminata is studying in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Just a quarter of Malian girls complete secondary school, according to UNICEF. But even if she will graduate later than most, Aminata is conscious of how far she has come. “I wanted to go to high school but I needed to pass some exams to get here. In the end, it took me three years,” she said. At the start of her final year of collège, or middle school, Aminata got pregnant. She is far from alone: 38% of Malian girls will be pregnant or a mother by the age of 18. Abortion is illegal in Mali except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life, and even then it is difficult to obtain, according to medical professionals. Determined to take control of her life “I felt a lot of stigma from my classmates and even my teachers. I tried to ignore them and carry on going to school and studying. But I gave birth to my daughter just before my exams, so I couldn’t take them.” Aminata went through her pregnancy with little support, as the father of her daughter, Fatoumata, distanced himself from her after arguments about their situation. “I have had some problems with the father of the baby. We fought a lot and I didn’t see him for most of the pregnancy, right until the birth,” she recalled. The first year of her daughter’s life was a blur of doctors’ appointments, as Fatoumata was often ill. It seemed Aminata’s chances of finishing school were slipping away. But gradually her family began to take a more active role in caring for her daughter, and she began demanding more help from Fatoumata’s father too. She went back to school in the autumn, 18 months after Fatoumata’s birth and with more determination than ever. She no longer had time to hang out with friends after school, but attended classes, took care of her daughter and then studied more. At the end of the academic year, it paid off. “I did it. I passed my exams and now I am in high school,” Aminata said, smiling and relaxing her shoulders.  "Family planning protects girls" Aminata’s next goal is her high school diploma, and obtaining it while trying to navigate the difficult world of relationships and sex. “It’s something you can talk about with your close friends. I would be too ashamed to talk about this with my parents,” she said. She is guided by visits from the young volunteers of the Association Malienne pour la Protection et Promotion de la Famille (AMPPF), and shares her own story with classmates who she sees at risk. “The guys come up to you and tell you that you are beautiful, but if you don’t want to sleep with them they will rape you. That’s the choice. You can accept or you can refuse and they will rape you anyway,” she said. “Girls have to know their rights”. After listening to the volunteers talk about all the different options for contraception, she is reviewing her own choices. “Family planning protects girls,” Aminata said. “It means we can protect ourselves from pregnancies that we don’t want”.

Aminata Sonogo in school
story

| 28 March 2024

"Girls have to know their rights"

Aminata Sonogo listened intently to the group of young volunteers as they explained different types of contraception, and raised her hand with questions. Sitting at a wooden school desk at 22, Aminata is older than most of her classmates, but she shrugs off the looks and comments. She has fought hard to be here. Aminata is studying in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Just a quarter of Malian girls complete secondary school, according to UNICEF. But even if she will graduate later than most, Aminata is conscious of how far she has come. “I wanted to go to high school but I needed to pass some exams to get here. In the end, it took me three years,” she said. At the start of her final year of collège, or middle school, Aminata got pregnant. She is far from alone: 38% of Malian girls will be pregnant or a mother by the age of 18. Abortion is illegal in Mali except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life, and even then it is difficult to obtain, according to medical professionals. Determined to take control of her life “I felt a lot of stigma from my classmates and even my teachers. I tried to ignore them and carry on going to school and studying. But I gave birth to my daughter just before my exams, so I couldn’t take them.” Aminata went through her pregnancy with little support, as the father of her daughter, Fatoumata, distanced himself from her after arguments about their situation. “I have had some problems with the father of the baby. We fought a lot and I didn’t see him for most of the pregnancy, right until the birth,” she recalled. The first year of her daughter’s life was a blur of doctors’ appointments, as Fatoumata was often ill. It seemed Aminata’s chances of finishing school were slipping away. But gradually her family began to take a more active role in caring for her daughter, and she began demanding more help from Fatoumata’s father too. She went back to school in the autumn, 18 months after Fatoumata’s birth and with more determination than ever. She no longer had time to hang out with friends after school, but attended classes, took care of her daughter and then studied more. At the end of the academic year, it paid off. “I did it. I passed my exams and now I am in high school,” Aminata said, smiling and relaxing her shoulders.  "Family planning protects girls" Aminata’s next goal is her high school diploma, and obtaining it while trying to navigate the difficult world of relationships and sex. “It’s something you can talk about with your close friends. I would be too ashamed to talk about this with my parents,” she said. She is guided by visits from the young volunteers of the Association Malienne pour la Protection et Promotion de la Famille (AMPPF), and shares her own story with classmates who she sees at risk. “The guys come up to you and tell you that you are beautiful, but if you don’t want to sleep with them they will rape you. That’s the choice. You can accept or you can refuse and they will rape you anyway,” she said. “Girls have to know their rights”. After listening to the volunteers talk about all the different options for contraception, she is reviewing her own choices. “Family planning protects girls,” Aminata said. “It means we can protect ourselves from pregnancies that we don’t want”.

Woman smiling.
story

| 13 August 2020

In pictures: Delivering healthcare to remote communities in Fiji

In early April 2020, the all too familiar destruction of a Tropical Cyclone (TC) – Harold – hit the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. One of the worst affected areas was the Eastern part of Fiji. Through support by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), our Member Association, Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF), was quick to respond ensuring access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare for Kadavu’s women, girls, and vulnerable groups. Fiji's vulnerable coastline Fiji’s worst affected area was the Eastern part, with TC Harold bringing destructive storm force winds and storm surge. RFHAF focused its humanitarian response on the local Kadavu population. This remote area proves a challenge to reach for the team with supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email RFHAF's humanitarian response team tackle rough terrain National travel restrictions - due to the current COVID-19 pandemic - on all inter island transfers has slowed the response in some areas, including Kadavu. The island of Kadavu is one of the least developed areas of Fiji, the main source of income is substance living (Yaqona). Transport around the island is difficult, with very few roads, no public water system or electricity. The humanitarian team from RFHAF travels by boat and then on foot. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Asenaca, client Kadavu, the biggest island in the Eastern division has the greatest population (10,897). 197 evacuation centres were activated in total, initially hosting over 6,240 people. Many are women of reproductive age, with an estimated 150 currently pregnant. Asenaca learns about breast cancer self-checks from RFHAF’s healthcare provider, Karo. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Nasi, RFHAF healthcare provider The medical mobile team deliver a broad range of healthcare including contraception, information and counselling on sexual health, pregnancy, HIV and STI care and testing. RFHAF Team in Kadavu performing general health checks after TC Harold. Nasi administers a HPV shot to a client. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kate, client Young women and girls are at the heart of RFHAF’s healthcare provision. Kate walks home with her dignity kit after a health check at the mobile clinic. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Karo, RFHAF healthcare worker RFHAF offers sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as counselling, and referrals for follow up care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Alidi, RFHAF healthcare worker The team ensures young people in the community are not forgotten and provide information and education on relationships and sexual health and rights. Alidi conducting a session with a local group of young people at Gasele, Kadavu.Photos ©IPPF/Rob Rickman/Fiji Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Woman smiling.
story

| 28 March 2024

In pictures: Delivering healthcare to remote communities in Fiji

In early April 2020, the all too familiar destruction of a Tropical Cyclone (TC) – Harold – hit the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. One of the worst affected areas was the Eastern part of Fiji. Through support by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), our Member Association, Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF), was quick to respond ensuring access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare for Kadavu’s women, girls, and vulnerable groups. Fiji's vulnerable coastline Fiji’s worst affected area was the Eastern part, with TC Harold bringing destructive storm force winds and storm surge. RFHAF focused its humanitarian response on the local Kadavu population. This remote area proves a challenge to reach for the team with supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email RFHAF's humanitarian response team tackle rough terrain National travel restrictions - due to the current COVID-19 pandemic - on all inter island transfers has slowed the response in some areas, including Kadavu. The island of Kadavu is one of the least developed areas of Fiji, the main source of income is substance living (Yaqona). Transport around the island is difficult, with very few roads, no public water system or electricity. The humanitarian team from RFHAF travels by boat and then on foot. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Asenaca, client Kadavu, the biggest island in the Eastern division has the greatest population (10,897). 197 evacuation centres were activated in total, initially hosting over 6,240 people. Many are women of reproductive age, with an estimated 150 currently pregnant. Asenaca learns about breast cancer self-checks from RFHAF’s healthcare provider, Karo. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Nasi, RFHAF healthcare provider The medical mobile team deliver a broad range of healthcare including contraception, information and counselling on sexual health, pregnancy, HIV and STI care and testing. RFHAF Team in Kadavu performing general health checks after TC Harold. Nasi administers a HPV shot to a client. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kate, client Young women and girls are at the heart of RFHAF’s healthcare provision. Kate walks home with her dignity kit after a health check at the mobile clinic. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Karo, RFHAF healthcare worker RFHAF offers sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as counselling, and referrals for follow up care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Alidi, RFHAF healthcare worker The team ensures young people in the community are not forgotten and provide information and education on relationships and sexual health and rights. Alidi conducting a session with a local group of young people at Gasele, Kadavu.Photos ©IPPF/Rob Rickman/Fiji Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Jumeya Mohammed Amin
story

| 28 July 2020

"I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality"

Seventeen-year-old student Jumeya Mohammed Amin started educating other people about sexual and reproductive health when she was 14 years old. She trained as a ‘change agent’ for her community through the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia’s south west office in Jimma, the capital of Oromia region. Amin comes from a small, conservative town about 20km outside the city. "I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality, because they [men in her community] start having sex with girls at a young age, even with girls as young as nine years old, because of a lack of education." "They suddenly had to act like grown-up women" "Before I started this training I saw the majority of students having sex early and getting pregnant because of a lack of information, and they would have to leave home and school. Boys would be disciplined and if they were seen doing things on campus, expelled. Girls younger than me at the time were married. The youngest was only nine. They would have to go back home and could not play anymore or go to school. They suddenly had to act like grown-up women, like old ladies. They never go back to school after marriage. My teacher chose me for this training and told me about the programme. I like the truth so I was not afraid. I heard about a lot of problems out there during my training and I told myself I had to be strong and go and fight this." "I have a brother and four sisters and I practiced my training on my family first. They were so shocked by what I was saying they were silent. Even on the second day, they said nothing. On the third day, I told them I was going to teach people in schools this, so I asked them why they had stayed silent. They told me that because of cultural and religious issues, people would not accept these ideas and stories, but they gave me permission to go and do it. Because of my efforts, people in my school have not started having sex early and the girls get free sanitary pads through the clubs so they no longer need to stay home during periods." Training hundreds of her peers "I know people in my community who have unplanned pregnancies consult traditional healers [for abortions] and take drugs and they suffer. I know one girl from 10th grade who was 15 years old and died from this in 2017. The healers sometimes use tree leaves in their concoctions.  We tell them where they can go and get different [safe abortion] services. The first round of trainings I did was with 400 students over four months and eight sessions in 2017. Last year, I trained 600 people and this year in the first trimester of school I trained 400. When students finish the course, they want to do it again, and when we forget we have a session, they come and remind me. At school, they call me a teacher. I’d like to be a doctor and this training has really made me want to do that more."

Jumeya Mohammed Amin
story

| 28 March 2024

"I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality"

Seventeen-year-old student Jumeya Mohammed Amin started educating other people about sexual and reproductive health when she was 14 years old. She trained as a ‘change agent’ for her community through the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia’s south west office in Jimma, the capital of Oromia region. Amin comes from a small, conservative town about 20km outside the city. "I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality, because they [men in her community] start having sex with girls at a young age, even with girls as young as nine years old, because of a lack of education." "They suddenly had to act like grown-up women" "Before I started this training I saw the majority of students having sex early and getting pregnant because of a lack of information, and they would have to leave home and school. Boys would be disciplined and if they were seen doing things on campus, expelled. Girls younger than me at the time were married. The youngest was only nine. They would have to go back home and could not play anymore or go to school. They suddenly had to act like grown-up women, like old ladies. They never go back to school after marriage. My teacher chose me for this training and told me about the programme. I like the truth so I was not afraid. I heard about a lot of problems out there during my training and I told myself I had to be strong and go and fight this." "I have a brother and four sisters and I practiced my training on my family first. They were so shocked by what I was saying they were silent. Even on the second day, they said nothing. On the third day, I told them I was going to teach people in schools this, so I asked them why they had stayed silent. They told me that because of cultural and religious issues, people would not accept these ideas and stories, but they gave me permission to go and do it. Because of my efforts, people in my school have not started having sex early and the girls get free sanitary pads through the clubs so they no longer need to stay home during periods." Training hundreds of her peers "I know people in my community who have unplanned pregnancies consult traditional healers [for abortions] and take drugs and they suffer. I know one girl from 10th grade who was 15 years old and died from this in 2017. The healers sometimes use tree leaves in their concoctions.  We tell them where they can go and get different [safe abortion] services. The first round of trainings I did was with 400 students over four months and eight sessions in 2017. Last year, I trained 600 people and this year in the first trimester of school I trained 400. When students finish the course, they want to do it again, and when we forget we have a session, they come and remind me. At school, they call me a teacher. I’d like to be a doctor and this training has really made me want to do that more."

Mother and child.
story

| 18 June 2020

In pictures: Healthcare in the face of the climate crisis in Kiribati

Humanitarian crises Largely brought on by sudden onset and slow-onset natural disasters, humanitarian crises are increasingly prevalent in the Pacific. During responses to humanitarian crises in the Pacific, sexual and reproductive healthcare is often under-prioritised and under-resourced. As a result, women and girls of reproductive age and vulnerable and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected and facing increased health and psychosocial risks. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Fragile environments Low topography, rising sea levels and insufficient fresh water supply leaves Kiribati’s population vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis. The fragility of the outer islands of Kiribati during natural disasters is compounded by their geographic isolation, which makes transportation and communication during post-disaster relief and response both expensive and difficult. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Coastal exposure The majority of the population of 115,000 people live a subsistence lifestyle. Communities are geographically dispersed across 33 atolls covering 3.5 million square kilometres in the central Pacific Ocean. The population and infrastructure within Kiribati are largely concentrated on the coast, where communities face increased exposure to climate threats and natural hazards such as tsunamis, earthquakes, king tides, flooding, droughts, and occasionally cyclones. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Takaria, leader and youth organizer in the Tebikenikua community Takaria will be running to be a Member of Parliament in Kiribati in 2020. “I assist the youth with family problems and family planning and disasters. In our community there are unforeseen pregnancies, domestic violence, and disasters such as high tide waters and strong winds, which can also affect this community. The Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) is the key point for us with outreach and training so people in this community know how to prevent and treat STIs, etc. They all know where the KFHA clinic is and that they can get counselling or services there. The problem now is you can’t survive with the sea rise levels. I want all members of my community to live better and have better health and peace.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Susan*, sex worker Susan receives care at the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) including a pap smear. Susan*, 28, is a sex worker from the town of Betio on the main island of Kiribati. Originally from an outlying island, she moved into Tarawa to seek work. Unable to find employment that would fulfill her dream of sending money back to her two children, she was introduced to sex work. With other sex workers, she regularly travels out to the large cargo ships from China, Philippines and Korea anchored off the coast of Kiribati. Despite her new income, she still can’t speak with her children or see them due to the restrictive costs involved of travel between islands.*pseudonym Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Theta, 25-year-old mother and youth volunteer Theta is part of the Humanitarian Youth Club set up by the Kiribati Family Health Association in her village. “We face a lot of situations here, one of them is disasters and the second is unemployment and school drop out with our youth. I have helped the Humanitarian Youth Club to apply for financial grants from the Australian High Commission [for $1,000] I am recognized as the smartest member who can write in English. We have learned how to design a disaster plan for the community and share our ideas on sexual and reproductive issues such as STIs. We discuss what we can do for the next strong tide, where we can gather as a community and what we can do if even the maneabe (town hall) floods? If the tide and wind is too strong, we need to go to another safer place, such as another community’s town hall. For now, I want to enjoy the chance to be in our own beloved country. I won’t move until the majority have already left. I want my daughter to grow up in the same place I grew up in.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beitau, youth volunteer Beitau is the Chairperson of the Humanitarian Youth Club. “I was lucky to be selected as Chairperson as the Humanitarian Youth Club. I feel like I get more respect from the community now I am in this position. I would love advanced training on leadership now, to further assist the club. As I am the Chairperson of the HYC, my main target is to help people during a disaster. I have attended training through KFHA. What I took from this is that when a disaster strikes, we have to do our best for pregnant women, small children and people with disabilities. They more vulnerable and less able to survive a disaster.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Abe, youth officer Abe was involved with KFHA since 2012. “I was inspired by what they KFHA was doing and the issues they were addressing that affects youth. I was surprised to see how many young people come to the clinic as they are affected by STIs, HIV and teenage pregnancy. The lack of education here is a big problem, most people here have a lot of children and yet can’t afford to send them to school. Sexual and reproductive health is our responsibility and we must talk about it with young people. Climate change affects many countries, but Kiribati is small and low lying. I used to go visit a very nice beach with a lot of nice trees and plants. Now, the trees are gone, and the waves have taken over, and the houses have disappeared so no one can build there. In my role as a youth worker and activist, I tell people to fight climate change: to grow more mangroves, to clean up the beach, because we love our Kiribati.”©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch/Kiribati Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Mother and child.
story

| 28 March 2024

In pictures: Healthcare in the face of the climate crisis in Kiribati

Humanitarian crises Largely brought on by sudden onset and slow-onset natural disasters, humanitarian crises are increasingly prevalent in the Pacific. During responses to humanitarian crises in the Pacific, sexual and reproductive healthcare is often under-prioritised and under-resourced. As a result, women and girls of reproductive age and vulnerable and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected and facing increased health and psychosocial risks. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Fragile environments Low topography, rising sea levels and insufficient fresh water supply leaves Kiribati’s population vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis. The fragility of the outer islands of Kiribati during natural disasters is compounded by their geographic isolation, which makes transportation and communication during post-disaster relief and response both expensive and difficult. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Coastal exposure The majority of the population of 115,000 people live a subsistence lifestyle. Communities are geographically dispersed across 33 atolls covering 3.5 million square kilometres in the central Pacific Ocean. The population and infrastructure within Kiribati are largely concentrated on the coast, where communities face increased exposure to climate threats and natural hazards such as tsunamis, earthquakes, king tides, flooding, droughts, and occasionally cyclones. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Takaria, leader and youth organizer in the Tebikenikua community Takaria will be running to be a Member of Parliament in Kiribati in 2020. “I assist the youth with family problems and family planning and disasters. In our community there are unforeseen pregnancies, domestic violence, and disasters such as high tide waters and strong winds, which can also affect this community. The Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) is the key point for us with outreach and training so people in this community know how to prevent and treat STIs, etc. They all know where the KFHA clinic is and that they can get counselling or services there. The problem now is you can’t survive with the sea rise levels. I want all members of my community to live better and have better health and peace.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Susan*, sex worker Susan receives care at the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) including a pap smear. Susan*, 28, is a sex worker from the town of Betio on the main island of Kiribati. Originally from an outlying island, she moved into Tarawa to seek work. Unable to find employment that would fulfill her dream of sending money back to her two children, she was introduced to sex work. With other sex workers, she regularly travels out to the large cargo ships from China, Philippines and Korea anchored off the coast of Kiribati. Despite her new income, she still can’t speak with her children or see them due to the restrictive costs involved of travel between islands.*pseudonym Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Theta, 25-year-old mother and youth volunteer Theta is part of the Humanitarian Youth Club set up by the Kiribati Family Health Association in her village. “We face a lot of situations here, one of them is disasters and the second is unemployment and school drop out with our youth. I have helped the Humanitarian Youth Club to apply for financial grants from the Australian High Commission [for $1,000] I am recognized as the smartest member who can write in English. We have learned how to design a disaster plan for the community and share our ideas on sexual and reproductive issues such as STIs. We discuss what we can do for the next strong tide, where we can gather as a community and what we can do if even the maneabe (town hall) floods? If the tide and wind is too strong, we need to go to another safer place, such as another community’s town hall. For now, I want to enjoy the chance to be in our own beloved country. I won’t move until the majority have already left. I want my daughter to grow up in the same place I grew up in.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beitau, youth volunteer Beitau is the Chairperson of the Humanitarian Youth Club. “I was lucky to be selected as Chairperson as the Humanitarian Youth Club. I feel like I get more respect from the community now I am in this position. I would love advanced training on leadership now, to further assist the club. As I am the Chairperson of the HYC, my main target is to help people during a disaster. I have attended training through KFHA. What I took from this is that when a disaster strikes, we have to do our best for pregnant women, small children and people with disabilities. They more vulnerable and less able to survive a disaster.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Abe, youth officer Abe was involved with KFHA since 2012. “I was inspired by what they KFHA was doing and the issues they were addressing that affects youth. I was surprised to see how many young people come to the clinic as they are affected by STIs, HIV and teenage pregnancy. The lack of education here is a big problem, most people here have a lot of children and yet can’t afford to send them to school. Sexual and reproductive health is our responsibility and we must talk about it with young people. Climate change affects many countries, but Kiribati is small and low lying. I used to go visit a very nice beach with a lot of nice trees and plants. Now, the trees are gone, and the waves have taken over, and the houses have disappeared so no one can build there. In my role as a youth worker and activist, I tell people to fight climate change: to grow more mangroves, to clean up the beach, because we love our Kiribati.”©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch/Kiribati Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Staff in PPE
story

| 04 June 2020

In pictures: Resilience and innovation in the face of COVID-19

Healthcare providers in their PPE Lebanon Association for Family Health (SALAMA) “After the extension of the general mobilization and in order to provide the services to the most in need population, we decided to re-open the clinic. For this purpose, we are developing a plan for the work during the next weeks, taking into consideration the protocols and procedures taken in Lebanon. This will include an isolation room before the consultation and an assessment of the patient’s status and any symptoms that may relate to the coronavirus. In addition to all the precaution procedures including separation, our clinic was sterilized by a specialized company.”Lina Sabra, the Executive Director of the Lebanese Association for Family Health (SALAMA) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers sort through medical donations China Family Planning Association The China Youth Network set up a donation working group and with the support of the China Family Planning Association and Hubei Family Planning Association, they received donations of menstruation supplies, and medical equipment. By March they had successfully donated 5,680 sanitary towels, 3,280 medical face shields, 1,200 hand disinfectants, 925 disposable beddings, 500 air disinfectants and some medical machines to 87 hospitals in Hubei Province. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Erbol, 17, is the chair of the youth committee of the Issyk-Kul branch Reproductive Health Alliance of Kyrgyzstan “At the present time we are using Instagram with detailed information about our organization and articles on sexual and reproductive health issues. We found new technologies and approaches to organize online meetings with the youth volunteers and planning of future branch activities through Zoom. It is planned to consider additional options in creation of channels on Telegram and Twitter because they are very popular among young people.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare providers put together hygiene kits for local communities Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka FPA Sri Lanka assembled 5,000 hygiene kits to be distributed to promote and enable frequent hand washing, personal hygiene and menstrual hygiene among vulnerable women and girls with limited incomes. These women and girls include mothers, widows with children, families who care for a member living with a disability, and women and girls living in slums during lockdown in high-risk areas for COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare outreach teams distribute contraception and hygiene kits Family Health Association Iran “To reduce the number of visits to our clinics, we made some changes in the way we deliver services. We provide counselling services through online systems and creating different groups for clients to provide online educational training about COVID-19 for them, as well as some components of life skills and SGBV. For the vulnerable groups including sex workers and substance users we distribute contraceptives, COVID-19 preventive packages, and food through the outreach team instead of static clinics.”Zahra Fathi, Executive Director of the Family Health Association Iran (FHA Iran) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Outreach teams sanitize people's homes in remote communities Sudan Family Planning Association Staff at the Sudan Family Planning Association conduct outreach work in local communities, including offering to sanitize people's homes. Remote areas in Sudan with no medical services will be affected with discontinued mobile clinics services. Access to all family planning, antenatal care, and postnatal care services will be affected due to restricted movement. Sudan, as will many other countries, will be impacted by any decrease in activity in the supply chain for healthcare supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email A watercolour entry for a social media art competition Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz “With our Youth Network we created an artistic competition on our FB and Instagram platforms on issues such as masturbation, menstruation, coming out, female genitalia, pornography. The aim is to enhance creativity and make young people reflect about sexual and reproductive health and rights in a creative way during the corona pandemic. The aim was also to offer something fun and positive in this difficult time.”Noemi, 24, is the co-founder and coordinator of Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz's youth network. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Volunteers make hand sanitizer kits at a SFPA clinic. Syria Family Planning Association When the lockdown was announced SFPA had to stop running their mobile clinics but recently resumed this service. To keep the health facilities open they implemented a new shift rota for staff. The clinics are also following an extremely high-standard of sterilization procedures in all facilities to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus. SFPA started using social media to spread information on COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Belmar Franceshi, Executive Director Asociacion Civil de Planificacion Familiar “The work we do is very important – despite being in our homes, we continue to work, research and look for alternatives to serve the hundreds of people who daily seek our services. It is one more challenge that we must face and will strengthen our actions, our interventions and the activities we carry out daily with communities, women and girls.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Enusring client and staff safety with PPE Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines The Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines (FPOP) is working safely with PPE equipment to ensure uninterrupted access to antenatal care and family planning methods for women and young girls through their clinics. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Delivering essential healthcare to women Family Planning Association of Nepal With PPE and hygiene kits FPAN’s healthcare providers can safely engage in delivering essential care to communities, including counselling, contraception methods, safe abortion, HIV/STI care, obstetrics and gynaecology care and sexual and gender-based violence support. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Reaching local communities Family Health Association Bangladesh FPAB key health workers have continued to provide essential sexual and reproductive healthcare in local communities during COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Staff in PPE
story

| 28 March 2024

In pictures: Resilience and innovation in the face of COVID-19

Healthcare providers in their PPE Lebanon Association for Family Health (SALAMA) “After the extension of the general mobilization and in order to provide the services to the most in need population, we decided to re-open the clinic. For this purpose, we are developing a plan for the work during the next weeks, taking into consideration the protocols and procedures taken in Lebanon. This will include an isolation room before the consultation and an assessment of the patient’s status and any symptoms that may relate to the coronavirus. In addition to all the precaution procedures including separation, our clinic was sterilized by a specialized company.”Lina Sabra, the Executive Director of the Lebanese Association for Family Health (SALAMA) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers sort through medical donations China Family Planning Association The China Youth Network set up a donation working group and with the support of the China Family Planning Association and Hubei Family Planning Association, they received donations of menstruation supplies, and medical equipment. By March they had successfully donated 5,680 sanitary towels, 3,280 medical face shields, 1,200 hand disinfectants, 925 disposable beddings, 500 air disinfectants and some medical machines to 87 hospitals in Hubei Province. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Erbol, 17, is the chair of the youth committee of the Issyk-Kul branch Reproductive Health Alliance of Kyrgyzstan “At the present time we are using Instagram with detailed information about our organization and articles on sexual and reproductive health issues. We found new technologies and approaches to organize online meetings with the youth volunteers and planning of future branch activities through Zoom. It is planned to consider additional options in creation of channels on Telegram and Twitter because they are very popular among young people.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare providers put together hygiene kits for local communities Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka FPA Sri Lanka assembled 5,000 hygiene kits to be distributed to promote and enable frequent hand washing, personal hygiene and menstrual hygiene among vulnerable women and girls with limited incomes. These women and girls include mothers, widows with children, families who care for a member living with a disability, and women and girls living in slums during lockdown in high-risk areas for COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare outreach teams distribute contraception and hygiene kits Family Health Association Iran “To reduce the number of visits to our clinics, we made some changes in the way we deliver services. We provide counselling services through online systems and creating different groups for clients to provide online educational training about COVID-19 for them, as well as some components of life skills and SGBV. For the vulnerable groups including sex workers and substance users we distribute contraceptives, COVID-19 preventive packages, and food through the outreach team instead of static clinics.”Zahra Fathi, Executive Director of the Family Health Association Iran (FHA Iran) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Outreach teams sanitize people's homes in remote communities Sudan Family Planning Association Staff at the Sudan Family Planning Association conduct outreach work in local communities, including offering to sanitize people's homes. Remote areas in Sudan with no medical services will be affected with discontinued mobile clinics services. Access to all family planning, antenatal care, and postnatal care services will be affected due to restricted movement. Sudan, as will many other countries, will be impacted by any decrease in activity in the supply chain for healthcare supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email A watercolour entry for a social media art competition Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz “With our Youth Network we created an artistic competition on our FB and Instagram platforms on issues such as masturbation, menstruation, coming out, female genitalia, pornography. The aim is to enhance creativity and make young people reflect about sexual and reproductive health and rights in a creative way during the corona pandemic. The aim was also to offer something fun and positive in this difficult time.”Noemi, 24, is the co-founder and coordinator of Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz's youth network. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Volunteers make hand sanitizer kits at a SFPA clinic. Syria Family Planning Association When the lockdown was announced SFPA had to stop running their mobile clinics but recently resumed this service. To keep the health facilities open they implemented a new shift rota for staff. The clinics are also following an extremely high-standard of sterilization procedures in all facilities to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus. SFPA started using social media to spread information on COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Belmar Franceshi, Executive Director Asociacion Civil de Planificacion Familiar “The work we do is very important – despite being in our homes, we continue to work, research and look for alternatives to serve the hundreds of people who daily seek our services. It is one more challenge that we must face and will strengthen our actions, our interventions and the activities we carry out daily with communities, women and girls.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Enusring client and staff safety with PPE Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines The Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines (FPOP) is working safely with PPE equipment to ensure uninterrupted access to antenatal care and family planning methods for women and young girls through their clinics. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Delivering essential healthcare to women Family Planning Association of Nepal With PPE and hygiene kits FPAN’s healthcare providers can safely engage in delivering essential care to communities, including counselling, contraception methods, safe abortion, HIV/STI care, obstetrics and gynaecology care and sexual and gender-based violence support. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Reaching local communities Family Health Association Bangladesh FPAB key health workers have continued to provide essential sexual and reproductive healthcare in local communities during COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Sophia Abrafi, Midwife at the Mim Health Centre, 40
story

| 20 February 2020

“Teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease"

Midwife Sophia Abrafi sits at her desk, sorting her paperwork before another patient comes in looking for family planning services. The 40-year-old midwife welcomes each patient with a warm smile and when she talks, her passion for her work is clear.  At the Mim Health Centre, which is located in the Ahafo Region of Ghana, Abrafi says a sexual and reproductive health and right (SRHR) project through Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and the Danish Family Planning Association (DFPA) allows her to offer comprehensive SRH services to those in the community, especially young people. Before the project, launched in 2018, she used to have to refer people to a town about 20 minutes away for comprehensive abortion care. She had also seen many women coming in for post abortion care service after trying to self-administer an abortion. “It was causing a lot of harm in this community...those cases were a lot, they will get pregnant, and they themselves will try to abort.”   Providing care & services to young people Through the clinic, she speaks to young people about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. “Those who can’t [abstain] we offer them family planning services, so at least they can complete their schooling.” Offering these services is crucial in Mim, she says, because often young people are not aware of sexual and reproductive health risks.  “Some of them will even get pregnant in the first attempt, so at least explaining to the person what it is, what she should do, or what she should expect in that stage -is very helpful.” She has already seen progress.  “The young ones are coming. If the first one will come and you provide the service, she will go and inform the friends, and the friends will come.” Hairdresser Jennifer Osei, who is waiting to see Abrafi, is a testament to this. She did not learn about family planning at school. After a friend told her about the clinic, she has begun relying on staff like Abrafi to educate her. “I have come to take a family planning injection, it is my first time taking the injection. I have given birth to one child, and I don’t want to have many children now,” she says. Expanding services in Mim The SRHR project is working in three other clinics or health centres in Mim, including at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital. When midwife Sherifa, 28, heard about the SRHR project coming to Mim, she knew it would help her hospital better help the community. The hospital was only offering care for pregnancy complications and did little family planning work. Now, it is supplied with a range of family planning commodities, and the ability to do comprehensive abortion care, as well as education on SRHR. Being able to offer these services especially helps school girls to prevent unintended pregnancies and to continue at school, she says.  Sherifa also already sees success from this project, with young people now coming in for services, education and treatment of STIs. In the long term, she predicts many positive changes. “STI infection rates will decrease, teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease. The young people will now have more information about their sexual life in this community, as a result of the project.”

Sophia Abrafi, Midwife at the Mim Health Centre, 40
story

| 28 March 2024

“Teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease"

Midwife Sophia Abrafi sits at her desk, sorting her paperwork before another patient comes in looking for family planning services. The 40-year-old midwife welcomes each patient with a warm smile and when she talks, her passion for her work is clear.  At the Mim Health Centre, which is located in the Ahafo Region of Ghana, Abrafi says a sexual and reproductive health and right (SRHR) project through Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and the Danish Family Planning Association (DFPA) allows her to offer comprehensive SRH services to those in the community, especially young people. Before the project, launched in 2018, she used to have to refer people to a town about 20 minutes away for comprehensive abortion care. She had also seen many women coming in for post abortion care service after trying to self-administer an abortion. “It was causing a lot of harm in this community...those cases were a lot, they will get pregnant, and they themselves will try to abort.”   Providing care & services to young people Through the clinic, she speaks to young people about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. “Those who can’t [abstain] we offer them family planning services, so at least they can complete their schooling.” Offering these services is crucial in Mim, she says, because often young people are not aware of sexual and reproductive health risks.  “Some of them will even get pregnant in the first attempt, so at least explaining to the person what it is, what she should do, or what she should expect in that stage -is very helpful.” She has already seen progress.  “The young ones are coming. If the first one will come and you provide the service, she will go and inform the friends, and the friends will come.” Hairdresser Jennifer Osei, who is waiting to see Abrafi, is a testament to this. She did not learn about family planning at school. After a friend told her about the clinic, she has begun relying on staff like Abrafi to educate her. “I have come to take a family planning injection, it is my first time taking the injection. I have given birth to one child, and I don’t want to have many children now,” she says. Expanding services in Mim The SRHR project is working in three other clinics or health centres in Mim, including at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital. When midwife Sherifa, 28, heard about the SRHR project coming to Mim, she knew it would help her hospital better help the community. The hospital was only offering care for pregnancy complications and did little family planning work. Now, it is supplied with a range of family planning commodities, and the ability to do comprehensive abortion care, as well as education on SRHR. Being able to offer these services especially helps school girls to prevent unintended pregnancies and to continue at school, she says.  Sherifa also already sees success from this project, with young people now coming in for services, education and treatment of STIs. In the long term, she predicts many positive changes. “STI infection rates will decrease, teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease. The young people will now have more information about their sexual life in this community, as a result of the project.”

Aminata Sonogo in school
story

| 08 January 2021

"Girls have to know their rights"

Aminata Sonogo listened intently to the group of young volunteers as they explained different types of contraception, and raised her hand with questions. Sitting at a wooden school desk at 22, Aminata is older than most of her classmates, but she shrugs off the looks and comments. She has fought hard to be here. Aminata is studying in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Just a quarter of Malian girls complete secondary school, according to UNICEF. But even if she will graduate later than most, Aminata is conscious of how far she has come. “I wanted to go to high school but I needed to pass some exams to get here. In the end, it took me three years,” she said. At the start of her final year of collège, or middle school, Aminata got pregnant. She is far from alone: 38% of Malian girls will be pregnant or a mother by the age of 18. Abortion is illegal in Mali except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life, and even then it is difficult to obtain, according to medical professionals. Determined to take control of her life “I felt a lot of stigma from my classmates and even my teachers. I tried to ignore them and carry on going to school and studying. But I gave birth to my daughter just before my exams, so I couldn’t take them.” Aminata went through her pregnancy with little support, as the father of her daughter, Fatoumata, distanced himself from her after arguments about their situation. “I have had some problems with the father of the baby. We fought a lot and I didn’t see him for most of the pregnancy, right until the birth,” she recalled. The first year of her daughter’s life was a blur of doctors’ appointments, as Fatoumata was often ill. It seemed Aminata’s chances of finishing school were slipping away. But gradually her family began to take a more active role in caring for her daughter, and she began demanding more help from Fatoumata’s father too. She went back to school in the autumn, 18 months after Fatoumata’s birth and with more determination than ever. She no longer had time to hang out with friends after school, but attended classes, took care of her daughter and then studied more. At the end of the academic year, it paid off. “I did it. I passed my exams and now I am in high school,” Aminata said, smiling and relaxing her shoulders.  "Family planning protects girls" Aminata’s next goal is her high school diploma, and obtaining it while trying to navigate the difficult world of relationships and sex. “It’s something you can talk about with your close friends. I would be too ashamed to talk about this with my parents,” she said. She is guided by visits from the young volunteers of the Association Malienne pour la Protection et Promotion de la Famille (AMPPF), and shares her own story with classmates who she sees at risk. “The guys come up to you and tell you that you are beautiful, but if you don’t want to sleep with them they will rape you. That’s the choice. You can accept or you can refuse and they will rape you anyway,” she said. “Girls have to know their rights”. After listening to the volunteers talk about all the different options for contraception, she is reviewing her own choices. “Family planning protects girls,” Aminata said. “It means we can protect ourselves from pregnancies that we don’t want”.

Aminata Sonogo in school
story

| 28 March 2024

"Girls have to know their rights"

Aminata Sonogo listened intently to the group of young volunteers as they explained different types of contraception, and raised her hand with questions. Sitting at a wooden school desk at 22, Aminata is older than most of her classmates, but she shrugs off the looks and comments. She has fought hard to be here. Aminata is studying in Bamako, the capital of Mali. Just a quarter of Malian girls complete secondary school, according to UNICEF. But even if she will graduate later than most, Aminata is conscious of how far she has come. “I wanted to go to high school but I needed to pass some exams to get here. In the end, it took me three years,” she said. At the start of her final year of collège, or middle school, Aminata got pregnant. She is far from alone: 38% of Malian girls will be pregnant or a mother by the age of 18. Abortion is illegal in Mali except in cases of rape, incest or danger to the mother’s life, and even then it is difficult to obtain, according to medical professionals. Determined to take control of her life “I felt a lot of stigma from my classmates and even my teachers. I tried to ignore them and carry on going to school and studying. But I gave birth to my daughter just before my exams, so I couldn’t take them.” Aminata went through her pregnancy with little support, as the father of her daughter, Fatoumata, distanced himself from her after arguments about their situation. “I have had some problems with the father of the baby. We fought a lot and I didn’t see him for most of the pregnancy, right until the birth,” she recalled. The first year of her daughter’s life was a blur of doctors’ appointments, as Fatoumata was often ill. It seemed Aminata’s chances of finishing school were slipping away. But gradually her family began to take a more active role in caring for her daughter, and she began demanding more help from Fatoumata’s father too. She went back to school in the autumn, 18 months after Fatoumata’s birth and with more determination than ever. She no longer had time to hang out with friends after school, but attended classes, took care of her daughter and then studied more. At the end of the academic year, it paid off. “I did it. I passed my exams and now I am in high school,” Aminata said, smiling and relaxing her shoulders.  "Family planning protects girls" Aminata’s next goal is her high school diploma, and obtaining it while trying to navigate the difficult world of relationships and sex. “It’s something you can talk about with your close friends. I would be too ashamed to talk about this with my parents,” she said. She is guided by visits from the young volunteers of the Association Malienne pour la Protection et Promotion de la Famille (AMPPF), and shares her own story with classmates who she sees at risk. “The guys come up to you and tell you that you are beautiful, but if you don’t want to sleep with them they will rape you. That’s the choice. You can accept or you can refuse and they will rape you anyway,” she said. “Girls have to know their rights”. After listening to the volunteers talk about all the different options for contraception, she is reviewing her own choices. “Family planning protects girls,” Aminata said. “It means we can protect ourselves from pregnancies that we don’t want”.

Woman smiling.
story

| 13 August 2020

In pictures: Delivering healthcare to remote communities in Fiji

In early April 2020, the all too familiar destruction of a Tropical Cyclone (TC) – Harold – hit the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. One of the worst affected areas was the Eastern part of Fiji. Through support by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), our Member Association, Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF), was quick to respond ensuring access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare for Kadavu’s women, girls, and vulnerable groups. Fiji's vulnerable coastline Fiji’s worst affected area was the Eastern part, with TC Harold bringing destructive storm force winds and storm surge. RFHAF focused its humanitarian response on the local Kadavu population. This remote area proves a challenge to reach for the team with supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email RFHAF's humanitarian response team tackle rough terrain National travel restrictions - due to the current COVID-19 pandemic - on all inter island transfers has slowed the response in some areas, including Kadavu. The island of Kadavu is one of the least developed areas of Fiji, the main source of income is substance living (Yaqona). Transport around the island is difficult, with very few roads, no public water system or electricity. The humanitarian team from RFHAF travels by boat and then on foot. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Asenaca, client Kadavu, the biggest island in the Eastern division has the greatest population (10,897). 197 evacuation centres were activated in total, initially hosting over 6,240 people. Many are women of reproductive age, with an estimated 150 currently pregnant. Asenaca learns about breast cancer self-checks from RFHAF’s healthcare provider, Karo. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Nasi, RFHAF healthcare provider The medical mobile team deliver a broad range of healthcare including contraception, information and counselling on sexual health, pregnancy, HIV and STI care and testing. RFHAF Team in Kadavu performing general health checks after TC Harold. Nasi administers a HPV shot to a client. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kate, client Young women and girls are at the heart of RFHAF’s healthcare provision. Kate walks home with her dignity kit after a health check at the mobile clinic. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Karo, RFHAF healthcare worker RFHAF offers sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as counselling, and referrals for follow up care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Alidi, RFHAF healthcare worker The team ensures young people in the community are not forgotten and provide information and education on relationships and sexual health and rights. Alidi conducting a session with a local group of young people at Gasele, Kadavu.Photos ©IPPF/Rob Rickman/Fiji Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Woman smiling.
story

| 28 March 2024

In pictures: Delivering healthcare to remote communities in Fiji

In early April 2020, the all too familiar destruction of a Tropical Cyclone (TC) – Harold – hit the Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga. One of the worst affected areas was the Eastern part of Fiji. Through support by Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), our Member Association, Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji (RFHAF), was quick to respond ensuring access to essential sexual and reproductive healthcare for Kadavu’s women, girls, and vulnerable groups. Fiji's vulnerable coastline Fiji’s worst affected area was the Eastern part, with TC Harold bringing destructive storm force winds and storm surge. RFHAF focused its humanitarian response on the local Kadavu population. This remote area proves a challenge to reach for the team with supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email RFHAF's humanitarian response team tackle rough terrain National travel restrictions - due to the current COVID-19 pandemic - on all inter island transfers has slowed the response in some areas, including Kadavu. The island of Kadavu is one of the least developed areas of Fiji, the main source of income is substance living (Yaqona). Transport around the island is difficult, with very few roads, no public water system or electricity. The humanitarian team from RFHAF travels by boat and then on foot. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Asenaca, client Kadavu, the biggest island in the Eastern division has the greatest population (10,897). 197 evacuation centres were activated in total, initially hosting over 6,240 people. Many are women of reproductive age, with an estimated 150 currently pregnant. Asenaca learns about breast cancer self-checks from RFHAF’s healthcare provider, Karo. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Nasi, RFHAF healthcare provider The medical mobile team deliver a broad range of healthcare including contraception, information and counselling on sexual health, pregnancy, HIV and STI care and testing. RFHAF Team in Kadavu performing general health checks after TC Harold. Nasi administers a HPV shot to a client. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Kate, client Young women and girls are at the heart of RFHAF’s healthcare provision. Kate walks home with her dignity kit after a health check at the mobile clinic. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Karo, RFHAF healthcare worker RFHAF offers sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as counselling, and referrals for follow up care. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Alidi, RFHAF healthcare worker The team ensures young people in the community are not forgotten and provide information and education on relationships and sexual health and rights. Alidi conducting a session with a local group of young people at Gasele, Kadavu.Photos ©IPPF/Rob Rickman/Fiji Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Jumeya Mohammed Amin
story

| 28 July 2020

"I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality"

Seventeen-year-old student Jumeya Mohammed Amin started educating other people about sexual and reproductive health when she was 14 years old. She trained as a ‘change agent’ for her community through the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia’s south west office in Jimma, the capital of Oromia region. Amin comes from a small, conservative town about 20km outside the city. "I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality, because they [men in her community] start having sex with girls at a young age, even with girls as young as nine years old, because of a lack of education." "They suddenly had to act like grown-up women" "Before I started this training I saw the majority of students having sex early and getting pregnant because of a lack of information, and they would have to leave home and school. Boys would be disciplined and if they were seen doing things on campus, expelled. Girls younger than me at the time were married. The youngest was only nine. They would have to go back home and could not play anymore or go to school. They suddenly had to act like grown-up women, like old ladies. They never go back to school after marriage. My teacher chose me for this training and told me about the programme. I like the truth so I was not afraid. I heard about a lot of problems out there during my training and I told myself I had to be strong and go and fight this." "I have a brother and four sisters and I practiced my training on my family first. They were so shocked by what I was saying they were silent. Even on the second day, they said nothing. On the third day, I told them I was going to teach people in schools this, so I asked them why they had stayed silent. They told me that because of cultural and religious issues, people would not accept these ideas and stories, but they gave me permission to go and do it. Because of my efforts, people in my school have not started having sex early and the girls get free sanitary pads through the clubs so they no longer need to stay home during periods." Training hundreds of her peers "I know people in my community who have unplanned pregnancies consult traditional healers [for abortions] and take drugs and they suffer. I know one girl from 10th grade who was 15 years old and died from this in 2017. The healers sometimes use tree leaves in their concoctions.  We tell them where they can go and get different [safe abortion] services. The first round of trainings I did was with 400 students over four months and eight sessions in 2017. Last year, I trained 600 people and this year in the first trimester of school I trained 400. When students finish the course, they want to do it again, and when we forget we have a session, they come and remind me. At school, they call me a teacher. I’d like to be a doctor and this training has really made me want to do that more."

Jumeya Mohammed Amin
story

| 28 March 2024

"I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality"

Seventeen-year-old student Jumeya Mohammed Amin started educating other people about sexual and reproductive health when she was 14 years old. She trained as a ‘change agent’ for her community through the Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia’s south west office in Jimma, the capital of Oromia region. Amin comes from a small, conservative town about 20km outside the city. "I wanted to protect girls from violence – like early marriage – and I wanted to change people’s wrong perceptions about sex and sexuality, because they [men in her community] start having sex with girls at a young age, even with girls as young as nine years old, because of a lack of education." "They suddenly had to act like grown-up women" "Before I started this training I saw the majority of students having sex early and getting pregnant because of a lack of information, and they would have to leave home and school. Boys would be disciplined and if they were seen doing things on campus, expelled. Girls younger than me at the time were married. The youngest was only nine. They would have to go back home and could not play anymore or go to school. They suddenly had to act like grown-up women, like old ladies. They never go back to school after marriage. My teacher chose me for this training and told me about the programme. I like the truth so I was not afraid. I heard about a lot of problems out there during my training and I told myself I had to be strong and go and fight this." "I have a brother and four sisters and I practiced my training on my family first. They were so shocked by what I was saying they were silent. Even on the second day, they said nothing. On the third day, I told them I was going to teach people in schools this, so I asked them why they had stayed silent. They told me that because of cultural and religious issues, people would not accept these ideas and stories, but they gave me permission to go and do it. Because of my efforts, people in my school have not started having sex early and the girls get free sanitary pads through the clubs so they no longer need to stay home during periods." Training hundreds of her peers "I know people in my community who have unplanned pregnancies consult traditional healers [for abortions] and take drugs and they suffer. I know one girl from 10th grade who was 15 years old and died from this in 2017. The healers sometimes use tree leaves in their concoctions.  We tell them where they can go and get different [safe abortion] services. The first round of trainings I did was with 400 students over four months and eight sessions in 2017. Last year, I trained 600 people and this year in the first trimester of school I trained 400. When students finish the course, they want to do it again, and when we forget we have a session, they come and remind me. At school, they call me a teacher. I’d like to be a doctor and this training has really made me want to do that more."

Mother and child.
story

| 18 June 2020

In pictures: Healthcare in the face of the climate crisis in Kiribati

Humanitarian crises Largely brought on by sudden onset and slow-onset natural disasters, humanitarian crises are increasingly prevalent in the Pacific. During responses to humanitarian crises in the Pacific, sexual and reproductive healthcare is often under-prioritised and under-resourced. As a result, women and girls of reproductive age and vulnerable and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected and facing increased health and psychosocial risks. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Fragile environments Low topography, rising sea levels and insufficient fresh water supply leaves Kiribati’s population vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis. The fragility of the outer islands of Kiribati during natural disasters is compounded by their geographic isolation, which makes transportation and communication during post-disaster relief and response both expensive and difficult. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Coastal exposure The majority of the population of 115,000 people live a subsistence lifestyle. Communities are geographically dispersed across 33 atolls covering 3.5 million square kilometres in the central Pacific Ocean. The population and infrastructure within Kiribati are largely concentrated on the coast, where communities face increased exposure to climate threats and natural hazards such as tsunamis, earthquakes, king tides, flooding, droughts, and occasionally cyclones. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Takaria, leader and youth organizer in the Tebikenikua community Takaria will be running to be a Member of Parliament in Kiribati in 2020. “I assist the youth with family problems and family planning and disasters. In our community there are unforeseen pregnancies, domestic violence, and disasters such as high tide waters and strong winds, which can also affect this community. The Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) is the key point for us with outreach and training so people in this community know how to prevent and treat STIs, etc. They all know where the KFHA clinic is and that they can get counselling or services there. The problem now is you can’t survive with the sea rise levels. I want all members of my community to live better and have better health and peace.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Susan*, sex worker Susan receives care at the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) including a pap smear. Susan*, 28, is a sex worker from the town of Betio on the main island of Kiribati. Originally from an outlying island, she moved into Tarawa to seek work. Unable to find employment that would fulfill her dream of sending money back to her two children, she was introduced to sex work. With other sex workers, she regularly travels out to the large cargo ships from China, Philippines and Korea anchored off the coast of Kiribati. Despite her new income, she still can’t speak with her children or see them due to the restrictive costs involved of travel between islands.*pseudonym Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Theta, 25-year-old mother and youth volunteer Theta is part of the Humanitarian Youth Club set up by the Kiribati Family Health Association in her village. “We face a lot of situations here, one of them is disasters and the second is unemployment and school drop out with our youth. I have helped the Humanitarian Youth Club to apply for financial grants from the Australian High Commission [for $1,000] I am recognized as the smartest member who can write in English. We have learned how to design a disaster plan for the community and share our ideas on sexual and reproductive issues such as STIs. We discuss what we can do for the next strong tide, where we can gather as a community and what we can do if even the maneabe (town hall) floods? If the tide and wind is too strong, we need to go to another safer place, such as another community’s town hall. For now, I want to enjoy the chance to be in our own beloved country. I won’t move until the majority have already left. I want my daughter to grow up in the same place I grew up in.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beitau, youth volunteer Beitau is the Chairperson of the Humanitarian Youth Club. “I was lucky to be selected as Chairperson as the Humanitarian Youth Club. I feel like I get more respect from the community now I am in this position. I would love advanced training on leadership now, to further assist the club. As I am the Chairperson of the HYC, my main target is to help people during a disaster. I have attended training through KFHA. What I took from this is that when a disaster strikes, we have to do our best for pregnant women, small children and people with disabilities. They more vulnerable and less able to survive a disaster.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Abe, youth officer Abe was involved with KFHA since 2012. “I was inspired by what they KFHA was doing and the issues they were addressing that affects youth. I was surprised to see how many young people come to the clinic as they are affected by STIs, HIV and teenage pregnancy. The lack of education here is a big problem, most people here have a lot of children and yet can’t afford to send them to school. Sexual and reproductive health is our responsibility and we must talk about it with young people. Climate change affects many countries, but Kiribati is small and low lying. I used to go visit a very nice beach with a lot of nice trees and plants. Now, the trees are gone, and the waves have taken over, and the houses have disappeared so no one can build there. In my role as a youth worker and activist, I tell people to fight climate change: to grow more mangroves, to clean up the beach, because we love our Kiribati.”©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch/Kiribati Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Mother and child.
story

| 28 March 2024

In pictures: Healthcare in the face of the climate crisis in Kiribati

Humanitarian crises Largely brought on by sudden onset and slow-onset natural disasters, humanitarian crises are increasingly prevalent in the Pacific. During responses to humanitarian crises in the Pacific, sexual and reproductive healthcare is often under-prioritised and under-resourced. As a result, women and girls of reproductive age and vulnerable and marginalized groups are disproportionately affected and facing increased health and psychosocial risks. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Fragile environments Low topography, rising sea levels and insufficient fresh water supply leaves Kiribati’s population vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis. The fragility of the outer islands of Kiribati during natural disasters is compounded by their geographic isolation, which makes transportation and communication during post-disaster relief and response both expensive and difficult. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Coastal exposure The majority of the population of 115,000 people live a subsistence lifestyle. Communities are geographically dispersed across 33 atolls covering 3.5 million square kilometres in the central Pacific Ocean. The population and infrastructure within Kiribati are largely concentrated on the coast, where communities face increased exposure to climate threats and natural hazards such as tsunamis, earthquakes, king tides, flooding, droughts, and occasionally cyclones. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Takaria, leader and youth organizer in the Tebikenikua community Takaria will be running to be a Member of Parliament in Kiribati in 2020. “I assist the youth with family problems and family planning and disasters. In our community there are unforeseen pregnancies, domestic violence, and disasters such as high tide waters and strong winds, which can also affect this community. The Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) is the key point for us with outreach and training so people in this community know how to prevent and treat STIs, etc. They all know where the KFHA clinic is and that they can get counselling or services there. The problem now is you can’t survive with the sea rise levels. I want all members of my community to live better and have better health and peace.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Susan*, sex worker Susan receives care at the Kiribati Family Health Association (KFHA) including a pap smear. Susan*, 28, is a sex worker from the town of Betio on the main island of Kiribati. Originally from an outlying island, she moved into Tarawa to seek work. Unable to find employment that would fulfill her dream of sending money back to her two children, she was introduced to sex work. With other sex workers, she regularly travels out to the large cargo ships from China, Philippines and Korea anchored off the coast of Kiribati. Despite her new income, she still can’t speak with her children or see them due to the restrictive costs involved of travel between islands.*pseudonym Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Theta, 25-year-old mother and youth volunteer Theta is part of the Humanitarian Youth Club set up by the Kiribati Family Health Association in her village. “We face a lot of situations here, one of them is disasters and the second is unemployment and school drop out with our youth. I have helped the Humanitarian Youth Club to apply for financial grants from the Australian High Commission [for $1,000] I am recognized as the smartest member who can write in English. We have learned how to design a disaster plan for the community and share our ideas on sexual and reproductive issues such as STIs. We discuss what we can do for the next strong tide, where we can gather as a community and what we can do if even the maneabe (town hall) floods? If the tide and wind is too strong, we need to go to another safer place, such as another community’s town hall. For now, I want to enjoy the chance to be in our own beloved country. I won’t move until the majority have already left. I want my daughter to grow up in the same place I grew up in.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Beitau, youth volunteer Beitau is the Chairperson of the Humanitarian Youth Club. “I was lucky to be selected as Chairperson as the Humanitarian Youth Club. I feel like I get more respect from the community now I am in this position. I would love advanced training on leadership now, to further assist the club. As I am the Chairperson of the HYC, my main target is to help people during a disaster. I have attended training through KFHA. What I took from this is that when a disaster strikes, we have to do our best for pregnant women, small children and people with disabilities. They more vulnerable and less able to survive a disaster.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Abe, youth officer Abe was involved with KFHA since 2012. “I was inspired by what they KFHA was doing and the issues they were addressing that affects youth. I was surprised to see how many young people come to the clinic as they are affected by STIs, HIV and teenage pregnancy. The lack of education here is a big problem, most people here have a lot of children and yet can’t afford to send them to school. Sexual and reproductive health is our responsibility and we must talk about it with young people. Climate change affects many countries, but Kiribati is small and low lying. I used to go visit a very nice beach with a lot of nice trees and plants. Now, the trees are gone, and the waves have taken over, and the houses have disappeared so no one can build there. In my role as a youth worker and activist, I tell people to fight climate change: to grow more mangroves, to clean up the beach, because we love our Kiribati.”©IPPF/Hannah Maule-Ffinch/Kiribati Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Staff in PPE
story

| 04 June 2020

In pictures: Resilience and innovation in the face of COVID-19

Healthcare providers in their PPE Lebanon Association for Family Health (SALAMA) “After the extension of the general mobilization and in order to provide the services to the most in need population, we decided to re-open the clinic. For this purpose, we are developing a plan for the work during the next weeks, taking into consideration the protocols and procedures taken in Lebanon. This will include an isolation room before the consultation and an assessment of the patient’s status and any symptoms that may relate to the coronavirus. In addition to all the precaution procedures including separation, our clinic was sterilized by a specialized company.”Lina Sabra, the Executive Director of the Lebanese Association for Family Health (SALAMA) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers sort through medical donations China Family Planning Association The China Youth Network set up a donation working group and with the support of the China Family Planning Association and Hubei Family Planning Association, they received donations of menstruation supplies, and medical equipment. By March they had successfully donated 5,680 sanitary towels, 3,280 medical face shields, 1,200 hand disinfectants, 925 disposable beddings, 500 air disinfectants and some medical machines to 87 hospitals in Hubei Province. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Erbol, 17, is the chair of the youth committee of the Issyk-Kul branch Reproductive Health Alliance of Kyrgyzstan “At the present time we are using Instagram with detailed information about our organization and articles on sexual and reproductive health issues. We found new technologies and approaches to organize online meetings with the youth volunteers and planning of future branch activities through Zoom. It is planned to consider additional options in creation of channels on Telegram and Twitter because they are very popular among young people.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare providers put together hygiene kits for local communities Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka FPA Sri Lanka assembled 5,000 hygiene kits to be distributed to promote and enable frequent hand washing, personal hygiene and menstrual hygiene among vulnerable women and girls with limited incomes. These women and girls include mothers, widows with children, families who care for a member living with a disability, and women and girls living in slums during lockdown in high-risk areas for COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare outreach teams distribute contraception and hygiene kits Family Health Association Iran “To reduce the number of visits to our clinics, we made some changes in the way we deliver services. We provide counselling services through online systems and creating different groups for clients to provide online educational training about COVID-19 for them, as well as some components of life skills and SGBV. For the vulnerable groups including sex workers and substance users we distribute contraceptives, COVID-19 preventive packages, and food through the outreach team instead of static clinics.”Zahra Fathi, Executive Director of the Family Health Association Iran (FHA Iran) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Outreach teams sanitize people's homes in remote communities Sudan Family Planning Association Staff at the Sudan Family Planning Association conduct outreach work in local communities, including offering to sanitize people's homes. Remote areas in Sudan with no medical services will be affected with discontinued mobile clinics services. Access to all family planning, antenatal care, and postnatal care services will be affected due to restricted movement. Sudan, as will many other countries, will be impacted by any decrease in activity in the supply chain for healthcare supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email A watercolour entry for a social media art competition Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz “With our Youth Network we created an artistic competition on our FB and Instagram platforms on issues such as masturbation, menstruation, coming out, female genitalia, pornography. The aim is to enhance creativity and make young people reflect about sexual and reproductive health and rights in a creative way during the corona pandemic. The aim was also to offer something fun and positive in this difficult time.”Noemi, 24, is the co-founder and coordinator of Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz's youth network. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Volunteers make hand sanitizer kits at a SFPA clinic. Syria Family Planning Association When the lockdown was announced SFPA had to stop running their mobile clinics but recently resumed this service. To keep the health facilities open they implemented a new shift rota for staff. The clinics are also following an extremely high-standard of sterilization procedures in all facilities to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus. SFPA started using social media to spread information on COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Belmar Franceshi, Executive Director Asociacion Civil de Planificacion Familiar “The work we do is very important – despite being in our homes, we continue to work, research and look for alternatives to serve the hundreds of people who daily seek our services. It is one more challenge that we must face and will strengthen our actions, our interventions and the activities we carry out daily with communities, women and girls.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Enusring client and staff safety with PPE Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines The Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines (FPOP) is working safely with PPE equipment to ensure uninterrupted access to antenatal care and family planning methods for women and young girls through their clinics. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Delivering essential healthcare to women Family Planning Association of Nepal With PPE and hygiene kits FPAN’s healthcare providers can safely engage in delivering essential care to communities, including counselling, contraception methods, safe abortion, HIV/STI care, obstetrics and gynaecology care and sexual and gender-based violence support. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Reaching local communities Family Health Association Bangladesh FPAB key health workers have continued to provide essential sexual and reproductive healthcare in local communities during COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Staff in PPE
story

| 28 March 2024

In pictures: Resilience and innovation in the face of COVID-19

Healthcare providers in their PPE Lebanon Association for Family Health (SALAMA) “After the extension of the general mobilization and in order to provide the services to the most in need population, we decided to re-open the clinic. For this purpose, we are developing a plan for the work during the next weeks, taking into consideration the protocols and procedures taken in Lebanon. This will include an isolation room before the consultation and an assessment of the patient’s status and any symptoms that may relate to the coronavirus. In addition to all the precaution procedures including separation, our clinic was sterilized by a specialized company.”Lina Sabra, the Executive Director of the Lebanese Association for Family Health (SALAMA) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Youth volunteers sort through medical donations China Family Planning Association The China Youth Network set up a donation working group and with the support of the China Family Planning Association and Hubei Family Planning Association, they received donations of menstruation supplies, and medical equipment. By March they had successfully donated 5,680 sanitary towels, 3,280 medical face shields, 1,200 hand disinfectants, 925 disposable beddings, 500 air disinfectants and some medical machines to 87 hospitals in Hubei Province. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Erbol, 17, is the chair of the youth committee of the Issyk-Kul branch Reproductive Health Alliance of Kyrgyzstan “At the present time we are using Instagram with detailed information about our organization and articles on sexual and reproductive health issues. We found new technologies and approaches to organize online meetings with the youth volunteers and planning of future branch activities through Zoom. It is planned to consider additional options in creation of channels on Telegram and Twitter because they are very popular among young people.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare providers put together hygiene kits for local communities Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka FPA Sri Lanka assembled 5,000 hygiene kits to be distributed to promote and enable frequent hand washing, personal hygiene and menstrual hygiene among vulnerable women and girls with limited incomes. These women and girls include mothers, widows with children, families who care for a member living with a disability, and women and girls living in slums during lockdown in high-risk areas for COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Healthcare outreach teams distribute contraception and hygiene kits Family Health Association Iran “To reduce the number of visits to our clinics, we made some changes in the way we deliver services. We provide counselling services through online systems and creating different groups for clients to provide online educational training about COVID-19 for them, as well as some components of life skills and SGBV. For the vulnerable groups including sex workers and substance users we distribute contraceptives, COVID-19 preventive packages, and food through the outreach team instead of static clinics.”Zahra Fathi, Executive Director of the Family Health Association Iran (FHA Iran) Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Outreach teams sanitize people's homes in remote communities Sudan Family Planning Association Staff at the Sudan Family Planning Association conduct outreach work in local communities, including offering to sanitize people's homes. Remote areas in Sudan with no medical services will be affected with discontinued mobile clinics services. Access to all family planning, antenatal care, and postnatal care services will be affected due to restricted movement. Sudan, as will many other countries, will be impacted by any decrease in activity in the supply chain for healthcare supplies. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email A watercolour entry for a social media art competition Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz “With our Youth Network we created an artistic competition on our FB and Instagram platforms on issues such as masturbation, menstruation, coming out, female genitalia, pornography. The aim is to enhance creativity and make young people reflect about sexual and reproductive health and rights in a creative way during the corona pandemic. The aim was also to offer something fun and positive in this difficult time.”Noemi, 24, is the co-founder and coordinator of Santé Sexuelle Suisse/Sexuelle Gesundheit Schweiz's youth network. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Volunteers make hand sanitizer kits at a SFPA clinic. Syria Family Planning Association When the lockdown was announced SFPA had to stop running their mobile clinics but recently resumed this service. To keep the health facilities open they implemented a new shift rota for staff. The clinics are also following an extremely high-standard of sterilization procedures in all facilities to reduce the risk of catching or spreading coronavirus. SFPA started using social media to spread information on COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Belmar Franceshi, Executive Director Asociacion Civil de Planificacion Familiar “The work we do is very important – despite being in our homes, we continue to work, research and look for alternatives to serve the hundreds of people who daily seek our services. It is one more challenge that we must face and will strengthen our actions, our interventions and the activities we carry out daily with communities, women and girls.” Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Enusring client and staff safety with PPE Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines The Family Planning Organisation of the Philippines (FPOP) is working safely with PPE equipment to ensure uninterrupted access to antenatal care and family planning methods for women and young girls through their clinics. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Delivering essential healthcare to women Family Planning Association of Nepal With PPE and hygiene kits FPAN’s healthcare providers can safely engage in delivering essential care to communities, including counselling, contraception methods, safe abortion, HIV/STI care, obstetrics and gynaecology care and sexual and gender-based violence support. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email Reaching local communities Family Health Association Bangladesh FPAB key health workers have continued to provide essential sexual and reproductive healthcare in local communities during COVID-19. Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Share via WhatsApp Share via Email

Sophia Abrafi, Midwife at the Mim Health Centre, 40
story

| 20 February 2020

“Teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease"

Midwife Sophia Abrafi sits at her desk, sorting her paperwork before another patient comes in looking for family planning services. The 40-year-old midwife welcomes each patient with a warm smile and when she talks, her passion for her work is clear.  At the Mim Health Centre, which is located in the Ahafo Region of Ghana, Abrafi says a sexual and reproductive health and right (SRHR) project through Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and the Danish Family Planning Association (DFPA) allows her to offer comprehensive SRH services to those in the community, especially young people. Before the project, launched in 2018, she used to have to refer people to a town about 20 minutes away for comprehensive abortion care. She had also seen many women coming in for post abortion care service after trying to self-administer an abortion. “It was causing a lot of harm in this community...those cases were a lot, they will get pregnant, and they themselves will try to abort.”   Providing care & services to young people Through the clinic, she speaks to young people about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. “Those who can’t [abstain] we offer them family planning services, so at least they can complete their schooling.” Offering these services is crucial in Mim, she says, because often young people are not aware of sexual and reproductive health risks.  “Some of them will even get pregnant in the first attempt, so at least explaining to the person what it is, what she should do, or what she should expect in that stage -is very helpful.” She has already seen progress.  “The young ones are coming. If the first one will come and you provide the service, she will go and inform the friends, and the friends will come.” Hairdresser Jennifer Osei, who is waiting to see Abrafi, is a testament to this. She did not learn about family planning at school. After a friend told her about the clinic, she has begun relying on staff like Abrafi to educate her. “I have come to take a family planning injection, it is my first time taking the injection. I have given birth to one child, and I don’t want to have many children now,” she says. Expanding services in Mim The SRHR project is working in three other clinics or health centres in Mim, including at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital. When midwife Sherifa, 28, heard about the SRHR project coming to Mim, she knew it would help her hospital better help the community. The hospital was only offering care for pregnancy complications and did little family planning work. Now, it is supplied with a range of family planning commodities, and the ability to do comprehensive abortion care, as well as education on SRHR. Being able to offer these services especially helps school girls to prevent unintended pregnancies and to continue at school, she says.  Sherifa also already sees success from this project, with young people now coming in for services, education and treatment of STIs. In the long term, she predicts many positive changes. “STI infection rates will decrease, teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease. The young people will now have more information about their sexual life in this community, as a result of the project.”

Sophia Abrafi, Midwife at the Mim Health Centre, 40
story

| 28 March 2024

“Teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease"

Midwife Sophia Abrafi sits at her desk, sorting her paperwork before another patient comes in looking for family planning services. The 40-year-old midwife welcomes each patient with a warm smile and when she talks, her passion for her work is clear.  At the Mim Health Centre, which is located in the Ahafo Region of Ghana, Abrafi says a sexual and reproductive health and right (SRHR) project through Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and the Danish Family Planning Association (DFPA) allows her to offer comprehensive SRH services to those in the community, especially young people. Before the project, launched in 2018, she used to have to refer people to a town about 20 minutes away for comprehensive abortion care. She had also seen many women coming in for post abortion care service after trying to self-administer an abortion. “It was causing a lot of harm in this community...those cases were a lot, they will get pregnant, and they themselves will try to abort.”   Providing care & services to young people Through the clinic, she speaks to young people about their sexual and reproductive health and rights. “Those who can’t [abstain] we offer them family planning services, so at least they can complete their schooling.” Offering these services is crucial in Mim, she says, because often young people are not aware of sexual and reproductive health risks.  “Some of them will even get pregnant in the first attempt, so at least explaining to the person what it is, what she should do, or what she should expect in that stage -is very helpful.” She has already seen progress.  “The young ones are coming. If the first one will come and you provide the service, she will go and inform the friends, and the friends will come.” Hairdresser Jennifer Osei, who is waiting to see Abrafi, is a testament to this. She did not learn about family planning at school. After a friend told her about the clinic, she has begun relying on staff like Abrafi to educate her. “I have come to take a family planning injection, it is my first time taking the injection. I have given birth to one child, and I don’t want to have many children now,” she says. Expanding services in Mim The SRHR project is working in three other clinics or health centres in Mim, including at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Hospital. When midwife Sherifa, 28, heard about the SRHR project coming to Mim, she knew it would help her hospital better help the community. The hospital was only offering care for pregnancy complications and did little family planning work. Now, it is supplied with a range of family planning commodities, and the ability to do comprehensive abortion care, as well as education on SRHR. Being able to offer these services especially helps school girls to prevent unintended pregnancies and to continue at school, she says.  Sherifa also already sees success from this project, with young people now coming in for services, education and treatment of STIs. In the long term, she predicts many positive changes. “STI infection rates will decrease, teenage pregnancies will decrease, unsafe abortions and deaths as a result of unsafe abortions will decrease. The young people will now have more information about their sexual life in this community, as a result of the project.”