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Camilo Jimenez

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Latest news from across the federation and our partners

Latest press releases

A selection of stories from across the Federation

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Burundi, Madagascar, Ethiopia, Zambia

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Major New Health Programme to Expand Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in East and Southern Africa

Nairobi, 23 September 2024 – A groundbreaking £75.125 million project has been announced by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and its partners, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Options, Ipas, and Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes, to transform sexual and reproductive health services across East and Southern Africa. This large-scale initiative will benefit seven countries, supporting millions of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia.
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| 24 September 2024

Major New Health Programme to Expand Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in East and Southern Africa

Nairobi, 23 September 2024 – A groundbreaking £75.125 million project has been announced by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and its partners, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Options, Ipas, and Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes, to transform sexual and reproductive health services across East and Southern Africa. This large-scale initiative will benefit seven countries, supporting millions of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia. This programme, known as Women’s Integrated Sexual Health 2 (WISH 2) Lot 2, is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). As part of FCDO WISH Dividend, it builds on the successes of FCDO’s £272 million Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (2018-2024) programme, which spanned 27 countries across Africa and Asia. Over its lifespan, the first WISH programme supported over an estimated 16.9 million women and girls, helping them gain access to critical SRHR services. FCDO’s continued partnership with IPPF for this next phase of WISH was unveiled by FCDO's Chris Carter, on behalf of the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event, “SRHR: Securing reproductive choice for the next generation.” Announcing FCDO’s partnerships with IPPF, MSI Reproductive Choices and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Chris Carter noted the new programme will play a critical role in increasing women's voice, choice and control across 13 countries in Africa.” With the goal of delivering over seven million ‘couple years protection,’ the programme will address critical healthcare gaps, promote reproductive choice, and tackle harmful social norms. It will also provide urgent support to improve policies, strengthen health systems, and safeguard the reproductive rights of women and girls, especially in areas affected by conflict and displacement. At the heart of this initiative is a focus on reaching the most marginalised groups, including young women and girls under 20, those living in poverty, people with disabilities, and communities in conflict zones. Importantly, WISH2 will also work to improve access to safe abortion care and counteract the growing threats to women’s and girls' sexual and reproductive health rights. IPPF Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo emphasised the critical need to protect and expand access to SRHR. “WISH2 will continue our mission of empowering women and girls across Africa to unlock their full potential. We will not only tackle the rollback of SRHR rights but also strengthen disability inclusion while delivering sustainable healthcare solutions,” said Dr Bermejo. “We’re grateful to the UK Government for their unwavering support in this important work.” Elshafie Mohamed Ali, Executive Director of Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) said “WISH2 is essential given Sudan’s current circumstances, particularly the ongoing conflict since April 15, 2023. The programme addresses the growing need for sexual and reproductive health services, offering crucial support to vulnerable communities amidst increasing instability and humanitarian challenges.” Chris Carter, Deputy Director, Head of Human Development Department, highlighted the impact of this new initiative: “Access to sexual and reproductive health services saves lives, empowers women and girls, and supports education, transforming lives and entire livelihoods. This project will amplify women’s voice, choice, and control across Africa, and we are proud to partner with IPPF and African organizations in this critical mission.” For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]  

wish_mozambique_84981_amodefa_mozambique_amodefa_mozambique
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| 24 September 2024

Major New Health Programme to Expand Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in East and Southern Africa

Nairobi, 23 September 2024 – A groundbreaking £75.125 million project has been announced by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and its partners, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Options, Ipas, and Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes, to transform sexual and reproductive health services across East and Southern Africa. This large-scale initiative will benefit seven countries, supporting millions of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia. This programme, known as Women’s Integrated Sexual Health 2 (WISH 2) Lot 2, is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). As part of FCDO WISH Dividend, it builds on the successes of FCDO’s £272 million Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (2018-2024) programme, which spanned 27 countries across Africa and Asia. Over its lifespan, the first WISH programme supported over an estimated 16.9 million women and girls, helping them gain access to critical SRHR services. FCDO’s continued partnership with IPPF for this next phase of WISH was unveiled by FCDO's Chris Carter, on behalf of the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event, “SRHR: Securing reproductive choice for the next generation.” Announcing FCDO’s partnerships with IPPF, MSI Reproductive Choices and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Chris Carter noted the new programme will play a critical role in increasing women's voice, choice and control across 13 countries in Africa.” With the goal of delivering over seven million ‘couple years protection,’ the programme will address critical healthcare gaps, promote reproductive choice, and tackle harmful social norms. It will also provide urgent support to improve policies, strengthen health systems, and safeguard the reproductive rights of women and girls, especially in areas affected by conflict and displacement. At the heart of this initiative is a focus on reaching the most marginalised groups, including young women and girls under 20, those living in poverty, people with disabilities, and communities in conflict zones. Importantly, WISH2 will also work to improve access to safe abortion care and counteract the growing threats to women’s and girls' sexual and reproductive health rights. IPPF Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo emphasised the critical need to protect and expand access to SRHR. “WISH2 will continue our mission of empowering women and girls across Africa to unlock their full potential. We will not only tackle the rollback of SRHR rights but also strengthen disability inclusion while delivering sustainable healthcare solutions,” said Dr Bermejo. “We’re grateful to the UK Government for their unwavering support in this important work.” Elshafie Mohamed Ali, Executive Director of Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) said “WISH2 is essential given Sudan’s current circumstances, particularly the ongoing conflict since April 15, 2023. The programme addresses the growing need for sexual and reproductive health services, offering crucial support to vulnerable communities amidst increasing instability and humanitarian challenges.” Chris Carter, Deputy Director, Head of Human Development Department, highlighted the impact of this new initiative: “Access to sexual and reproductive health services saves lives, empowers women and girls, and supports education, transforming lives and entire livelihoods. This project will amplify women’s voice, choice, and control across Africa, and we are proud to partner with IPPF and African organizations in this critical mission.” For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]  

Femicide in Africa
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| 11 September 2024

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa Nairobi, 11 September 2024 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) notes with grave concern the alarming rise of femicide across Africa, underscored by the recent murder of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei by her former partner. This tragic killing is a stark reminder of the growing epidemic of violence against women on the continent and globally. Femicide—the gender-based killing of women—is rooted in systemic misogyny and patriarchy. According to UN Women, 89,000 women and girls were murdered globally in 2022, the highest figure recorded in 20 years, however it is likely that these figures are significantly underreported. Furthermore, the African continent has the highest rate of femicide globally. More than half of these women were killed by intimate partners or family members, and this violence continues to thrive under a global culture of impunity. “Violence against women and girls is among the least prosecuted and punished crimes in the world,” noted the UN Assembly (Resolution no. 70/176). This impunity must stop, and governments must take immediate steps to address the issue. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director, states, “Femicide is not just a women's issue—it is a human rights issue. Governments must invest in women-led strategies that have proven to prevent violence against women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable. The lack of standardized data and consistent reporting across regions only perpetuates this crisis. Additionally, marginalized women, such as LGBTIQ+ individuals, women with disabilities, female sex workers, and women living in precarious situations such as refugees and internally displaced women, face a heightened risk of femicide. The lives of women and girls are at stake, and the time for action is now”. Patriarchy fuels femicide, and when combined with systematic issues such as capitalism, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of support systems geared toward girls and women, results in the marginalization and ongoing violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. IPPFAR, through the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Project—funded by the French Development Agency and French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs—provides financial and technical assistance to feminist civil society organizations working to end gender-based violence and achieve gender equality. Collaborating with women’s rights organizations like Feminists in Kenya, The Wangu Kanja Foundation, Smart Ladies Youth Initiative, FON and IPPFAR are committed to dismantling discriminatory gender norms, engaging men and boys in the fight against patriarchy, and advocating for systemic change. Tatiana Gicheru from Feminists in Kenya, an organisation supported by the FON Project, shares her frustration: “Feminists in Kenya recognizes femicide as a violent manifestation of patriarchal power, and we remain dedicated to dismantling structures that enable all forms of violence against women in all their diversities. We urge the Kenyan Government to act decisively on our demands shared during the 2019 and 2024 nationwide anti-femicide marches. Enough is enough!” IPPF Africa and its partners urge Governments across Africa and the world to act decisively to end femicide. END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920    ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.   ABOUT FEMINISTS IN KENYA Feminists in Kenya is a social movement of Feminist and Queer activists committed to achieving gender justice. As organizers of the #TotalShutdownKe march against femicide, they are focused on mobilizing and organizing with women across Kenya to challenge systemic and interpersonal oppression. Founded on Community, Joy and Resistance, their vision is a world where women, in all their diversities, can live free from systemic violence in both public and private spaces.   ABOUT THE FEMINIST OPPORTUNITIES NOW (FON) PROJECT The objective of the project Feminist Opportunities Now (FON), is to build the capacity of women's movements, via sub-grants to feminist organisations, with a particular effort to reaching small, even non-registered organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The programme is developed based on an ecological model, using multi-disciplinary gender-transformative approaches. In addition to direct and flexible sub-granting (for € 7 million), FON also provides a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings specifically tailored to their needs. FON also supports feminist organisations to identify other/diverse sources of funding and includes a research-action component to understand how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Website: Feminist Opportunities Now

Femicide in Africa
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| 11 September 2024

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa Nairobi, 11 September 2024 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) notes with grave concern the alarming rise of femicide across Africa, underscored by the recent murder of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei by her former partner. This tragic killing is a stark reminder of the growing epidemic of violence against women on the continent and globally. Femicide—the gender-based killing of women—is rooted in systemic misogyny and patriarchy. According to UN Women, 89,000 women and girls were murdered globally in 2022, the highest figure recorded in 20 years, however it is likely that these figures are significantly underreported. Furthermore, the African continent has the highest rate of femicide globally. More than half of these women were killed by intimate partners or family members, and this violence continues to thrive under a global culture of impunity. “Violence against women and girls is among the least prosecuted and punished crimes in the world,” noted the UN Assembly (Resolution no. 70/176). This impunity must stop, and governments must take immediate steps to address the issue. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director, states, “Femicide is not just a women's issue—it is a human rights issue. Governments must invest in women-led strategies that have proven to prevent violence against women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable. The lack of standardized data and consistent reporting across regions only perpetuates this crisis. Additionally, marginalized women, such as LGBTIQ+ individuals, women with disabilities, female sex workers, and women living in precarious situations such as refugees and internally displaced women, face a heightened risk of femicide. The lives of women and girls are at stake, and the time for action is now”. Patriarchy fuels femicide, and when combined with systematic issues such as capitalism, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of support systems geared toward girls and women, results in the marginalization and ongoing violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. IPPFAR, through the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Project—funded by the French Development Agency and French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs—provides financial and technical assistance to feminist civil society organizations working to end gender-based violence and achieve gender equality. Collaborating with women’s rights organizations like Feminists in Kenya, The Wangu Kanja Foundation, Smart Ladies Youth Initiative, FON and IPPFAR are committed to dismantling discriminatory gender norms, engaging men and boys in the fight against patriarchy, and advocating for systemic change. Tatiana Gicheru from Feminists in Kenya, an organisation supported by the FON Project, shares her frustration: “Feminists in Kenya recognizes femicide as a violent manifestation of patriarchal power, and we remain dedicated to dismantling structures that enable all forms of violence against women in all their diversities. We urge the Kenyan Government to act decisively on our demands shared during the 2019 and 2024 nationwide anti-femicide marches. Enough is enough!” IPPF Africa and its partners urge Governments across Africa and the world to act decisively to end femicide. END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920    ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.   ABOUT FEMINISTS IN KENYA Feminists in Kenya is a social movement of Feminist and Queer activists committed to achieving gender justice. As organizers of the #TotalShutdownKe march against femicide, they are focused on mobilizing and organizing with women across Kenya to challenge systemic and interpersonal oppression. Founded on Community, Joy and Resistance, their vision is a world where women, in all their diversities, can live free from systemic violence in both public and private spaces.   ABOUT THE FEMINIST OPPORTUNITIES NOW (FON) PROJECT The objective of the project Feminist Opportunities Now (FON), is to build the capacity of women's movements, via sub-grants to feminist organisations, with a particular effort to reaching small, even non-registered organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The programme is developed based on an ecological model, using multi-disciplinary gender-transformative approaches. In addition to direct and flexible sub-granting (for € 7 million), FON also provides a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings specifically tailored to their needs. FON also supports feminist organisations to identify other/diverse sources of funding and includes a research-action component to understand how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Website: Feminist Opportunities Now

Eswatini MA
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| 27 August 2024

Eswatini to roll out first women-controlled HIV prevention product

Eswatini (27 August 2024) - IPPF’s Member Association in Eswatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), is soon to roll out the first women-controlled HIV prevention product, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR). FLAS will be among the first organisations to offer the DVR outside implementation or pilot studies anywhere in the world. Made of flexible silicone, the ring is inserted into the vagina by a woman and slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV. In 2023, in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections and every week, 3,100 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years became infected with HIV. Therefore, there continues to be an urgent need for HIV prevention methods that females can use to protect themselves. The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month. The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception. The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention. This need for women-controlled HIV prevention products has long been advocated for, with the African Women Prevention Community Accountability Board launching the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto in early 2023. The Choice Manifesto prioritises the principle of choice to ensure that women and girls have the right to choose which HIV prevention methods work for them. Currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.  Diantha Pillay, Associate Director for Product Access for IPM South Africa NPC (an affiliate of the Population Council), said:  “It is encouraging to see the efforts made by FLAS and IPPF to support the choice agenda for HIV prevention for women and make effective HIV prevention methods, like the DVR, more widely accessible in a real-world setting. We hope this can pave the way for introduction of future pipeline products that speak to the needs of women.” The Population Council is currently developing a longer duration DVR that women would use for three months versus one month to significantly lower annual product costs and offer women a more convenient option to protect themselves. Thabo Lizwe Masuku, Programs Manager for FLAS, said: “Women have been telling us for a long time that  there is a need for a variety of methods for HIV prevention, since they are highly exposed. For women and girls to truly have choice about what works for them as they navigate different stages and circumstances of their lives, policy makers, donors, governments and implementers must ensure the mix of HIV prevention methods are available, accessible, and affordable. Access to the ring through our clinics in Eswatini now gives women choice and options to protect themselves against HIV.” IPPF is committed to ensuring that choice in HIV prevention is a reality for women and girls and aims to roll out the dapivirine vaginal rings at as many Member Associations as possible, as well as offer other HIV-prevention choices, as we work alongside our partners towards a future free of HIV in Africa and beyond.   For more information and to speak to staff in Eswatini, please email [email protected]   Notes: The dapivirine vaginal ring has been recommended by the WHO since January 2021. (25) In clinical trials, the  ring was shown to reduce HIV infection by 35% in The Ring Study (26,27) and 27% in the ASPIRE Study. (28,29) Recent open-label studies show greater adherence to the ring, and modelling data suggest that HIV risk could be reduced by about 50%. (30) The dapivirine ring has received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as from local medicines regulators in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana and is currently under regulatory review in a number of other countries Our Member Associations (MAs) that provide clinical services are required to provide comprehensive SRH services through our Integrated Package of Essential Services (IPES) which include services for sexual health and well-being, contraception, abortion care, sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV, obstetrics and gynaecology, fertility support, and sexual and gender-based violence. IPPF’s new five-year strategy, Come Together, focuses on expanding choice. In support of this, we recently launched a special programme to expand our HIV prevention options, which aims to integrate the newest HIV prevention methods – the vaginal ring and injectable PrEP - into our comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.  IPPF’s IMAP Statement on Biomedical HIV Prevention can be found here. About the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS)  For over 30 years, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) has provided sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the people of Eswatini (formally Swaziland). While family planning, antenatal, post-natal and post-abortion care form a key part of FLAS services, there’s a significant focus on HIV and AIDS programmes. Eswatini has some of the highest HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in the world. As a result, the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS, the provision of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) are central to FLAS’s work. FLAS has 15 service points, including three permanent clinics and three mobile facilities, staffed by a permanent team of 40 staff backed by 230 volunteers, 180 Youth Action Movement members and 29 peer educators. About the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sex education, provision of contraceptives, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises.  We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially no matter how remote. Our services are available to all, and reach the most marginalised groups in societies, including key and priority populations, youth, and people with disabilities. Most of our MAs have special programs to engage youth (10-24) inside and outside of school settings. Because our clinics offer comprehensive services, attending our clinics is non-stigmatizing and does not label people as having a particular disease or membership to a particular group. This model of services that are integrated and open to all, embedded in indigenous, locally owned organisations, is ideal for ensuring that the most vulnerable and marginalised groups can access the HIV prevention services they need. About the Population Council The Population Council is a leading research organization dedicated to building an equitable and sustainable world that enhances the health and well-being of current and future generations. The Council transforms global thinking on critical health and development issues through social science, public health, and biomedical research. We generate ideas, produce evidence, and design solutions to improve the lives of underserved populations around the world.  

Eswatini MA
media_center

| 27 August 2024

Eswatini to roll out first women-controlled HIV prevention product

Eswatini (27 August 2024) - IPPF’s Member Association in Eswatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), is soon to roll out the first women-controlled HIV prevention product, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR). FLAS will be among the first organisations to offer the DVR outside implementation or pilot studies anywhere in the world. Made of flexible silicone, the ring is inserted into the vagina by a woman and slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV. In 2023, in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections and every week, 3,100 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years became infected with HIV. Therefore, there continues to be an urgent need for HIV prevention methods that females can use to protect themselves. The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month. The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception. The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention. This need for women-controlled HIV prevention products has long been advocated for, with the African Women Prevention Community Accountability Board launching the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto in early 2023. The Choice Manifesto prioritises the principle of choice to ensure that women and girls have the right to choose which HIV prevention methods work for them. Currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.  Diantha Pillay, Associate Director for Product Access for IPM South Africa NPC (an affiliate of the Population Council), said:  “It is encouraging to see the efforts made by FLAS and IPPF to support the choice agenda for HIV prevention for women and make effective HIV prevention methods, like the DVR, more widely accessible in a real-world setting. We hope this can pave the way for introduction of future pipeline products that speak to the needs of women.” The Population Council is currently developing a longer duration DVR that women would use for three months versus one month to significantly lower annual product costs and offer women a more convenient option to protect themselves. Thabo Lizwe Masuku, Programs Manager for FLAS, said: “Women have been telling us for a long time that  there is a need for a variety of methods for HIV prevention, since they are highly exposed. For women and girls to truly have choice about what works for them as they navigate different stages and circumstances of their lives, policy makers, donors, governments and implementers must ensure the mix of HIV prevention methods are available, accessible, and affordable. Access to the ring through our clinics in Eswatini now gives women choice and options to protect themselves against HIV.” IPPF is committed to ensuring that choice in HIV prevention is a reality for women and girls and aims to roll out the dapivirine vaginal rings at as many Member Associations as possible, as well as offer other HIV-prevention choices, as we work alongside our partners towards a future free of HIV in Africa and beyond.   For more information and to speak to staff in Eswatini, please email [email protected]   Notes: The dapivirine vaginal ring has been recommended by the WHO since January 2021. (25) In clinical trials, the  ring was shown to reduce HIV infection by 35% in The Ring Study (26,27) and 27% in the ASPIRE Study. (28,29) Recent open-label studies show greater adherence to the ring, and modelling data suggest that HIV risk could be reduced by about 50%. (30) The dapivirine ring has received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as from local medicines regulators in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana and is currently under regulatory review in a number of other countries Our Member Associations (MAs) that provide clinical services are required to provide comprehensive SRH services through our Integrated Package of Essential Services (IPES) which include services for sexual health and well-being, contraception, abortion care, sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV, obstetrics and gynaecology, fertility support, and sexual and gender-based violence. IPPF’s new five-year strategy, Come Together, focuses on expanding choice. In support of this, we recently launched a special programme to expand our HIV prevention options, which aims to integrate the newest HIV prevention methods – the vaginal ring and injectable PrEP - into our comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.  IPPF’s IMAP Statement on Biomedical HIV Prevention can be found here. About the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS)  For over 30 years, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) has provided sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the people of Eswatini (formally Swaziland). While family planning, antenatal, post-natal and post-abortion care form a key part of FLAS services, there’s a significant focus on HIV and AIDS programmes. Eswatini has some of the highest HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in the world. As a result, the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS, the provision of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) are central to FLAS’s work. FLAS has 15 service points, including three permanent clinics and three mobile facilities, staffed by a permanent team of 40 staff backed by 230 volunteers, 180 Youth Action Movement members and 29 peer educators. About the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sex education, provision of contraceptives, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises.  We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially no matter how remote. Our services are available to all, and reach the most marginalised groups in societies, including key and priority populations, youth, and people with disabilities. Most of our MAs have special programs to engage youth (10-24) inside and outside of school settings. Because our clinics offer comprehensive services, attending our clinics is non-stigmatizing and does not label people as having a particular disease or membership to a particular group. This model of services that are integrated and open to all, embedded in indigenous, locally owned organisations, is ideal for ensuring that the most vulnerable and marginalised groups can access the HIV prevention services they need. About the Population Council The Population Council is a leading research organization dedicated to building an equitable and sustainable world that enhances the health and well-being of current and future generations. The Council transforms global thinking on critical health and development issues through social science, public health, and biomedical research. We generate ideas, produce evidence, and design solutions to improve the lives of underserved populations around the world.  

Statement visual
media center

| 04 July 2024

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release  4 July 2024, Nairobi, Kenya: On 8 June 2024, the Ministry of Health and Social Action, Senegal, issued a statement titled ‘On the dangers of induced abortions’ (‘Sur les dangers des avortements provoqués’).   While the Senegalese Ministry of Health is correct in warning its citizens of the dangers of unsafe abortions, we are concerned about the interchangeable use of the terminologies “induced abortions”, “clandestine abortions”, and “unsafe abortions” in the statement. Senegal’s penal code completely prohibits the termination of pregnancy, while the medical code of ethics allows an abortion if three doctors agree that it is necessary to save a woman’s life. Such restrictive laws lead to clandestine abortions, while unsafe abortions refer to procedures done by an unskilled provider in a manner that does not adhere to WHO guidelines.  “IPPF Africa reiterates that abortions are a safe medical procedure when provided by a trained provider or when a person has access to high quality medication, information and support to safely undergo a medical abortion”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.  The statement makes clear the Government’s concern for the health and wellbeing of women and girls, therefore IPPFAR urges the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal to recognise that without access to safe abortion care, women will continue to suffer and seek life-threatening alternatives.  Legally restricting abortion does not reduce rates of abortion, instead, they increase the rates of unsafe abortion and the associated risks including high rates of maternal mortality, which runs counter to the aims of the Senegalese Government as outlined in its press release.   Access to safe abortion services is grounded in international legal frameworks and standards, supported by fundamental human rights principles.  “We encourage  the Senegalese Government to recommit to its obligations under the Maputo Protocol which it ratified in 2005, particularly Article 14(2)(c), which says that States must protect the reproductive rights of women including legally permitting abortion care in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health of the mother or the life of the mother or foetus”, added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry.  Access to legal and safe abortion reduces preventable maternal mortality. IPPF Africa supports the call by local civil society organisations to break the stereotypes around abortion while also providing accurate health-based information.     END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920 ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.    

Statement visual
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| 04 July 2024

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release  4 July 2024, Nairobi, Kenya: On 8 June 2024, the Ministry of Health and Social Action, Senegal, issued a statement titled ‘On the dangers of induced abortions’ (‘Sur les dangers des avortements provoqués’).   While the Senegalese Ministry of Health is correct in warning its citizens of the dangers of unsafe abortions, we are concerned about the interchangeable use of the terminologies “induced abortions”, “clandestine abortions”, and “unsafe abortions” in the statement. Senegal’s penal code completely prohibits the termination of pregnancy, while the medical code of ethics allows an abortion if three doctors agree that it is necessary to save a woman’s life. Such restrictive laws lead to clandestine abortions, while unsafe abortions refer to procedures done by an unskilled provider in a manner that does not adhere to WHO guidelines.  “IPPF Africa reiterates that abortions are a safe medical procedure when provided by a trained provider or when a person has access to high quality medication, information and support to safely undergo a medical abortion”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.  The statement makes clear the Government’s concern for the health and wellbeing of women and girls, therefore IPPFAR urges the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal to recognise that without access to safe abortion care, women will continue to suffer and seek life-threatening alternatives.  Legally restricting abortion does not reduce rates of abortion, instead, they increase the rates of unsafe abortion and the associated risks including high rates of maternal mortality, which runs counter to the aims of the Senegalese Government as outlined in its press release.   Access to safe abortion services is grounded in international legal frameworks and standards, supported by fundamental human rights principles.  “We encourage  the Senegalese Government to recommit to its obligations under the Maputo Protocol which it ratified in 2005, particularly Article 14(2)(c), which says that States must protect the reproductive rights of women including legally permitting abortion care in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health of the mother or the life of the mother or foetus”, added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry.  Access to legal and safe abortion reduces preventable maternal mortality. IPPF Africa supports the call by local civil society organisations to break the stereotypes around abortion while also providing accurate health-based information.     END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920 ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.    

Two Years Post Roe v Wade
media center

| 24 June 2024

Two Years Post-Roe: Africa's Path to Reproductive Justice

By Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry and Mallah Tabot June 24th this year marks the second anniversary of the repeal of Roe v. Wade, a seismic shift in the landscape of reproductive rights that has reverberated far beyond the borders of the United States. In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 ruling which had established a woman's legal right under the US Constitution to have an abortion. This repeal has had global repercussions, further emboldening anti-abortion movements, and influencing reproductive rights debates, policies, funding, and services. In Africa, not only did it send shockwaves, but has also prompted a reflection and re-evaluation of our role as African stakeholders in shaping the future of reproductive rights everywhere on the continent. In many countries on the continent where access to abortion care is already fraught with challenges, this development serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of reproductive rights. It highlights the danger of complacency and the need for vigilance in protecting and advancing these rights and reminds us that abortion is not a moral issue for debate, it is healthcare, and a fundamental human right. While the repeal has sparked renewed activism and advocacy for rights actors on the continent, it has also further emboldened conservative factions and a growing anti-rights movement to push for more restrictive laws and policies through novel tactics to further their agenda. Under the guise of protecting the family, anti-abortion narratives are used as entry points to infiltrate political, legislative and advocacy spaces to roll back hard-won gains.   Even going as far as setting up alternative research institutions in Africa to generate quasi-scientific evidence to counter reputed research bodies like the Guttmacher Institute. Increasingly, a key tactic is the weaponizing of First Ladies to further the anti-rights agenda. In Kenya, the National Family Protection Policy, drafted by a major anti-rights group, Citizen Go was launched by the First Lady, despite not undergoing public participation and receiving lots of criticism from rights actors. In Uganda, the Geneva Consensus declaration, an anti-abortion joint statement is making inroads in the country through its affiliation with the First Lady, even though the “Consensus” has no legal or policy underpinning. This trajectory underscores a critical reality: Nothing is safe, our continent is a battleground for the ideological struggles taking place elsewhere in the world, sadly, our human rights, including SRHR are at the highest risk. We must forge our own path, grounded in the unique political contexts of our nations through our partnerships with local organizations and governments. As one of the leading voices on SRHR advocacy and services in Africa, IPPF believes now is the time for Africa to assert its leadership in the global fight for reproductive justice. In collaboration with other key actors on the continent and beyond, IPPF is committed to continue playing a pivotal role in the SRHR landscape of Africa. We will continue to expand access to abortion care, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized, comprehensive sexuality education, contraceptive services and reaching those in humanitarian settings. Despite these efforts, much work remains. The disparities in access and the entrenched stigma surrounding abortion care continue to hinder our progress. One of the key initiatives we are proud to be part of is the CATALYSTS Consortium,  which was born out of this landmark ruling in June 2022. Following the ruling, IPPF Africa Region, Ipas Africa Alliance, Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa, Population Council Kenya and FIGO came together to discuss the ruling’s implications on the continent and consider the case for an abortion consortium that might more effectively protect and promote abortion rights in Africa. Launching on June 27th, the Consortium has set an ambitious and unambiguously comprehensive vision for abortion care for all in Africa. This type of organic consortium on abortion has not yet been attempted. As African thought leaders, field builders and a vehicle for driving accountability, we are a Consortium of the brave with a track record of never backtracking. Our solution is powerful, impactful, and led by those doing the work while building an African critical mass that can effectively open doors, advocate more strongly and underpin bolder action. CATALYSTS is Africa-led, committed to decolonizing, and reframing the discourse around abortion rights in Africa by centring African perspectives, experiences, and voices. But we cannot achieve our goals in isolation. It is imperative that African governments, activists, youth groups and other civil society groups recognize the urgency of prioritizing reproductive rights. Governments must decriminalize abortion, ensure access to contraceptives, and protect the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and rights. Cross-border activist solidarity is imperative if we must move the needle on reproductive justice, and young people should be recognized as not just a passive group with SRHR needs but as critical actors at the centre of the journey towards reproductive justice. IPPF ARO stands ready to champion this charge, but we need the support and collaboration of governments, communities, and international partners. CATALYSTS launches on June 27th after close to two years of consultation, course correction, investment, and realignment. I invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life, which will be marked by the unveiling of the website, Theory of Change, and call to action. It promises to be a celebration of our collective achievements and a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. As we mark the second anniversary of the Roe v. Wade repeal, the stakes could not be higher for African SRHR actors. The urgent need for a unified and proactive approach to safeguard and advance reproductive rights on the continent is imperative as the path forward requires bold action, unwavering commitment, and a collective direction. For us, the lesson is clear: They are coming for us, bolder, stronger, and more organized, and we cannot depend on the legal frameworks or political will of foreign nations to safeguard our reproductive rights. Instead, we must strike back and reclaim our narrative, and enforce our own robust policies that reflect the needs and realities of our people.  

Two Years Post Roe v Wade
media_center

| 24 June 2024

Two Years Post-Roe: Africa's Path to Reproductive Justice

By Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry and Mallah Tabot June 24th this year marks the second anniversary of the repeal of Roe v. Wade, a seismic shift in the landscape of reproductive rights that has reverberated far beyond the borders of the United States. In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 ruling which had established a woman's legal right under the US Constitution to have an abortion. This repeal has had global repercussions, further emboldening anti-abortion movements, and influencing reproductive rights debates, policies, funding, and services. In Africa, not only did it send shockwaves, but has also prompted a reflection and re-evaluation of our role as African stakeholders in shaping the future of reproductive rights everywhere on the continent. In many countries on the continent where access to abortion care is already fraught with challenges, this development serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of reproductive rights. It highlights the danger of complacency and the need for vigilance in protecting and advancing these rights and reminds us that abortion is not a moral issue for debate, it is healthcare, and a fundamental human right. While the repeal has sparked renewed activism and advocacy for rights actors on the continent, it has also further emboldened conservative factions and a growing anti-rights movement to push for more restrictive laws and policies through novel tactics to further their agenda. Under the guise of protecting the family, anti-abortion narratives are used as entry points to infiltrate political, legislative and advocacy spaces to roll back hard-won gains.   Even going as far as setting up alternative research institutions in Africa to generate quasi-scientific evidence to counter reputed research bodies like the Guttmacher Institute. Increasingly, a key tactic is the weaponizing of First Ladies to further the anti-rights agenda. In Kenya, the National Family Protection Policy, drafted by a major anti-rights group, Citizen Go was launched by the First Lady, despite not undergoing public participation and receiving lots of criticism from rights actors. In Uganda, the Geneva Consensus declaration, an anti-abortion joint statement is making inroads in the country through its affiliation with the First Lady, even though the “Consensus” has no legal or policy underpinning. This trajectory underscores a critical reality: Nothing is safe, our continent is a battleground for the ideological struggles taking place elsewhere in the world, sadly, our human rights, including SRHR are at the highest risk. We must forge our own path, grounded in the unique political contexts of our nations through our partnerships with local organizations and governments. As one of the leading voices on SRHR advocacy and services in Africa, IPPF believes now is the time for Africa to assert its leadership in the global fight for reproductive justice. In collaboration with other key actors on the continent and beyond, IPPF is committed to continue playing a pivotal role in the SRHR landscape of Africa. We will continue to expand access to abortion care, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized, comprehensive sexuality education, contraceptive services and reaching those in humanitarian settings. Despite these efforts, much work remains. The disparities in access and the entrenched stigma surrounding abortion care continue to hinder our progress. One of the key initiatives we are proud to be part of is the CATALYSTS Consortium,  which was born out of this landmark ruling in June 2022. Following the ruling, IPPF Africa Region, Ipas Africa Alliance, Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa, Population Council Kenya and FIGO came together to discuss the ruling’s implications on the continent and consider the case for an abortion consortium that might more effectively protect and promote abortion rights in Africa. Launching on June 27th, the Consortium has set an ambitious and unambiguously comprehensive vision for abortion care for all in Africa. This type of organic consortium on abortion has not yet been attempted. As African thought leaders, field builders and a vehicle for driving accountability, we are a Consortium of the brave with a track record of never backtracking. Our solution is powerful, impactful, and led by those doing the work while building an African critical mass that can effectively open doors, advocate more strongly and underpin bolder action. CATALYSTS is Africa-led, committed to decolonizing, and reframing the discourse around abortion rights in Africa by centring African perspectives, experiences, and voices. But we cannot achieve our goals in isolation. It is imperative that African governments, activists, youth groups and other civil society groups recognize the urgency of prioritizing reproductive rights. Governments must decriminalize abortion, ensure access to contraceptives, and protect the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and rights. Cross-border activist solidarity is imperative if we must move the needle on reproductive justice, and young people should be recognized as not just a passive group with SRHR needs but as critical actors at the centre of the journey towards reproductive justice. IPPF ARO stands ready to champion this charge, but we need the support and collaboration of governments, communities, and international partners. CATALYSTS launches on June 27th after close to two years of consultation, course correction, investment, and realignment. I invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life, which will be marked by the unveiling of the website, Theory of Change, and call to action. It promises to be a celebration of our collective achievements and a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. As we mark the second anniversary of the Roe v. Wade repeal, the stakes could not be higher for African SRHR actors. The urgent need for a unified and proactive approach to safeguard and advance reproductive rights on the continent is imperative as the path forward requires bold action, unwavering commitment, and a collective direction. For us, the lesson is clear: They are coming for us, bolder, stronger, and more organized, and we cannot depend on the legal frameworks or political will of foreign nations to safeguard our reproductive rights. Instead, we must strike back and reclaim our narrative, and enforce our own robust policies that reflect the needs and realities of our people.  

Namibia
media center

| 21 June 2024

IPPFAR Statement on the Historic Ruling of the Namibian High Court

June 21, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya - History was made today as the High Court of Namibia declared the apartheid-era sodomy law unconstitutional. The ruling also struck down all references to sodomy in other laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act, the Defense Act, and the Immigration Control Act. This monumental decision represents a significant step towards achieving a free and equal Namibia, creating a unified safe space for the LGBTQI+ community. It marks the beginning of ensuring rights, respect, and dignity for LGBTQI+ persons in the country.  Namibia has a long-standing history of LGBTQI+ activism, highlighted by several landmark court cases. This latest ruling in the Friedel Dausab case, which challenged the constitutionality of the sodomy law is a testament to the relentless efforts of activists and allies who have worked tirelessly to secure equality and justice for all.  The now repealed law is a relic of the colonial era, however in many countries across Africa such laws have continued to be used to target marginalised and vulnerable groups long into independence. Therefore, this ruling is both a win for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, and the continued struggle for Africa’s independence.  “We recognize the deeply entrenched impact of colonialism on the sexuality of Africans, and this court ruling is a testament not just to this win but also to breaking free from discriminatory colonial imprints within the African region. It symbolizes the collapse of a long history of colonial oppression and the restoration of dignity, pride, autonomy, and freedom for LGBTQI+ Namibians and Africans at large”. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Regional Director, Africa  Omar van Reenen, a Namibian civil rights activist and Executive Director of Equal Namibia, made a statement right after the court's declaration: "A new dawn is upon us, and equality and liberation are here. After 33 years of independence, queer people have been shackled by the colonial and apartheid-era law. The High Court today has given us a beacon of hope by declaring that these outdated laws have no place in a free Namibia. They have affirmed that we are equal citizens with every right and liberty enshrined in the constitution."  The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region is celebrating alongside activists, allies, and the entire LGBTQI+ community in Namibia. This victory signifies hope and the possibilities of freedom rippling through the African continent. 

Namibia
media_center

| 10 November 2024

IPPFAR Statement on the Historic Ruling of the Namibian High Court

June 21, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya - History was made today as the High Court of Namibia declared the apartheid-era sodomy law unconstitutional. The ruling also struck down all references to sodomy in other laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act, the Defense Act, and the Immigration Control Act. This monumental decision represents a significant step towards achieving a free and equal Namibia, creating a unified safe space for the LGBTQI+ community. It marks the beginning of ensuring rights, respect, and dignity for LGBTQI+ persons in the country.  Namibia has a long-standing history of LGBTQI+ activism, highlighted by several landmark court cases. This latest ruling in the Friedel Dausab case, which challenged the constitutionality of the sodomy law is a testament to the relentless efforts of activists and allies who have worked tirelessly to secure equality and justice for all.  The now repealed law is a relic of the colonial era, however in many countries across Africa such laws have continued to be used to target marginalised and vulnerable groups long into independence. Therefore, this ruling is both a win for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, and the continued struggle for Africa’s independence.  “We recognize the deeply entrenched impact of colonialism on the sexuality of Africans, and this court ruling is a testament not just to this win but also to breaking free from discriminatory colonial imprints within the African region. It symbolizes the collapse of a long history of colonial oppression and the restoration of dignity, pride, autonomy, and freedom for LGBTQI+ Namibians and Africans at large”. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Regional Director, Africa  Omar van Reenen, a Namibian civil rights activist and Executive Director of Equal Namibia, made a statement right after the court's declaration: "A new dawn is upon us, and equality and liberation are here. After 33 years of independence, queer people have been shackled by the colonial and apartheid-era law. The High Court today has given us a beacon of hope by declaring that these outdated laws have no place in a free Namibia. They have affirmed that we are equal citizens with every right and liberty enshrined in the constitution."  The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region is celebrating alongside activists, allies, and the entire LGBTQI+ community in Namibia. This victory signifies hope and the possibilities of freedom rippling through the African continent. 

wish_mozambique_84981_amodefa_mozambique_amodefa_mozambique
media center

| 24 September 2024

Major New Health Programme to Expand Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in East and Southern Africa

Nairobi, 23 September 2024 – A groundbreaking £75.125 million project has been announced by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and its partners, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Options, Ipas, and Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes, to transform sexual and reproductive health services across East and Southern Africa. This large-scale initiative will benefit seven countries, supporting millions of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia. This programme, known as Women’s Integrated Sexual Health 2 (WISH 2) Lot 2, is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). As part of FCDO WISH Dividend, it builds on the successes of FCDO’s £272 million Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (2018-2024) programme, which spanned 27 countries across Africa and Asia. Over its lifespan, the first WISH programme supported over an estimated 16.9 million women and girls, helping them gain access to critical SRHR services. FCDO’s continued partnership with IPPF for this next phase of WISH was unveiled by FCDO's Chris Carter, on behalf of the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event, “SRHR: Securing reproductive choice for the next generation.” Announcing FCDO’s partnerships with IPPF, MSI Reproductive Choices and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Chris Carter noted the new programme will play a critical role in increasing women's voice, choice and control across 13 countries in Africa.” With the goal of delivering over seven million ‘couple years protection,’ the programme will address critical healthcare gaps, promote reproductive choice, and tackle harmful social norms. It will also provide urgent support to improve policies, strengthen health systems, and safeguard the reproductive rights of women and girls, especially in areas affected by conflict and displacement. At the heart of this initiative is a focus on reaching the most marginalised groups, including young women and girls under 20, those living in poverty, people with disabilities, and communities in conflict zones. Importantly, WISH2 will also work to improve access to safe abortion care and counteract the growing threats to women’s and girls' sexual and reproductive health rights. IPPF Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo emphasised the critical need to protect and expand access to SRHR. “WISH2 will continue our mission of empowering women and girls across Africa to unlock their full potential. We will not only tackle the rollback of SRHR rights but also strengthen disability inclusion while delivering sustainable healthcare solutions,” said Dr Bermejo. “We’re grateful to the UK Government for their unwavering support in this important work.” Elshafie Mohamed Ali, Executive Director of Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) said “WISH2 is essential given Sudan’s current circumstances, particularly the ongoing conflict since April 15, 2023. The programme addresses the growing need for sexual and reproductive health services, offering crucial support to vulnerable communities amidst increasing instability and humanitarian challenges.” Chris Carter, Deputy Director, Head of Human Development Department, highlighted the impact of this new initiative: “Access to sexual and reproductive health services saves lives, empowers women and girls, and supports education, transforming lives and entire livelihoods. This project will amplify women’s voice, choice, and control across Africa, and we are proud to partner with IPPF and African organizations in this critical mission.” For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]  

wish_mozambique_84981_amodefa_mozambique_amodefa_mozambique
media_center

| 24 September 2024

Major New Health Programme to Expand Sexual and Reproductive Health Services in East and Southern Africa

Nairobi, 23 September 2024 – A groundbreaking £75.125 million project has been announced by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and its partners, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Options, Ipas, and Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes, to transform sexual and reproductive health services across East and Southern Africa. This large-scale initiative will benefit seven countries, supporting millions of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia. This programme, known as Women’s Integrated Sexual Health 2 (WISH 2) Lot 2, is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). As part of FCDO WISH Dividend, it builds on the successes of FCDO’s £272 million Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (2018-2024) programme, which spanned 27 countries across Africa and Asia. Over its lifespan, the first WISH programme supported over an estimated 16.9 million women and girls, helping them gain access to critical SRHR services. FCDO’s continued partnership with IPPF for this next phase of WISH was unveiled by FCDO's Chris Carter, on behalf of the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event, “SRHR: Securing reproductive choice for the next generation.” Announcing FCDO’s partnerships with IPPF, MSI Reproductive Choices and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Chris Carter noted the new programme will play a critical role in increasing women's voice, choice and control across 13 countries in Africa.” With the goal of delivering over seven million ‘couple years protection,’ the programme will address critical healthcare gaps, promote reproductive choice, and tackle harmful social norms. It will also provide urgent support to improve policies, strengthen health systems, and safeguard the reproductive rights of women and girls, especially in areas affected by conflict and displacement. At the heart of this initiative is a focus on reaching the most marginalised groups, including young women and girls under 20, those living in poverty, people with disabilities, and communities in conflict zones. Importantly, WISH2 will also work to improve access to safe abortion care and counteract the growing threats to women’s and girls' sexual and reproductive health rights. IPPF Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo emphasised the critical need to protect and expand access to SRHR. “WISH2 will continue our mission of empowering women and girls across Africa to unlock their full potential. We will not only tackle the rollback of SRHR rights but also strengthen disability inclusion while delivering sustainable healthcare solutions,” said Dr Bermejo. “We’re grateful to the UK Government for their unwavering support in this important work.” Elshafie Mohamed Ali, Executive Director of Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) said “WISH2 is essential given Sudan’s current circumstances, particularly the ongoing conflict since April 15, 2023. The programme addresses the growing need for sexual and reproductive health services, offering crucial support to vulnerable communities amidst increasing instability and humanitarian challenges.” Chris Carter, Deputy Director, Head of Human Development Department, highlighted the impact of this new initiative: “Access to sexual and reproductive health services saves lives, empowers women and girls, and supports education, transforming lives and entire livelihoods. This project will amplify women’s voice, choice, and control across Africa, and we are proud to partner with IPPF and African organizations in this critical mission.” For media enquiries, please contact [email protected]  

Femicide in Africa
media center

| 11 September 2024

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa Nairobi, 11 September 2024 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) notes with grave concern the alarming rise of femicide across Africa, underscored by the recent murder of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei by her former partner. This tragic killing is a stark reminder of the growing epidemic of violence against women on the continent and globally. Femicide—the gender-based killing of women—is rooted in systemic misogyny and patriarchy. According to UN Women, 89,000 women and girls were murdered globally in 2022, the highest figure recorded in 20 years, however it is likely that these figures are significantly underreported. Furthermore, the African continent has the highest rate of femicide globally. More than half of these women were killed by intimate partners or family members, and this violence continues to thrive under a global culture of impunity. “Violence against women and girls is among the least prosecuted and punished crimes in the world,” noted the UN Assembly (Resolution no. 70/176). This impunity must stop, and governments must take immediate steps to address the issue. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director, states, “Femicide is not just a women's issue—it is a human rights issue. Governments must invest in women-led strategies that have proven to prevent violence against women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable. The lack of standardized data and consistent reporting across regions only perpetuates this crisis. Additionally, marginalized women, such as LGBTIQ+ individuals, women with disabilities, female sex workers, and women living in precarious situations such as refugees and internally displaced women, face a heightened risk of femicide. The lives of women and girls are at stake, and the time for action is now”. Patriarchy fuels femicide, and when combined with systematic issues such as capitalism, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of support systems geared toward girls and women, results in the marginalization and ongoing violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. IPPFAR, through the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Project—funded by the French Development Agency and French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs—provides financial and technical assistance to feminist civil society organizations working to end gender-based violence and achieve gender equality. Collaborating with women’s rights organizations like Feminists in Kenya, The Wangu Kanja Foundation, Smart Ladies Youth Initiative, FON and IPPFAR are committed to dismantling discriminatory gender norms, engaging men and boys in the fight against patriarchy, and advocating for systemic change. Tatiana Gicheru from Feminists in Kenya, an organisation supported by the FON Project, shares her frustration: “Feminists in Kenya recognizes femicide as a violent manifestation of patriarchal power, and we remain dedicated to dismantling structures that enable all forms of violence against women in all their diversities. We urge the Kenyan Government to act decisively on our demands shared during the 2019 and 2024 nationwide anti-femicide marches. Enough is enough!” IPPF Africa and its partners urge Governments across Africa and the world to act decisively to end femicide. END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920    ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.   ABOUT FEMINISTS IN KENYA Feminists in Kenya is a social movement of Feminist and Queer activists committed to achieving gender justice. As organizers of the #TotalShutdownKe march against femicide, they are focused on mobilizing and organizing with women across Kenya to challenge systemic and interpersonal oppression. Founded on Community, Joy and Resistance, their vision is a world where women, in all their diversities, can live free from systemic violence in both public and private spaces.   ABOUT THE FEMINIST OPPORTUNITIES NOW (FON) PROJECT The objective of the project Feminist Opportunities Now (FON), is to build the capacity of women's movements, via sub-grants to feminist organisations, with a particular effort to reaching small, even non-registered organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The programme is developed based on an ecological model, using multi-disciplinary gender-transformative approaches. In addition to direct and flexible sub-granting (for € 7 million), FON also provides a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings specifically tailored to their needs. FON also supports feminist organisations to identify other/diverse sources of funding and includes a research-action component to understand how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Website: Feminist Opportunities Now

Femicide in Africa
media_center

| 11 September 2024

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa

IPPF Africa Region Calls for Urgent Action Against Rising Femicide in Africa Nairobi, 11 September 2024 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) notes with grave concern the alarming rise of femicide across Africa, underscored by the recent murder of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei by her former partner. This tragic killing is a stark reminder of the growing epidemic of violence against women on the continent and globally. Femicide—the gender-based killing of women—is rooted in systemic misogyny and patriarchy. According to UN Women, 89,000 women and girls were murdered globally in 2022, the highest figure recorded in 20 years, however it is likely that these figures are significantly underreported. Furthermore, the African continent has the highest rate of femicide globally. More than half of these women were killed by intimate partners or family members, and this violence continues to thrive under a global culture of impunity. “Violence against women and girls is among the least prosecuted and punished crimes in the world,” noted the UN Assembly (Resolution no. 70/176). This impunity must stop, and governments must take immediate steps to address the issue. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director, states, “Femicide is not just a women's issue—it is a human rights issue. Governments must invest in women-led strategies that have proven to prevent violence against women and girls and hold perpetrators accountable. The lack of standardized data and consistent reporting across regions only perpetuates this crisis. Additionally, marginalized women, such as LGBTIQ+ individuals, women with disabilities, female sex workers, and women living in precarious situations such as refugees and internally displaced women, face a heightened risk of femicide. The lives of women and girls are at stake, and the time for action is now”. Patriarchy fuels femicide, and when combined with systematic issues such as capitalism, poverty, unemployment, and a lack of support systems geared toward girls and women, results in the marginalization and ongoing violence against women, girls, and gender-diverse individuals. IPPFAR, through the Feminist Opportunities Now (FON) Project—funded by the French Development Agency and French Ministry of European and Foreign Affairs—provides financial and technical assistance to feminist civil society organizations working to end gender-based violence and achieve gender equality. Collaborating with women’s rights organizations like Feminists in Kenya, The Wangu Kanja Foundation, Smart Ladies Youth Initiative, FON and IPPFAR are committed to dismantling discriminatory gender norms, engaging men and boys in the fight against patriarchy, and advocating for systemic change. Tatiana Gicheru from Feminists in Kenya, an organisation supported by the FON Project, shares her frustration: “Feminists in Kenya recognizes femicide as a violent manifestation of patriarchal power, and we remain dedicated to dismantling structures that enable all forms of violence against women in all their diversities. We urge the Kenyan Government to act decisively on our demands shared during the 2019 and 2024 nationwide anti-femicide marches. Enough is enough!” IPPF Africa and its partners urge Governments across Africa and the world to act decisively to end femicide. END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920    ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.   ABOUT FEMINISTS IN KENYA Feminists in Kenya is a social movement of Feminist and Queer activists committed to achieving gender justice. As organizers of the #TotalShutdownKe march against femicide, they are focused on mobilizing and organizing with women across Kenya to challenge systemic and interpersonal oppression. Founded on Community, Joy and Resistance, their vision is a world where women, in all their diversities, can live free from systemic violence in both public and private spaces.   ABOUT THE FEMINIST OPPORTUNITIES NOW (FON) PROJECT The objective of the project Feminist Opportunities Now (FON), is to build the capacity of women's movements, via sub-grants to feminist organisations, with a particular effort to reaching small, even non-registered organisations to address and respond to gender-based violence. The programme is developed based on an ecological model, using multi-disciplinary gender-transformative approaches. In addition to direct and flexible sub-granting (for € 7 million), FON also provides a unique opportunity for longer-term mentorship to support feminist organisations in their overall development, with trainings specifically tailored to their needs. FON also supports feminist organisations to identify other/diverse sources of funding and includes a research-action component to understand how these approaches can be scaled-up and made sustainable. Website: Feminist Opportunities Now

Eswatini MA
media center

| 27 August 2024

Eswatini to roll out first women-controlled HIV prevention product

Eswatini (27 August 2024) - IPPF’s Member Association in Eswatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), is soon to roll out the first women-controlled HIV prevention product, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR). FLAS will be among the first organisations to offer the DVR outside implementation or pilot studies anywhere in the world. Made of flexible silicone, the ring is inserted into the vagina by a woman and slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV. In 2023, in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections and every week, 3,100 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years became infected with HIV. Therefore, there continues to be an urgent need for HIV prevention methods that females can use to protect themselves. The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month. The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception. The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention. This need for women-controlled HIV prevention products has long been advocated for, with the African Women Prevention Community Accountability Board launching the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto in early 2023. The Choice Manifesto prioritises the principle of choice to ensure that women and girls have the right to choose which HIV prevention methods work for them. Currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.  Diantha Pillay, Associate Director for Product Access for IPM South Africa NPC (an affiliate of the Population Council), said:  “It is encouraging to see the efforts made by FLAS and IPPF to support the choice agenda for HIV prevention for women and make effective HIV prevention methods, like the DVR, more widely accessible in a real-world setting. We hope this can pave the way for introduction of future pipeline products that speak to the needs of women.” The Population Council is currently developing a longer duration DVR that women would use for three months versus one month to significantly lower annual product costs and offer women a more convenient option to protect themselves. Thabo Lizwe Masuku, Programs Manager for FLAS, said: “Women have been telling us for a long time that  there is a need for a variety of methods for HIV prevention, since they are highly exposed. For women and girls to truly have choice about what works for them as they navigate different stages and circumstances of their lives, policy makers, donors, governments and implementers must ensure the mix of HIV prevention methods are available, accessible, and affordable. Access to the ring through our clinics in Eswatini now gives women choice and options to protect themselves against HIV.” IPPF is committed to ensuring that choice in HIV prevention is a reality for women and girls and aims to roll out the dapivirine vaginal rings at as many Member Associations as possible, as well as offer other HIV-prevention choices, as we work alongside our partners towards a future free of HIV in Africa and beyond.   For more information and to speak to staff in Eswatini, please email [email protected]   Notes: The dapivirine vaginal ring has been recommended by the WHO since January 2021. (25) In clinical trials, the  ring was shown to reduce HIV infection by 35% in The Ring Study (26,27) and 27% in the ASPIRE Study. (28,29) Recent open-label studies show greater adherence to the ring, and modelling data suggest that HIV risk could be reduced by about 50%. (30) The dapivirine ring has received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as from local medicines regulators in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana and is currently under regulatory review in a number of other countries Our Member Associations (MAs) that provide clinical services are required to provide comprehensive SRH services through our Integrated Package of Essential Services (IPES) which include services for sexual health and well-being, contraception, abortion care, sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV, obstetrics and gynaecology, fertility support, and sexual and gender-based violence. IPPF’s new five-year strategy, Come Together, focuses on expanding choice. In support of this, we recently launched a special programme to expand our HIV prevention options, which aims to integrate the newest HIV prevention methods – the vaginal ring and injectable PrEP - into our comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.  IPPF’s IMAP Statement on Biomedical HIV Prevention can be found here. About the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS)  For over 30 years, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) has provided sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the people of Eswatini (formally Swaziland). While family planning, antenatal, post-natal and post-abortion care form a key part of FLAS services, there’s a significant focus on HIV and AIDS programmes. Eswatini has some of the highest HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in the world. As a result, the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS, the provision of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) are central to FLAS’s work. FLAS has 15 service points, including three permanent clinics and three mobile facilities, staffed by a permanent team of 40 staff backed by 230 volunteers, 180 Youth Action Movement members and 29 peer educators. About the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sex education, provision of contraceptives, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises.  We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially no matter how remote. Our services are available to all, and reach the most marginalised groups in societies, including key and priority populations, youth, and people with disabilities. Most of our MAs have special programs to engage youth (10-24) inside and outside of school settings. Because our clinics offer comprehensive services, attending our clinics is non-stigmatizing and does not label people as having a particular disease or membership to a particular group. This model of services that are integrated and open to all, embedded in indigenous, locally owned organisations, is ideal for ensuring that the most vulnerable and marginalised groups can access the HIV prevention services they need. About the Population Council The Population Council is a leading research organization dedicated to building an equitable and sustainable world that enhances the health and well-being of current and future generations. The Council transforms global thinking on critical health and development issues through social science, public health, and biomedical research. We generate ideas, produce evidence, and design solutions to improve the lives of underserved populations around the world.  

Eswatini MA
media_center

| 27 August 2024

Eswatini to roll out first women-controlled HIV prevention product

Eswatini (27 August 2024) - IPPF’s Member Association in Eswatini, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS), is soon to roll out the first women-controlled HIV prevention product, the dapivirine vaginal ring (DVR). FLAS will be among the first organisations to offer the DVR outside implementation or pilot studies anywhere in the world. Made of flexible silicone, the ring is inserted into the vagina by a woman and slowly releases the antiretroviral drug dapivirine in the vagina over a one-month period, helping to reduce a woman’s risk of acquiring HIV. In 2023, in sub-Saharan Africa, women and girls accounted for 62% of all new HIV infections and every week, 3,100 adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years became infected with HIV. Therefore, there continues to be an urgent need for HIV prevention methods that females can use to protect themselves. The DVR is a product women can control themselves and use without the knowledge or consent of their partners, unlike condoms, which men often refuse to use. The DVR is inserted into the vagina and left for a one-month period, where it can then be replaced each month for continued protection. Unlike daily oral PrEP, the DVR does not rely on remembering to take a pill each day and is also discreet as it stays inside the vagina throughout the month. The DVR does not prevent pregnancy or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), so women choosing to use the ring may want to consider combining it with condoms and methods of contraception. The availability of the DVR is an exciting step in supporting women’s autonomy and choice in HIV prevention. This need for women-controlled HIV prevention products has long been advocated for, with the African Women Prevention Community Accountability Board launching the HIV Prevention Choice Manifesto in early 2023. The Choice Manifesto prioritises the principle of choice to ensure that women and girls have the right to choose which HIV prevention methods work for them. Currently the ring is available at selected facilities through implementation studies across six countries in East and Southern Africa; South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Uganda.  Diantha Pillay, Associate Director for Product Access for IPM South Africa NPC (an affiliate of the Population Council), said:  “It is encouraging to see the efforts made by FLAS and IPPF to support the choice agenda for HIV prevention for women and make effective HIV prevention methods, like the DVR, more widely accessible in a real-world setting. We hope this can pave the way for introduction of future pipeline products that speak to the needs of women.” The Population Council is currently developing a longer duration DVR that women would use for three months versus one month to significantly lower annual product costs and offer women a more convenient option to protect themselves. Thabo Lizwe Masuku, Programs Manager for FLAS, said: “Women have been telling us for a long time that  there is a need for a variety of methods for HIV prevention, since they are highly exposed. For women and girls to truly have choice about what works for them as they navigate different stages and circumstances of their lives, policy makers, donors, governments and implementers must ensure the mix of HIV prevention methods are available, accessible, and affordable. Access to the ring through our clinics in Eswatini now gives women choice and options to protect themselves against HIV.” IPPF is committed to ensuring that choice in HIV prevention is a reality for women and girls and aims to roll out the dapivirine vaginal rings at as many Member Associations as possible, as well as offer other HIV-prevention choices, as we work alongside our partners towards a future free of HIV in Africa and beyond.   For more information and to speak to staff in Eswatini, please email [email protected]   Notes: The dapivirine vaginal ring has been recommended by the WHO since January 2021. (25) In clinical trials, the  ring was shown to reduce HIV infection by 35% in The Ring Study (26,27) and 27% in the ASPIRE Study. (28,29) Recent open-label studies show greater adherence to the ring, and modelling data suggest that HIV risk could be reduced by about 50%. (30) The dapivirine ring has received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as from local medicines regulators in Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, Zimbabwe, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Rwanda, Eswatini, Lesotho, Botswana and is currently under regulatory review in a number of other countries Our Member Associations (MAs) that provide clinical services are required to provide comprehensive SRH services through our Integrated Package of Essential Services (IPES) which include services for sexual health and well-being, contraception, abortion care, sexually transmitted infections (STIs)/reproductive tract infections (RTIs), HIV, obstetrics and gynaecology, fertility support, and sexual and gender-based violence. IPPF’s new five-year strategy, Come Together, focuses on expanding choice. In support of this, we recently launched a special programme to expand our HIV prevention options, which aims to integrate the newest HIV prevention methods – the vaginal ring and injectable PrEP - into our comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services.  IPPF’s IMAP Statement on Biomedical HIV Prevention can be found here. About the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS)  For over 30 years, the Family Life Association of Eswatini (FLAS) has provided sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to the people of Eswatini (formally Swaziland). While family planning, antenatal, post-natal and post-abortion care form a key part of FLAS services, there’s a significant focus on HIV and AIDS programmes. Eswatini has some of the highest HIV and AIDS prevalence rates in the world. As a result, the prevention and management of HIV and AIDS, the provision of voluntary counselling and testing (VCT), and the prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) are central to FLAS’s work. FLAS has 15 service points, including three permanent clinics and three mobile facilities, staffed by a permanent team of 40 staff backed by 230 volunteers, 180 Youth Action Movement members and 29 peer educators. About the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) IPPF is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. Led by a courageous and determined group of women, IPPF was founded in 1952 at the Third International Planned Parenthood Conference. Today, we are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Our work is wide-ranging, including comprehensive sex education, provision of contraceptives, safe abortion, and maternal care and responding to humanitarian crises.  We pride ourselves on being local through our members and global through our network. At the heart of our mission is the provision of – and advocacy in support of – integrated healthcare to anyone who needs it regardless of race, gender, sex, income, and crucially no matter how remote. Our services are available to all, and reach the most marginalised groups in societies, including key and priority populations, youth, and people with disabilities. Most of our MAs have special programs to engage youth (10-24) inside and outside of school settings. Because our clinics offer comprehensive services, attending our clinics is non-stigmatizing and does not label people as having a particular disease or membership to a particular group. This model of services that are integrated and open to all, embedded in indigenous, locally owned organisations, is ideal for ensuring that the most vulnerable and marginalised groups can access the HIV prevention services they need. About the Population Council The Population Council is a leading research organization dedicated to building an equitable and sustainable world that enhances the health and well-being of current and future generations. The Council transforms global thinking on critical health and development issues through social science, public health, and biomedical research. We generate ideas, produce evidence, and design solutions to improve the lives of underserved populations around the world.  

Statement visual
media center

| 04 July 2024

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release  4 July 2024, Nairobi, Kenya: On 8 June 2024, the Ministry of Health and Social Action, Senegal, issued a statement titled ‘On the dangers of induced abortions’ (‘Sur les dangers des avortements provoqués’).   While the Senegalese Ministry of Health is correct in warning its citizens of the dangers of unsafe abortions, we are concerned about the interchangeable use of the terminologies “induced abortions”, “clandestine abortions”, and “unsafe abortions” in the statement. Senegal’s penal code completely prohibits the termination of pregnancy, while the medical code of ethics allows an abortion if three doctors agree that it is necessary to save a woman’s life. Such restrictive laws lead to clandestine abortions, while unsafe abortions refer to procedures done by an unskilled provider in a manner that does not adhere to WHO guidelines.  “IPPF Africa reiterates that abortions are a safe medical procedure when provided by a trained provider or when a person has access to high quality medication, information and support to safely undergo a medical abortion”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.  The statement makes clear the Government’s concern for the health and wellbeing of women and girls, therefore IPPFAR urges the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal to recognise that without access to safe abortion care, women will continue to suffer and seek life-threatening alternatives.  Legally restricting abortion does not reduce rates of abortion, instead, they increase the rates of unsafe abortion and the associated risks including high rates of maternal mortality, which runs counter to the aims of the Senegalese Government as outlined in its press release.   Access to safe abortion services is grounded in international legal frameworks and standards, supported by fundamental human rights principles.  “We encourage  the Senegalese Government to recommit to its obligations under the Maputo Protocol which it ratified in 2005, particularly Article 14(2)(c), which says that States must protect the reproductive rights of women including legally permitting abortion care in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health of the mother or the life of the mother or foetus”, added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry.  Access to legal and safe abortion reduces preventable maternal mortality. IPPF Africa supports the call by local civil society organisations to break the stereotypes around abortion while also providing accurate health-based information.     END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920 ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.    

Statement visual
media_center

| 04 July 2024

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release

Senegal: IPPFAR Calls on Government to honour Maputo Protocol Obligations in Wake of Press Release  4 July 2024, Nairobi, Kenya: On 8 June 2024, the Ministry of Health and Social Action, Senegal, issued a statement titled ‘On the dangers of induced abortions’ (‘Sur les dangers des avortements provoqués’).   While the Senegalese Ministry of Health is correct in warning its citizens of the dangers of unsafe abortions, we are concerned about the interchangeable use of the terminologies “induced abortions”, “clandestine abortions”, and “unsafe abortions” in the statement. Senegal’s penal code completely prohibits the termination of pregnancy, while the medical code of ethics allows an abortion if three doctors agree that it is necessary to save a woman’s life. Such restrictive laws lead to clandestine abortions, while unsafe abortions refer to procedures done by an unskilled provider in a manner that does not adhere to WHO guidelines.  “IPPF Africa reiterates that abortions are a safe medical procedure when provided by a trained provider or when a person has access to high quality medication, information and support to safely undergo a medical abortion”, said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.  The statement makes clear the Government’s concern for the health and wellbeing of women and girls, therefore IPPFAR urges the Ministry of Health and Social Action of Senegal to recognise that without access to safe abortion care, women will continue to suffer and seek life-threatening alternatives.  Legally restricting abortion does not reduce rates of abortion, instead, they increase the rates of unsafe abortion and the associated risks including high rates of maternal mortality, which runs counter to the aims of the Senegalese Government as outlined in its press release.   Access to safe abortion services is grounded in international legal frameworks and standards, supported by fundamental human rights principles.  “We encourage  the Senegalese Government to recommit to its obligations under the Maputo Protocol which it ratified in 2005, particularly Article 14(2)(c), which says that States must protect the reproductive rights of women including legally permitting abortion care in cases of sexual assault, rape, incest and where the continued pregnancy endangers the mental and physical health of the mother or the life of the mother or foetus”, added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry.  Access to legal and safe abortion reduces preventable maternal mortality. IPPF Africa supports the call by local civil society organisations to break the stereotypes around abortion while also providing accurate health-based information.     END For further information or to request an interview, please contact: -Mahmoud GARGA, Lead Strategic Communication, Voice and Media, IPPF Africa Regional Office (IPPFAR) – email: [email protected] / Tel: +254 704 626 920 ABOUT IPPF AFRICA REGION (IPPFAR) The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) is one of the leading sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery organization in Africa, and a leading sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) advocacy voice in the region. Headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, the overarching goal of IPPFAR is to increase access to SRHR services to the most vulnerable youth, men and women in sub-Saharan Africa. Supported by thousands of volunteers, IPPFAR tackles the continent’s growing SRHR challenges through a network of Member Associations (MAs) in 40 countries. We do this by developing our MAs into efficient entities with the capacity to deliver and sustain high quality, youth focused and gender sensitive services. We work with Governments, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, the Pan-African Parliament, United Nations bodies among others to expand political and financial commitments to sexual and reproductive health and rights in Africa. Learn more about us on our website. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.    

Two Years Post Roe v Wade
media center

| 24 June 2024

Two Years Post-Roe: Africa's Path to Reproductive Justice

By Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry and Mallah Tabot June 24th this year marks the second anniversary of the repeal of Roe v. Wade, a seismic shift in the landscape of reproductive rights that has reverberated far beyond the borders of the United States. In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 ruling which had established a woman's legal right under the US Constitution to have an abortion. This repeal has had global repercussions, further emboldening anti-abortion movements, and influencing reproductive rights debates, policies, funding, and services. In Africa, not only did it send shockwaves, but has also prompted a reflection and re-evaluation of our role as African stakeholders in shaping the future of reproductive rights everywhere on the continent. In many countries on the continent where access to abortion care is already fraught with challenges, this development serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of reproductive rights. It highlights the danger of complacency and the need for vigilance in protecting and advancing these rights and reminds us that abortion is not a moral issue for debate, it is healthcare, and a fundamental human right. While the repeal has sparked renewed activism and advocacy for rights actors on the continent, it has also further emboldened conservative factions and a growing anti-rights movement to push for more restrictive laws and policies through novel tactics to further their agenda. Under the guise of protecting the family, anti-abortion narratives are used as entry points to infiltrate political, legislative and advocacy spaces to roll back hard-won gains.   Even going as far as setting up alternative research institutions in Africa to generate quasi-scientific evidence to counter reputed research bodies like the Guttmacher Institute. Increasingly, a key tactic is the weaponizing of First Ladies to further the anti-rights agenda. In Kenya, the National Family Protection Policy, drafted by a major anti-rights group, Citizen Go was launched by the First Lady, despite not undergoing public participation and receiving lots of criticism from rights actors. In Uganda, the Geneva Consensus declaration, an anti-abortion joint statement is making inroads in the country through its affiliation with the First Lady, even though the “Consensus” has no legal or policy underpinning. This trajectory underscores a critical reality: Nothing is safe, our continent is a battleground for the ideological struggles taking place elsewhere in the world, sadly, our human rights, including SRHR are at the highest risk. We must forge our own path, grounded in the unique political contexts of our nations through our partnerships with local organizations and governments. As one of the leading voices on SRHR advocacy and services in Africa, IPPF believes now is the time for Africa to assert its leadership in the global fight for reproductive justice. In collaboration with other key actors on the continent and beyond, IPPF is committed to continue playing a pivotal role in the SRHR landscape of Africa. We will continue to expand access to abortion care, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized, comprehensive sexuality education, contraceptive services and reaching those in humanitarian settings. Despite these efforts, much work remains. The disparities in access and the entrenched stigma surrounding abortion care continue to hinder our progress. One of the key initiatives we are proud to be part of is the CATALYSTS Consortium,  which was born out of this landmark ruling in June 2022. Following the ruling, IPPF Africa Region, Ipas Africa Alliance, Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa, Population Council Kenya and FIGO came together to discuss the ruling’s implications on the continent and consider the case for an abortion consortium that might more effectively protect and promote abortion rights in Africa. Launching on June 27th, the Consortium has set an ambitious and unambiguously comprehensive vision for abortion care for all in Africa. This type of organic consortium on abortion has not yet been attempted. As African thought leaders, field builders and a vehicle for driving accountability, we are a Consortium of the brave with a track record of never backtracking. Our solution is powerful, impactful, and led by those doing the work while building an African critical mass that can effectively open doors, advocate more strongly and underpin bolder action. CATALYSTS is Africa-led, committed to decolonizing, and reframing the discourse around abortion rights in Africa by centring African perspectives, experiences, and voices. But we cannot achieve our goals in isolation. It is imperative that African governments, activists, youth groups and other civil society groups recognize the urgency of prioritizing reproductive rights. Governments must decriminalize abortion, ensure access to contraceptives, and protect the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and rights. Cross-border activist solidarity is imperative if we must move the needle on reproductive justice, and young people should be recognized as not just a passive group with SRHR needs but as critical actors at the centre of the journey towards reproductive justice. IPPF ARO stands ready to champion this charge, but we need the support and collaboration of governments, communities, and international partners. CATALYSTS launches on June 27th after close to two years of consultation, course correction, investment, and realignment. I invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life, which will be marked by the unveiling of the website, Theory of Change, and call to action. It promises to be a celebration of our collective achievements and a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. As we mark the second anniversary of the Roe v. Wade repeal, the stakes could not be higher for African SRHR actors. The urgent need for a unified and proactive approach to safeguard and advance reproductive rights on the continent is imperative as the path forward requires bold action, unwavering commitment, and a collective direction. For us, the lesson is clear: They are coming for us, bolder, stronger, and more organized, and we cannot depend on the legal frameworks or political will of foreign nations to safeguard our reproductive rights. Instead, we must strike back and reclaim our narrative, and enforce our own robust policies that reflect the needs and realities of our people.  

Two Years Post Roe v Wade
media_center

| 24 June 2024

Two Years Post-Roe: Africa's Path to Reproductive Justice

By Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry and Mallah Tabot June 24th this year marks the second anniversary of the repeal of Roe v. Wade, a seismic shift in the landscape of reproductive rights that has reverberated far beyond the borders of the United States. In June 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned the landmark 1973 ruling which had established a woman's legal right under the US Constitution to have an abortion. This repeal has had global repercussions, further emboldening anti-abortion movements, and influencing reproductive rights debates, policies, funding, and services. In Africa, not only did it send shockwaves, but has also prompted a reflection and re-evaluation of our role as African stakeholders in shaping the future of reproductive rights everywhere on the continent. In many countries on the continent where access to abortion care is already fraught with challenges, this development serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of reproductive rights. It highlights the danger of complacency and the need for vigilance in protecting and advancing these rights and reminds us that abortion is not a moral issue for debate, it is healthcare, and a fundamental human right. While the repeal has sparked renewed activism and advocacy for rights actors on the continent, it has also further emboldened conservative factions and a growing anti-rights movement to push for more restrictive laws and policies through novel tactics to further their agenda. Under the guise of protecting the family, anti-abortion narratives are used as entry points to infiltrate political, legislative and advocacy spaces to roll back hard-won gains.   Even going as far as setting up alternative research institutions in Africa to generate quasi-scientific evidence to counter reputed research bodies like the Guttmacher Institute. Increasingly, a key tactic is the weaponizing of First Ladies to further the anti-rights agenda. In Kenya, the National Family Protection Policy, drafted by a major anti-rights group, Citizen Go was launched by the First Lady, despite not undergoing public participation and receiving lots of criticism from rights actors. In Uganda, the Geneva Consensus declaration, an anti-abortion joint statement is making inroads in the country through its affiliation with the First Lady, even though the “Consensus” has no legal or policy underpinning. This trajectory underscores a critical reality: Nothing is safe, our continent is a battleground for the ideological struggles taking place elsewhere in the world, sadly, our human rights, including SRHR are at the highest risk. We must forge our own path, grounded in the unique political contexts of our nations through our partnerships with local organizations and governments. As one of the leading voices on SRHR advocacy and services in Africa, IPPF believes now is the time for Africa to assert its leadership in the global fight for reproductive justice. In collaboration with other key actors on the continent and beyond, IPPF is committed to continue playing a pivotal role in the SRHR landscape of Africa. We will continue to expand access to abortion care, especially for the most vulnerable and marginalized, comprehensive sexuality education, contraceptive services and reaching those in humanitarian settings. Despite these efforts, much work remains. The disparities in access and the entrenched stigma surrounding abortion care continue to hinder our progress. One of the key initiatives we are proud to be part of is the CATALYSTS Consortium,  which was born out of this landmark ruling in June 2022. Following the ruling, IPPF Africa Region, Ipas Africa Alliance, Centre for Reproductive Rights Africa, Population Council Kenya and FIGO came together to discuss the ruling’s implications on the continent and consider the case for an abortion consortium that might more effectively protect and promote abortion rights in Africa. Launching on June 27th, the Consortium has set an ambitious and unambiguously comprehensive vision for abortion care for all in Africa. This type of organic consortium on abortion has not yet been attempted. As African thought leaders, field builders and a vehicle for driving accountability, we are a Consortium of the brave with a track record of never backtracking. Our solution is powerful, impactful, and led by those doing the work while building an African critical mass that can effectively open doors, advocate more strongly and underpin bolder action. CATALYSTS is Africa-led, committed to decolonizing, and reframing the discourse around abortion rights in Africa by centring African perspectives, experiences, and voices. But we cannot achieve our goals in isolation. It is imperative that African governments, activists, youth groups and other civil society groups recognize the urgency of prioritizing reproductive rights. Governments must decriminalize abortion, ensure access to contraceptives, and protect the rights of individuals to make informed choices about their reproductive health and rights. Cross-border activist solidarity is imperative if we must move the needle on reproductive justice, and young people should be recognized as not just a passive group with SRHR needs but as critical actors at the centre of the journey towards reproductive justice. IPPF ARO stands ready to champion this charge, but we need the support and collaboration of governments, communities, and international partners. CATALYSTS launches on June 27th after close to two years of consultation, course correction, investment, and realignment. I invite you to join us in bringing this vision to life, which will be marked by the unveiling of the website, Theory of Change, and call to action. It promises to be a celebration of our collective achievements and a testament to the transformative power of collaboration. As we mark the second anniversary of the Roe v. Wade repeal, the stakes could not be higher for African SRHR actors. The urgent need for a unified and proactive approach to safeguard and advance reproductive rights on the continent is imperative as the path forward requires bold action, unwavering commitment, and a collective direction. For us, the lesson is clear: They are coming for us, bolder, stronger, and more organized, and we cannot depend on the legal frameworks or political will of foreign nations to safeguard our reproductive rights. Instead, we must strike back and reclaim our narrative, and enforce our own robust policies that reflect the needs and realities of our people.  

Namibia
media center

| 21 June 2024

IPPFAR Statement on the Historic Ruling of the Namibian High Court

June 21, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya - History was made today as the High Court of Namibia declared the apartheid-era sodomy law unconstitutional. The ruling also struck down all references to sodomy in other laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act, the Defense Act, and the Immigration Control Act. This monumental decision represents a significant step towards achieving a free and equal Namibia, creating a unified safe space for the LGBTQI+ community. It marks the beginning of ensuring rights, respect, and dignity for LGBTQI+ persons in the country.  Namibia has a long-standing history of LGBTQI+ activism, highlighted by several landmark court cases. This latest ruling in the Friedel Dausab case, which challenged the constitutionality of the sodomy law is a testament to the relentless efforts of activists and allies who have worked tirelessly to secure equality and justice for all.  The now repealed law is a relic of the colonial era, however in many countries across Africa such laws have continued to be used to target marginalised and vulnerable groups long into independence. Therefore, this ruling is both a win for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, and the continued struggle for Africa’s independence.  “We recognize the deeply entrenched impact of colonialism on the sexuality of Africans, and this court ruling is a testament not just to this win but also to breaking free from discriminatory colonial imprints within the African region. It symbolizes the collapse of a long history of colonial oppression and the restoration of dignity, pride, autonomy, and freedom for LGBTQI+ Namibians and Africans at large”. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Regional Director, Africa  Omar van Reenen, a Namibian civil rights activist and Executive Director of Equal Namibia, made a statement right after the court's declaration: "A new dawn is upon us, and equality and liberation are here. After 33 years of independence, queer people have been shackled by the colonial and apartheid-era law. The High Court today has given us a beacon of hope by declaring that these outdated laws have no place in a free Namibia. They have affirmed that we are equal citizens with every right and liberty enshrined in the constitution."  The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region is celebrating alongside activists, allies, and the entire LGBTQI+ community in Namibia. This victory signifies hope and the possibilities of freedom rippling through the African continent. 

Namibia
media_center

| 10 November 2024

IPPFAR Statement on the Historic Ruling of the Namibian High Court

June 21, 2024, Nairobi, Kenya - History was made today as the High Court of Namibia declared the apartheid-era sodomy law unconstitutional. The ruling also struck down all references to sodomy in other laws, including the Criminal Procedure Act, the Defense Act, and the Immigration Control Act. This monumental decision represents a significant step towards achieving a free and equal Namibia, creating a unified safe space for the LGBTQI+ community. It marks the beginning of ensuring rights, respect, and dignity for LGBTQI+ persons in the country.  Namibia has a long-standing history of LGBTQI+ activism, highlighted by several landmark court cases. This latest ruling in the Friedel Dausab case, which challenged the constitutionality of the sodomy law is a testament to the relentless efforts of activists and allies who have worked tirelessly to secure equality and justice for all.  The now repealed law is a relic of the colonial era, however in many countries across Africa such laws have continued to be used to target marginalised and vulnerable groups long into independence. Therefore, this ruling is both a win for the rights of LGBTQI+ persons, and the continued struggle for Africa’s independence.  “We recognize the deeply entrenched impact of colonialism on the sexuality of Africans, and this court ruling is a testament not just to this win but also to breaking free from discriminatory colonial imprints within the African region. It symbolizes the collapse of a long history of colonial oppression and the restoration of dignity, pride, autonomy, and freedom for LGBTQI+ Namibians and Africans at large”. Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Regional Director, Africa  Omar van Reenen, a Namibian civil rights activist and Executive Director of Equal Namibia, made a statement right after the court's declaration: "A new dawn is upon us, and equality and liberation are here. After 33 years of independence, queer people have been shackled by the colonial and apartheid-era law. The High Court today has given us a beacon of hope by declaring that these outdated laws have no place in a free Namibia. They have affirmed that we are equal citizens with every right and liberty enshrined in the constitution."  The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region is celebrating alongside activists, allies, and the entire LGBTQI+ community in Namibia. This victory signifies hope and the possibilities of freedom rippling through the African continent.