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The 2018 International Conference on Family Planning (ICFP) received a record-breaking number of abstracts: 2,823 individual abstracts and 230 preformed panels! Acceptance notifications for oral presentations will be sent out by 31 May 2018. Those whose abstracts are accepted as poster presentations will be notified by 4 June 2018. Thank you to all who submitted this year!   ICFP Registration Opens 14 May Online registration for the 2018 ICFP will begin on 14 May 2018. Attendees who register before 1 September will receive a $100 discount off the full cost of attendance. Be sure to lock in your early-bird rate! More details about registration are available on the ICFP website.   Hotels Now Accepting Reservations The ICFP Organizers have selected a range of hotels from which ICFP participants may choose. Special ICFP rates have been negotiated for these hotels, and a variety of room class options have been selected to suit all ICFP delegates’ needs. More hotels will be added to this list on an ongoing basis. To view the hotels for this year’s ICFP, please visit the Hotels page. EXCELL Award Nominations The 2018 ICFP organizers welcome your nominations for the Excellence in Leadership for Family Planning (EXCELL) Awards! Award recipients will be announced and publicly recognized during the closing ceremony of the ICFP in Kigali on 15 November 2018. The Awards will recognize stakeholders operating at multiple levels: Country level: This award will recognize a government that has made significant advancements and extraordinary achievements in family planning. Organization/Facility level: This award will recognize the contributions of non-state actors or entities working at the country level in one or more of the following areas: service delivery, advocacy/policy, research, or demand generation for family planning. Individual/Team level: This award recognizes players whose commitment and efforts are crucial in expanding access to voluntary family planning. Nominations are accepted for individuals and small teams. The deadline for award nominations is 1 July 2018. The nomination form is available in English, French, and Spanish. For more details and to access the nominations form, please visit the EXCELL Awards page. Exhibit at the ICFP Exhibiting at the 2018 ICFP allows your organization to reach a wide range of delegates from across multiple sectors of the family planning field interested in sharing their knowledge, learning about new innovations and best practices, and connecting with others in the family planning and reproductive health community.  This exhibition space is located throughout the Kigali Convention Centre and will be set-up to entice delegates to congregate between sessions – grabbing an easy coffee or lunch while perusing the exhibit booths. The 2018 ICFP logistics subcommittee is ready and willing to make your exhibition experience as turn-key, affordable, and effective as possible. For more details about exhibiting at the ICFP, please visit the Exhibit page. ​Youth Video Contest The organizers of the 2018 ICFP are seeking youth leaders aged 18 to 25 years old to be keynote speakers, media makers and moderators for sessions at the conference. Young people who are selected will have conference registration and travel costs covered and will play an essential role in providing a youth perspective and voice to the program. Deadline for applications is 21 May 2018; more information is available on the youth page.     L’ICFP reçoit un nombre record de résumés La Conférence Internationale sur la Planification Familiale (ICFP) 2018 a reçu un nombre record de résumés : 2823 résumés individuels, et 230 panels préformés ! Les notifications du statut de sélection des présentations orales seront envoyées le 31 mai 2018. Celles concernant les présentations de poster seront envoyées le 4 juin 2018. Merci à toutes celles et ceux qui ont envoyé leurs résumés cette année !   Les inscriptions à l’ICFP ouvriront le 14 mai  Les inscriptions en ligne à l’ICFP 2018 seront ouvertes à compter du 14 mai 2018. Les participants s’inscrivant avant le 1er septembre août bénéficieront d’une réduction de 100 dollars sur le coût total de leur assistance à la conférence. Réservez dès maintenant vos billets à l’avance ! Plus de détails sur les inscriptions sont disponibles sur le site internet de l’ICFP.   Les hôtels sont désormais ouverts aux réservations pour l’ICFP Les organisateurs de l’ICFP ont sélectionné une gamme d’hôtels afin d’offrir aux délégués de la conférence un choix varié d’hébergement. Des prix spéciaux pour les assistants de l’ICFP ont été négociés avec ces hôtels, et des chambres de différents standings sont proposées pour répondre aux besoins de tous les délégués. Des options d’hôtels additionnelles seront ajoutées à cette liste au fur et à mesure des préparations de la conférence. Pour visualiser la liste des hôtels de l’ICFP de cette année, consultez la page des Hôtels.   Nominations au Prix EXCELL Les organisateurs de l’ICFP 2018 vous invitent à soumettre vos nominations au Prix d’Excellence en Leadership pour la Planification Familiale (EXCELL) !   Les gagnants des différentes catégories du Prix seront annoncés et publiquement reconnus pendant la cérémonie de clôture de l’ICFP à Kigali le 15 novembre 2018. Le Prix reconnaîtra les parties prenantes opérant à plusieurs niveaux : Niveau pays : Ce prix reconnaîtra un gouvernement témoignant d’avancées significatives et d’accomplissements extraordinaires dans le domaine de la planification familiale. Niveau organisation/structure de santé : Ce prix reconnaîtra les contributions des acteurs ou entités non étatiques travaillant au niveau pays dans un ou plusieurs des domaines suivants : offre/prestation de services, plaidoyer/politique, recherche ou création de la demande pour la planification familiale. Niveau individus/ équipes : Ce prix reconnaîtra les acteurs dont les engagements et les efforts sont cruciaux pour étendre l’accès volontaire à la planification familiale. Les nominations sont acceptées pour les individus et les petites équipes. La date limite des nominations au Prix Excell est le 1er juillet 2018. Le formulaire de nomination est disponible en anglais, français et espagnol. Pour plus de détails et pour accéder au formulaire de nomination, consultez la page du Prix EXCELL.   Exposez à l’ICFP Exposer à l’ICFP 2018 permettra à votre organisation d’atteindre un plus grand public représentant différents secteurs de la planification familiale, désireux de partager leurs connaissances, apprendre des dernières innovations et meilleures pratiques, et de rencontrer d’autres acteurs de la communauté oeuvrant pour la planification familiale et la santé reproductive. L’espace d’exposition est situé dans tout le Centre de Convention de Kigali, et sera aménagé de manière à inciter les délégués à s’y rassembler entre les sessions – en prenant un café ou leur déjeuner tout en parcourant les stands d’exposition. Le sous-comité de logistique de l’ICFP 2018 est désireux de rendre votre expérience en tant qu’exposant aussi accessible et efficace que possible, en vous offrant des solutions clé-en-main. Pour plus détails, consultez la page consacrée à l’Exposition.   Concours de vidéos de jeunes Les organisateurs de l’ICFP 2018 recherchent des jeunes leaders de 18 à 25 ans pour participer à la conférence en tant que orateur-trice d’honneur, faiseurs de médias et modérateurs-trices de sessions. Les frais d’inscription et de voyage des jeunes leaders sélectionnés seront couverts. Ces jeunes joueront un rôle essentiel en apportant la perspective et la voix des jeunes au programme de la conférence. Date limite des candidatures : le 21 mai 2018. Pour plus d’informations, consultez la page des Jeunes.

IPPFAR and RHRN Africa team from 4 countries (Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Senegal) will be attending the 62nd Ordinary Session of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (ACHPR62) in Noaukchott, Mauritania 22nd April to 9th May 2018. The NGO Forum by the African Centre on Human Rights and Democracy Studies (ACHRDS) will kick off the ACHPR62 and will provide the opportunity to the team to link with other advocates and Human Rights Defenders in Africa to share experiences on various issues including advocacy for SRHR of young people through panel discussions including one on Youth SRHR. IPPFAR and platforms will also hold a side event on the theme “Getting it ‘Right’: Debating the linchpin to fulfilling SRHR of Young People in Africa” to take place on Tuesday, 24th April at Hotel Khaima from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The team will share, explore and deliberate with participants on among others, embracing the Rights Approach in Youth SRHR Advocacy and the role of CSOs in pushing for accountability by decision-makers as well as highlight the status of the implementation of the Maputo Protocol in Africa.   

Despite the numerous global, regional and national protocols and legislative instruments to abolish female genital mutilation (FGM), the cruel and inhuman practice is still widely practiced by many traditional communities in Sub-Saharan Africa as a right for passage for girls. The United Nations estimates that he outmoded and life threatening customary practice  affects at least 200 million young girls and women globally; many of whom are in Sub-Saharan Africa. According to the UN Women, in Somalia, Guinea and Djibouti, 98%, 97% and 93% respectively of women aged 15 to 49 have undergone FGM.   Apart from abusing the rights of women, the crude way of performing the practice, endangers the reproductive health of thousands of young girls who are forced to go through it. In many instances the extent of mutilation affects the physical well-being and the health of the victims. The psychological trauma associated with the practice, affects the self-esteem and dignity of those who are forced into it. The call by the AU to Harness the Demographic Dividend for the socio-economic development of Africa would become a mirage if the future of young girls and women are destroyed through FGM. The time has come to establish more humane and better systems to prepare young girls to graduate into womanhood. In this way, a critical mass of assertive and critical thinkers of a new generation of women would be created to contribute towards  achieving  the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), we take the stand that FGM must be purged! It has no health benefits to women but only harm. It erodes the gains we have made in Human Rights over the years. As the leading voice of sexual reproductive health rights in sub-Saharan Africa, we speak for the voiceless girls and young women who suffer this injustice. This practice combined with the conflicts, child marriage and teenage pregnancy specifically affects girls and young women. This brings a unique yet precarious destruction of basic human rights to health. This is why we need to be the champions in protecting their right to health and their access quality health services. The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR), wishes to reiterate the need for complete and total abolishing of the practice. As the leading voice of sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR) in Sub-Saharan Africa, we speak for the voiceless girls and young women who suffer this injustice. IPPFAR is committed towards ensuring the achievement of SDGs 3 and 5 – Universal Access to Health and Gender Equality respectively. Through our Member Associations in 42 Sub-Saharan countries, we will safeguard, defend and promote SRHR. As world celebrates the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we call on the international community, governments, civil society organisations (CSOs) and state actors to come together to protect the rights of girls and women. With purpose of unity and dedication, the practice of FGM will be eliminated to save the lives and restore the dignity of millions of girls and women, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.   Lucien Koukou, Regional Director – IPPFAR for International Day of Zero Tolerance to FGM

In line with RB’s continuous commitment to being a socially responsible organization, RB* has signed an agreement with the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) to help improve the sexual health and wellbeing of Nigerians. The scope of the partnership covers sexual and reproductive health education and increasing consumer access to condoms by opening new channels and reaching consumers previously unreached. According to a recent report by World Health Organization (WHO), ‘Every day, more than one million sexually transmitted infections are acquired worldwide, and each year an estimated 78 million people are infected’. This constituting a major health concern also in Nigeria. Sexual health education and contraception are therefore twin preventive health strategies to curb this. Research and Real World data reveals that male latex condoms when used consistently and correctly is an effective approach to achieve a reduction in spread the of sexually transmitted infections and prevent unintended pregnancy. Rahul Murgai, the Managing Director of RB Nigeria and Dr Ibrahim M. Ibrahim the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) were optimistic that the joint efforts of the two organizations will help drive the sexual and reproductive health agenda in Nigeria. Speaking about the partnership with PPFN, Rahul Murgai said, “RB is excited to partner with PPFN to create scaled awareness and education in Nigeria on planned-parenthood, maternal health, safe contraception techniques and targeted reduction in HIV related deaths through the effective and consistent use of condoms. Through this collaboration, consumers will have the requisite education and empowerment to improve their Sexual Health with easy access to Durex- the World number 1 condom brand.” Over the years, RB has been at the forefront for cause-related initiatives that further the progress of Nigeria on UN Sustainable Development Goals such as reduction in infant mortality from preventable diseases such as diarrhea and malaria, improved public health and sanitation from reduced open defecation problem and now partnering to reduce HIV related deaths. Its brands, which are popular household names such as Dettol, Mortein and Harpic, have active partnerships with Federal Ministry of Health (MoH), Save the Children (STC), Nigerian Medical association which work to educate new mothers, school children and reach LGAs like Shomolu in Lagos to promote good healthy habits like handwashing and to build a healthier nation. The Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) is a national non-governmental organization and a leading advocate and provider of sexual and reproductive health services. PPFN is a member of the global movement that strives for universal access to reproductive health services to all (including poor, marginalized, vulnerable and socially excluded people) without discrimination. According to Dr Ibrahim “this partnership will contribute towards PPFN’s objective of expanding access to quality services particularly for young persons in Nigeria.” The PPFN and Durex strategic partnership will go a long way in reducing the spread of HIV/AIDS and other STIs. It will also contribute to reducing the incidence of unwanted/unplanned pregnancy and unsafe abortion as well as significantly improving the overall level of health and wellbeing in Nigeria   *RB is a trading name of Reckitt Benckiser group of companies  

By Maryanne W. Waweru IPPF Africa Region, the leading non-governmental Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) service delivery organization in Africa, and the leading SRHR advocacy voice in the region, held its first IPPF Africa Region Award for Excellence in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights in July 2017. The award ceremony took place during the 47th session of the Regional Council in Nairobi, Kenya. The award was established to recognize and celebrate the role played by the over 39,000 IPPFAR volunteers, youth, Member Associations (MAs), staff, partner organizations and individuals who make outstanding contribution for the advancement of SRHR in sub-Saharan Africa. It recognizes those who have undertaken remarkable initiatives towards the achievements of Africa’s SRHR goals. The following individuals were feted during the ceremony: Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award Category The recipient of this award is an individual who has advocated for SRHR and contributed to the advancement of SRHR in his individual capacity. His stringent efforts have led to feasible impact at national, regional and international levels. Dr. Shimelis Adugna from Ethiopia is the 2017 recipient of this award. A founding member of our Member Association in Ethiopia –Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE), Dr. Adugna is a passionate SRHR champion and has contributed immensely towards the growth and development of FGAE. Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award Category This award recognizes young people who continue to influence SRHR strides in their country and in the continent. The recipient for the 2017 award was Mr. Daniel Oyom from Uganda. Through Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) –our Member Association the East African country of Uganda, Mr. Oyom continues to make immense contributions, more so in the area of resource mobilization for RHU. Among others, Mr. Oyom donated his personal land worth $10,000 to the MA. Outstanding IPPFAR Staff Award Category Dr. David Williams from Sierra Leone was feted in this category. Dr. Williams has served in various positions in the MA of Sierra Leone – The Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL), where he is the current Executive Director. Dr. Williams played a significant role in the fight against the Ebola epidemic in the country. He serves on various SRHR technical and advisory committees including the Country Coordinating Mechanism Committee (CCM). Also recognized in this category was Ms. Diallo Drame from Burkina Faso. Ms Diallo is a midwife, Head of Clinic and has supported the management of the comprehensive abortion management project in the MA of Burkina Faso. With over 20 years of service in the Association, Ms. Diallo has demonstrated unwavering commitment to promoting the Association's FP/RH activities. One of great achievements is the integration into several teams of SRH trainers. She is in charge of quality of services at service delivery points, she organized mobile teams in social franchising. The number of statistics on services provided has doubled. Outstanding non-IPPFAR Individuals Awards Category Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs at Africa Union Commission was recognized by IPPFAR for his great role and contribution in the advancement of SRHR in Africa and beyond. As the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr. Kaloko  played a leading role in the adoption of the new Maputo Plan of Action and the integration of SRHR into the AU Agenda 2063. He also greatly supported IPPFAR Member Associations (MAs) in the fight against the Ebola crisis. In addition, Dr. Kaloko recommended IPPFAR to the Heads of States and First Ladies which has increased in country support and funding. Our hearty congratulations to all the recipients of the first IPPF Africa Region Award for Excellence in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights For more information about our work, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

IPPF Africa Region’s Member Association in Cote d'Ivoire –The Association Ivoirienne pour le Bien-Etre Familial (AIBEF) on 7 September 2017 hosted a fruitful working session led by IPPFAR’s Regional Director Mr. Lucien Kouakou and ‘'The Challenge Initiative’s Deputy Director General Mr. Kojo Lokko. In attendance were the Executive Directors (EDs) of five IPPFAR Member Associations: Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire and Togo. The Challenge Initiative (TCI) presents a new approach to the implementation of family planning programs focusing on poor and young people from disadvantaged urban areas (slums), with municipalities as actors of choice. The purpose of the working session between IPPFAR Member Associations and TCI was to discuss strategic partnerships, and identify areas of collaboration and priorities. The meeting was characterized by various presentations and insightful discussions by all. Proposed action plans by the EDs were developed –based on The Challenge Initiative’s successful interventions in parts of West Africa. Dr. Yilma Melkamu from IPPF’s Central Office in London, as well as Dr. Haingo Rabearimonjy of IPPF AR’s head office in Nairobi also participated in the meeting. Mr. Kouakou and Mrs. Lokko called for increased collaboration and effective partnership opportunities between all entities. The Challenge Initiative is funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. ************************************************************************************** RELEVER LA PREVALENCE CONTRACEPTIVE EN ZONE URBAINE : L’IPPF et THE CHALLENGE INITIATIVE (TCI) amorcent un partenariat Une séance de travail a réuni  le 07 septembre 2017 au Siège de l’Association Ivoirienne pour le Bien Etre Familial (AIBEF), une Délégation de l’IPPF conduite par le Directeur Régional du Bureau Régional Afrique, M Lucien Kouakou et celle de « The Challenge Initiative » avec à sa tête M Kojo Lokko, le Directeur Général Adjoint. La réunion s’est élargie à Cinq (05) Directeurs Exécutifs/Représentants des Associations Membres du Bénin, du Burkina Faso, du Nigeria, du Sénégal, de la Cote d’Ivoire et du Togo et aux Directeurs de Programme du Bureau Central, Dr Yilma Melkamu et du Bureau régional de l’IPPF, Dr. Haingo Rabearimonjy. La rencontre avait pour objectif de discuter des partenariats stratégiques et identifier les domaines de collaboration et les priorités. The Challenge Initiative (TCI) présente une nouvelle approche de mise en œuvre des programmes de planification familiale axée sur les populations pauvres et jeunes des milieux urbains défavorisés (bidonvilles) avec comme acteurs de choix les communes. A travers  les différentes présentations aussi bien de TCI que des Associations Membres de  l’IPPFRA et les échanges qui s’en sont suivis, il a été retenu de la poursuite des discussions au niveau des Départements des Programmes des 02 entités. Les DE des Associations Membres ont également  proposé des plans d’actions sur la base des interventions entamées par TCI dans les Pays de l’Afrique de l’Ouest. Les 02 chefs de Délégation ont exprimé leur satisfaction sur la rencontre et se sont exhortés à continuer les échanges pour un partenariat effectif. Notons que TCI est une initiative financée par la Fondation Melinda et Bill GATE. Story by Joel Eklou, Communication and Resource Mobilization Manager, The Association Togolaise pour le Bien-Etre Familial (ATBEF) For more updates on our work, follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook and Twitter