Healthcare, Rights & Choice: The Stand Up Initiative in Action Imagine a world where every young woman and girl has the power to make informed choices about their sexual and reproductive health. That’s the vision of Stand Up for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (Stand Up)—a groundbreaking 6.5-year initiative driving change in Uganda and Mozambique. Our Impact So Far: 6 service provision clusters established 260+ health professionals trained to respond to SGBV 444 providers trained in youth-friendly contraceptive services 418,808+ visits for SRH services, reaching nearly 300,000 adolescent girls & young women Through strategic partnerships with Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) and AMODEFA Mozambique, we’re strengthening healthcare systems, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring no one is left behind.  

Every year on 3 March, the world marks the International Sex Workers' Rights Day. This is a day set aside to recognize the rights of sex workers and to call for an end to the human rights abuses they face. In Liberia, just like in many other sub-Saharan African countries, sex workers face numerous challenges that not only infringe on their rights, but also affect their physical, emotional, mental, and psychological well-being. They also face stigma, discrimination, and limited access to essential services. In this article, we shed light on the significant strides made by IPPF’s Collaborative Partner in Liberia -Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI) to empower sex workers through comprehensive healthcare and welfare programs.  Addressing Physical Health Requirements One of the most significant obstacles that sex workers often face are those pertaining to their access to healthcare services. These include lack of transport money to health facilities, unaffordability of the services, and stigma from health workers. To address these challenges, CHI has launched mobile clinics that serve approximately 5,000 individuals annually across various communities in Liberia. These clinics, operated by professionally trained healthcare workers, provide essential services such as: •    General health examinations, reaching 3,500 sex workers annually •    Sexual and reproductive health care, including contraceptive distribution and STI screenings •    Targeted screenings for common health issues, benefiting over 2,000 individuals each year By providing these services in a non-judgmental environment, CHI ensures that sex workers receive the care they need without fear of discrimination. Additionally, CHI developed partnerships with 15 local health facilities to facilitate seamless referrals and continuity of care. Mental Health: A Pillar of Support Some sex workers report feelings of anxiety, stress, sadness, low self-esteem, and feelings of depression due to the violence and discrimination they endure as a result of their work.. Recognizing the mental health challenges faced by sex workers, CHI developed comprehensive support programs that include: •    Professional psychological counseling services, with over 1,200 sessions conducted annually •    Peer support networks that connect more than 500 sex workers, fostering a sense of community and belonging •    Workshops on stigma reduction and mental health awareness, attended by over 800 individuals each year These initiatives empower sex workers to prioritize their mental well-being and build resilience against the challenges they face. Comprehensive Services for Holistic Empowerment Beyond healthcare, CHI provides a range of support services to enhance the quality of life for sex workers, including: •    Legal aid services, assisting over 300 individuals annually with legal challenges •    Specialized training programs have equipped 250 sex workers with skills for alternative employment. •    Safe spaces for community gatherings, attended by over 1,000 sex workers annually, promoting learning and self-expression. These services enhance the long-term empowerment and independence of sex workers, allowing them to step into a different direction if they wish to do so. Community-Centered HIV Prevention and Care CHI’s community-centered approach to HIV prevention and care has been crucial in lowering the prevalence of HIV among sex workers. Key initiatives include: •    Awareness campaigns that have reached over 4,500 individuals with information on HIV prevention, testing, and treatment •    SRHR health services that enable access to HIV testing for over 2,000 sex workers each year. •    Collaboration with healthcare providers to ensure prompt and effective treatment for individuals who test positive, with ongoing support for over 300 individuals managing their health By addressing the multifaceted needs of sex workers, CHI aims to foster an inclusive environment that promotes health, dignity, and empowerment for this marginalized community. The organization’s integrated approach serves as a model for organizations aiming to create meaningful change in the lives of sex workers. By comprehensively addressing physical health, mental health, psychosocial support, and HIV treatment, CHI not only improves the well-being of sex workers but also transforms societal attitudes and reduces discrimination. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

IPPF Africa Region Welcomes Kenya’s Landmark Recognition of Intersex Persons Nairobi, Kenya: 13 February 2025 – On 31 January 2025, Kenya has taken a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity and human rights by officially recognizing intersex as a sex marker alongside male and female in the Kenya Legal Notice 153 of 2025. This marks a significant policy shift that affirms the dignity and rights of intersex persons from birth. The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) welcomes this milestone, which reflects the tireless efforts of intersex persons, activists, and allies who have long advocated for legal recognition. By including intersex in official documentation, Kenya is addressing years of systemic marginalization and laying the foundation for greater visibility and protection. This recognition is more than just an administrative change; it is a crucial affirmation of the existence, dignity, and rights of intersex persons who have long faced systemic marginalization. Societal stigma has forced many to conceal their identities, leading to a lack of public awareness, inadequate medical support, and legal invisibility. The extent of this invisibility is reflected in official data—while the 2019 census recorded only 1,524 individuals as intersex, the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights estimates the actual population could be as high as 1.4 million. The significance of this recognition is deeply felt within the Intersex community. Andy Maxwell, an intersex activist and Executive Director of Q We Rise Network expressed the overwhelming joy and validation this brings: “Finally, we can have our identity reflected on our identification documents. We are also incredibly excited about this victory, especially at a time when it felt like our efforts were being challenged.” Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director, said: "This momentous recognition by the Kenyan government is a testament to the resilience and advocacy of the Intersex community and its allies. It is a vital step toward dismantling systemic barriers that have long denied intersex persons their rights and visibility. As we celebrate this progress, we urge continued efforts to ensure that legal recognition translates into real, lived equality, where intersex persons are free from stigma, discrimination, and medical violations". While legal recognition is a milestone, intersex individuals continue to face violations of bodily autonomy through forced medical interventions. Non-consensual procedures, often performed in infancy or childhood to fit binary norms, cause lasting physical and psychological harm. True inclusion requires not only recognition but also strong protections against these harmful practices, ensuring intersex persons have full control over their own bodies. “RHNK applauds the Kenyan government for this historic step in recognizing the rights and dignity of intersex persons. As an organization committed to advancing inclusive sexual and reproductive health rights and strengthening healthcare access, we emphasize the need to ensure that this recognition also leads to equitable, stigma-free and gender affirming healthcare services. Every intersex person deserves the right to bodily autonomy and access to non-discriminatory medical care”, said Nelly Munyasia, Executive Director, Reproductive Health Network Kenya, IPPFAR’s Associate Member in country. IPPFAR is committed to advancing intersex rights by working with communities, policymakers, and healthcare providers through Reproductive Health Network Kenya. While legal recognition is progress, ensuring meaningful protections and rights-based healthcare remains essential on the path to full equality. 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, Instagram and YouTube.

By Sally Sadie Singhateh Female genital mutilation (FGM) in The Gambia is considered as one of the most harmful social and cultural practices in the country, owing to its dire implications on girls’ social development, women’s sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and economic empowerment. According to the United Nation’s Population Fund (UNFPA), 75 per cent of women and girls aged 15-49 have undergone some form of FGM in The Gambia. Yet, only 46 per cent of women who know about the practice believe that it should not be continued, according to the 2019-20 Gambia Demography and Health Survey (DHS). The Government of The Gambia has demonstrated commendable commitment to bringing an end to the practice, including the criminalization of FGM which carries heavy penalties, including three years imprisonment for practising it and life imprisonment for causing the death of a child due to the practice. Yet, FGM persists due to, among other factors, deeply rooted in cultural norms resulting in many affected women and girls having to live with the physical complications of the harmful practice. These complications include genital injuries, obstetric problems including fistulas, and exposure to infections including HIV as well as the psychological trauma of the experience and its repercussions.  Transforming Cultural Norms: A Path to Health and Empowerment IPPF’s Collaborative Partner in The Gambia, The Foundation for Research on Women’s Health, Productivity and the Environment (BAFROW), has been in operation for over 20 years and has been contributing to government’s efforts to improve the quality of life of the Gambian people. The organization offers social services and preventive care to communities (women, youth, men) by including education, health care service, micro finance, small and medium enterprise, and environmental and behaviour change programs in their areas of interventions. BAFROW’s model is based on a holistic/integrated approach centrally rooted in the concept of the “Well Woman”. A main feature of BAFROW’s approach is that its activities are designed in the context of civic empowerment, people’s participation and ownership. It is a process of transparency and accountability which involves communities taking charge in auditing their own systems and practices as well as their roles, responsibilities, obligations and rights as leaders and citizens in relation to an identified problem which they want to address. Hence, issues of culture and tradition, gender equality, human rights and social development as well as consultative processes, participation and decision making processes are discussed in a given context and are mainstreamed in the day-to-day empowerment activities and social services that are provided to them.  It is within this context that BAFROW has for the last 13 years been implementing activities that address harmful practices, including FGM. These include raising awareness on the health implications of FGM and other harmful traditional practices, empowering communities through functional education and providing livelihood opportunities for circumcisers; involving and engaging religious and traditional leaders in the campaign to end FGM; mobilizing youth to advocate for the elimination of the practice through BAFROW Youth Advocacy Group; providing services in case management of health complications resulting from FGM; and supporting the implementation of an alternative rites of passage for girls which is commonly known as “Initiation without Mutilation”. Initiation Without Mutilation: A New Tradition for Girls In The Gambia, FGM is mostly performed by traditional excisors (more than 97 per cent). A notable landmark in BAFROW’s work on FGM is the transformation of circumcisers into health mobilizers through intensive training courses and skills upgrading workshops organized yearly. The training courses include sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information, environmental health, contra-FGM related advocacy skills, HIV/AIDS prevention, women and girls’ rights and the linkages between these issues. The women who participate in these trainings are usually engaged in expanding awareness raising activities on these issues in their communities and environments, and advocate for alternative rites of passage for girls. Closely linked to the passage rites alternatives is BAFROW’s action-oriented study on female genital mutilation and cutting (FGM/C). The longitudinal study on Children at Risk of FGM registered girl children from birth to 6 years old into a girls’ protection program. These children were monitored through the program and their parents sensitized and empowered through a functional education program to ensure the girls were not cut. The passage rites program also included the development of a Curriculum for the alternative rites of passage and training of converted circumcisers and their assistants on its use. An essential part of the program was to create a culture of entrepreneurship in these women to discourage them from reverting to their FGM-related income generating practice. These activities ultimately resulted in the creation of BAFROW’s Association of Ex-Circumcisers, which includes converted circumcisers and their assistants, and the first major BAFROW-supported alternative rites of passage ceremony conducted six years after the start of the study. The passage rites have become an institution of empowerment for girls. Highlights of achievements 300 villages across the country reached directly with awareness activities 300 student nurses, health professional and extension workers trained 200 religious leaders trained 30 literacy centres established; 2000 women graduated 200 ex-circumcisers transformed   50 ex-circumcisers trained on the Curriculum and supported to operate small businesses 178 members in BAFROW’s Association of Ex-circumcisers and growing Creation of BAFROW Youth Advocacy Group; development of a youth training manual for FGM trainers Over 20 villages registered where FGM had not been practiced for 15 years+ Over 10,000 girls registered in the passage rites Program; 150 went through the Ceremony. Featured image (top): Committed to ending FGM, BAFROW’s Association of Ex-Circumcisers, which comprises of converted circumcisers and their assistants, has 178 members to date from every region in the country.  For more information about our FGM program, visit: https://www.bafrow.org/?page_id=1775 Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

By Dr. Paul Tochukwu Odigbo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) remains a significant public health and human rights concern in the West African country of Nigeria. FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons, violates the rights of women and girls and causes severe physical, psychological, and emotional harm. UNFPA reports that in Nigeria, 25 per cent of women and girls aged 15-49 have undergone some form of FGM. While the practice is mostly performed by traditional excisors (more than 70 per cent), some medical professionals also subject women and girls to this harmful practice. Despite substantial progress that has been made in the country, including legislation outlawing FGM, the practice persists, fueled by cultural, social, and economic factors. This article highlights progress made by the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) towards the elimination of FGM in the country. PPFN’s best practices regarding the elimination of FGM Regarding legislation and policy enforcement, Nigeria has implemented laws to criminalize FGM, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act of 2015, which outlaws the practice nationwide. PPFN acknowledges that legal frameworks are critical in creating accountability and deterring offenders. Notably, at the last Gender and Inclusion summit held in Abuja in 2024, during the high-level ministerial plenary panel session, PPFN raised a concern regarding the proposed repeal of the VAPP Act and how it can affect victims and survivors of gender-based violence. The First Lady of Kwara State, H.E Ambassador Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazaq responded by expressing her similar concern about the matter. She stated that she was taking steps to ensure the repeal does not happen. Unfortunately, enforcement remains challenging. PPFN continuously engages in health education programs that highlight the physical and psychological consequences of FGM, which are key to shifting attitudes. At PPFN, we have used media campaigns, workshops, and community dialogues to raise awareness. During the 16 days of activism in 2024, we organized a walk to raise awareness against all forms of gender-based violence, including FGM. Our campaigns target both men and women, as men often influence decisions regarding FGM in patriarchal communities. Key challenges in eliminating FGM in Nigeria Although the VAPP Act and State laws criminalize FGM, enforcement remains weak in many rural areas due to a lack of resources, awareness, and political will. Additionally, traditional norms and belief are a significant challenge, as FGM is often viewed as a prerequisite for marriage or a marker of social status. In many communities, it is believed to preserve a girl’s chastity and ensure her acceptance in society. In some parts of Nigeria, FGM is now performed by healthcare workers, perpetuating the practice under the guise of safety. This medicalization of FGM creates a false sense of legitimacy. Another significant challenge is the factor of cross-border practices. This happens when families in border communities take girls to neighboring countries with weaker laws to undergo FGM. This only complicates FGM eradication efforts. Many local NGOs and community-based organizations committed to the eradication of the practice also cite the lack of funding and capacity to sustain their anti-FGM initiatives. Need for collaborative approaches to end FGM in Nigeria To eliminate FGM in Nigeria, a multifaceted and collaborative approach is required. The government must ensure that laws banning FGM are effectively enforced, particularly in rural areas. Training for law enforcement officers and judicial systems is crucial. Furthermore, the Nigerian government should work with healthcare associations to train and monitor medical professionals, ensuring they reject and report FGM practices. There is also the need to scale up community-led programmes. Expanding successful initiatives such as public declarations of abandonment and Alternative Rites of Passage can accelerate progress in more communities. To address the cross-border illegalities, there is need for regional cooperation with neighboring countries to curb the practice. Towards this, joint awareness campaigns and border surveillance can be effective tools. International organizations, governments, and donors must continue to support grassroots organizations with the resources needed to educate communities and implement anti-FGM programs. Dr Paul Tochukwu Odigbo is PPFN’s Programme Manager (Service Delivery). Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

Nairobi, Kenya: 5 February 2025 – The International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region (IPPFAR) calls for an immediate de-escalation of the conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the immediate establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure unimpeded access to lifesaving aid, including sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services.  The situation in eastern DRC has deteriorated catastrophically following the capture of Goma by M23 armed groups between 26 and 29 January 2025.  IPPF has received distressing reports of widespread suffering, with thousands of civilians trapped and deprived of essential humanitarian assistance, including access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. At least 900 people have been killed, nearly 3,000 injured, and countless others displaced, forced to seek refuge in overcrowded churches, schools, and temporary shelters, where their safety remains precarious.  IPPF’s partners in the DRC report the destruction of aid and healthcare facilities, looting by armed groups, and the evacuation of United Nations and humanitarian INGO staff, leaving civilians at heightened risk of sexual violence, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and food insecurity.    “We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe, with hospitals inaccessible and humanitarian access blocked, pregnant women and survivors of sexual violence have nowhere to turn. Maternal services, emergency contraception, post-rape care, and safe abortion services are entirely out of reach, leaving thousands of women and girls facing forced pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and lifelong trauma” said Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.    IPPF’s in-country partners are not able to fully resume all Sexual and Reproductive Health in Emergencies (SRHiE) services, referrals, and psychosocial support due to safety concerns for their healthcare workers and shortage of commodities. The organization is calling for the urgent establishment of a protected humanitarian corridor to ensure the delivery of lifesaving care, particularly for those subjected to sexual violence.  "Conflict shatters lives and denying access to sexual reproductive health and rights only exacerbates the suffering, deepens inequalities, and robs people—especially women and girls—of their dignity and future. These are fundamental human rights, and are as critical as food, water, and shelter in times of crisis", added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPF Africa Regional Director.    “Goma is harbouring over 400.000 Internally displaced people that have scattered due to the clashes between the DRC army and M23. Women and children remaining have once again been victims of violence and could face sexual violence historically used as a weapon of war against civilian. The international community must prioritise women and children's needs and take decisive actions to prevent atrocities to unfold. We must ensure that the most vulnerable are at the heart of our response, and, most importantly, we must work to prevent sexual violence from happening in the first place", said Valerie Dourdin, IPPF Global Humanitarian Director.  IPPF urges regional leaders, the international community, and UN agencies to take immediate action to:  End the violence, with all parties ceasing their offensive and an immediate end to the targeting of civilians, in line with international humanitarian law.   Guarantee humanitarian access and safe, unhindered delivery of essential aid, including emergency SRH services, post-rape care, and safe abortion access.  Protect women and girls with a zero-tolerance approach to sexual violence, with justice and accountability for perpetrators.  Ensure safe refuge and immediate protection for displaced persons, with neighbouring countries urged to accept and support refugees.  Restore healthcare services and the immediate re-establishment of essential healthcare and SRH services to support affected communities.   Protect healthcare workers and facilities by implementing measures to ensure their safety and put an end to attacks on frontline responders.  IPPF remains committed to advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected by the ongoing conflict and will continue working with its Member Associations to restore access to life-saving humanitarian SRH services in the Eastern DRC and neighbouring countries.  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   - Hanna Lund Adcock Senior Humanitarian Communication Adviser, IPPF Global Humanitarian Team – email:  [email protected] / Tel: +44 773 792 49 15 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 normal and humanitarian situations- 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 and SRHiE 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 and SRHiE 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, Instagram and YouTube.

By Maryanne W. WAWERU From 13 – 17 January, IPPF Africa Region Member Associations (MAs) implementing the Stand-Up to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) project gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, for the project’s annual planning meeting. The meeting was aimed at enabling the project teams from the implementing countries –Uganda and Mozambique, to jointly review implementation status, as well as develop a plan for the project’s 5th year. Funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through Oxfam Canada (OCA), Stand-Up is a 6.5 year multi-stakeholder, multi-country initiative that contributes to the increased enjoyment of SRHR services by adolescent girls and young women (10-29 years), other women of reproductive age (30+ years), and men and boys, in strategically selected Mozambican and Ugandan districts. IPPF MAs –Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) and Associação Moçambicana para Desenvolvimento da Família (AMODEFA) are responsible for the component of the project that aims to strengthen knowledge and capacity of service providers and healthcare facilities to improve the provision of comprehensive sexual reproductive health (SRH) information and services. Ms. Sylvia Ekponimo, the Stand-Up Project Advisor said the forum was a great opportunity for the project teams to critically evaluate the status of the project. “The meeting enabled us to take stock of our progress thus far. It provided a good setting for the exchange of best practices among project teams, identify implementation gaps, areas of improvement, address challenges, and offer recommendations. The teams collectively brainstormed on new approaches they will apply to ensure they achieve greater success for the project,” she said. Stand-Up’s notable achievements Between April - September 2024, the total number of SRH services provided through the Stand-Up project were 581,615. Notably, 59% of these services were provided to adolescents and youth aged between 10 – 24 years. These services provided included: sexual health counselling, maternal care services (including skilled antenatal, childbirth, and post-natal care), safe abortion and post-abortion care services, prevention, detection, and treatment of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) prevention and management services. Family planning services provided included 46,361 injectables, 22,677 pills, 10,655 implants and 1,461 intrauterine devices (IUDs). Additionally, 434,574 condoms were distributed during this time frame. In her opening remarks, Ms. Gallianne Palayret, IPPF Africa Region’s Deputy Director lauded the project’s role in reaching marginalized populations in Uganda and Mozambique. “Adolescents girls and young women (AGYW) are a vulnerable population when it comes to their sexual reproductive health. This situation is particularly dire for those in hard-to-reach areas, where access to quality SRHR information and services is often difficult. For the last four years, the Stand-Up project has been addressing this challenge by implementing strategic interventions that are tailored to meet the unique SRHR needs of adolescents, youth, and other underserved populations such as people with disability (PWD) and members of the LGBTQIA+ community,” she said. While noting the achievements of the project, Ms. Palayret emphasized IPPF’s commitment to championing adolescent and youth SRHR in sub-Saharan Africa. “Young people are at the centre of IPPF’s programmes. This is underscored in IPPF’s ‘Come Together’ Strategy, which is a comprehensive plan that outlines the organization’s commitment to supporting young people in realizing their SRHR. IPPF is dedicated to championing programs and initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa that are aimed at empowering adolescents and youth. This we achieve through our strong network of Member Associations and Collaborative Partners. We remain grateful to all our partners, including donors, governments and other stakeholders who work with us to achieve this goal,” she said. The Cluster Model approach The planning meeting served as a good cross-learning opportunity for participants, as expressed by Mr. Stelio Faiela, Stand-Up’s Project Coordinator at AMODEFA.  “It was a very insightful meeting, where we learnt a lot from our Ugandan counterparts. We were particularly impressed by their application of the Cluster Model* methodology compared to ours, which has significantly helped them to deliver results. The main learning for AMODEFA was RHU’s Cluster Model that strategically includes membership from the regional level, the district level, all the way to the grassroots level. Additionally, RHU carefully selects members of each cluster, where key stakeholders such as Ministry of Health officials, politicians, community leaders, PWDs, youth representatives and other notable influencers are incorporated. This strategy that has guaranteed broad acceptance of the project at all levels. The RHU Cluster Model approach offered good learning lessons for us, and we will be sure to emulate some elements of that good practice in our context,” he said. AMODEFA’s remarkable mobile brigades Similarly, the mobile brigade** strategy employed by AMODEFA made for a key learning lesson for the RHU team. AMODEFA conducts a monthly average of 40 mobile brigades in its intervention sites –commendable efforts that were lauded by RHU’s Stand-Up Coordinator, Dr. Simon Peter Lugoloobi. “How our Mozambican colleagues conduct their mobile brigades is remarkable. What stands out for me is the way AMODEFA works with a strong network of local partners to achieve impressive results through their mobile brigades. Awareness creation, service provision, and referrals to health facilities are all undertaken in close collaboration with local partners. Every activity is carried out in seamless coordination with each partner, ensuring that thousands of adolescent girls and young women are reached with SRH information and services, including those in the most far-flung rural areas where access to health services is extremely challenging. AMODEFA’s mobile brigades have significantly addressed many of the barriers that AGYW face in accessing services, such as long distances to health facilities and lack of transport money,” Dr. Lugoloobi said. Focus on ‘results-oriented’ implementation The close of the workshop saw the team make various commitments geared towards heightened success of the project in the next implementation year. “In Year 5, our mantra will be 'efficient and results-oriented implementation'. We plan to intensify our efforts to strengthen the cluster management teams and promote a more coordinated health system in the implementing districts. In particular, we will support the team in ensuring that the use of data for decision making is consistent and embedded. We believe that this will contribute to the project's objective of "increasing the capacity of health systems and institutions to provide quality, rights-based, gender-responsive, youth-friendly and comprehensive SRH information and services for adolescent girls and young women” said Ms. Ekponimo. *Participatory and inclusive in nature, the Cluster Model is an integrated, comprehensive approach to fulfilling individuals’ SRHR and exponentially increasing access to family planning services, particularly for vulnerable populations. **The provision of health services by trained service providers outside health facilities in order to reach people who may not normally have easy access to or are less likely to attend facility services. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.

Family planning is often seen as a woman’s responsibility, but men have an equally vital role to play in ensuring their families’ well-being. For men like Medgclay, embracing this shared responsibility has been transformative. His journey highlights the importance of informed choices, challenging misconceptions, and fostering open conversations about reproductive health, particularly when it comes to vasectomy—a safe and effective contraceptive method that remains misunderstood by many. A Childhood That Shaped My Perspective on Family Planning My name is Medgclay from Kenya, I have been married for 14 years, and I am a proud father of four children. Growing up in a family of 13 children, I know firsthand the struggles of providing for a large household. Resources were always stretched thin, and even basic needs like food and education were hard to come by. My wife came from a family of seven children, where her parents, as farmers, faced similar challenges. These experiences shaped how we approached family planning when we got married. When we started our lives together, we agreed to have only two children so we could offer them a stable, comfortable life. We hoped for a boy and a girl, and, to our amazement, that dream came true when our first pregnancy brought us twins. We were overjoyed and thought our family was complete. Back then, I viewed family planning as solely a woman’s responsibility, so I encouraged my wife to choose whatever contraceptive method worked best for her. Unfortunately, that wasn’t easy. Every method she tried brought severe side effects, hormonal disruptions, mood swings, weight gain, and allergic reactions. Eventually, she opted for a 5-year hormonal implant, which seemed to work initially. But three years later, while the implant was still active, she unexpectedly became pregnant. We welcomed another child, but it was clear that we needed a more reliable, permanent solution. Exploring Vasectomy: Overcoming Misconceptions and Fears After consulting numerous healthcare providers and exploring our options, a doctor suggested a vasectomy. I hesitated at the idea. Like many men in our society, I was burdened by misconceptions: Would it make me "less of a man"? Was it akin to castration? Would I be seen as weak or "useless"? Despite my education, these myths weighed heavily on me. But love for my wife and a commitment to shared responsibility made me open to exploring various options. After multiple consultations, I learned the truth: vasectomy is a simple, safe procedure with no negative impact on masculinity, sexual performance, or overall health outcome. With newfound understanding and my wife's support, I decided to undergo the procedure in July 2022, when our youngest daughter was six months old. The experience was straightforward, but we made a crucial mistake: we didn’t follow the post-operative guidelines properly. My wife stopped her contraceptives too soon, and by December, we were surprised to learn she was 12 weeks pregnant. This wasn’t a failure of the vasectomy itself; it was our misstep. The procedure was effective, and we learned an important lesson about following medical advice closely. This experience transformed me. I realised how deeply ingrained myths and misconceptions about vasectomy and family planning as a whole hold men back. I decided to take a stand. My wife and I began educating and engaging men in our community about the truth of vasectomy and the importance of shared responsibility in family planning. We’ve spoken to countless men, challenging harmful narratives, and offering accurate and science-based information. My story serves as a reminder that men have a vital role to play in family planning. World Vasectomy Day, observed on 15 November each year, is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s a global movement to empower men, dispel harmful myths, and promote open conversations about contraception. World Vasectomy Day celebrates men who take responsibility for their reproductive choices. I urge men everywhere to join the conversation. Ask questions, challenge harmful traditional values and beliefs, and consider the powerful impact of sharing responsibility in family planning. Together, we can create a world where family planning is recognized as a shared duty empowering couples, supporting communities, and securing a brighter future for all. Debunking Common Vasectomy Myths Here are some common misconceptions I’ve encountered and the truths that dispel them: Myth: Vasectomy reduces masculinity. Truth: It does not impact a man's masculinity or sexual performance.   Myth: It diminishes sexual pleasure. Truth: Vasectomy does not affect sexual sensation or function.   Myth: It’s permanent and irreversible. Truth: While intended to be permanent, vasectomies can sometimes be reversed through surgery.   Myth: It weakens physical strength. Truth: Vasectomy has no impact on physical capabilities.   Myth: It increases prostate cancer risk. Truth: There is no proven link between vasectomy and prostate cancer.   Myth: It harms future relationships. Truth: Vasectomy does not impact fertility or relationships with new partners.   Myth: It conflicts with religious beliefs. Truth: Views vary, and it’s important to consult religious leaders if needed. Men taking ownership their sexual and reproductive health is a chance to reshape how we think about family planning. Let’s engage men, confront myths, and spread knowledge. Together, we can ensure that every family planning journey is informed, inclusive, and empowering. I stand as a testament to the power of change, and I invite other men to step up and take this journey with me for the good of our families, our communities, and generations to come. By Medgclay

By Maryanne W. WAWERU In parts of rural Uganda, many adolescent girls and young women face challenges in accessing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services. IPPF’s Member Association in the country,  Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) continues to address this challenge through various initiatives, such as the Stand-Up project. In this article, we learn more about how the organization is achieving this, specifically in the Busoga region of the country, through the experience of one young woman. On a bright Thursday mid-morning in a village in Mayuge district, in the Busoga region of eastern Uganda, 23-year-old Nalubega Aisha sits inside a makeshift tent where, together with other women and men, listens keenly to a lady dressed in a green apron over a yellow shirt. The lady in the green apron is educating them on the importance of family planning, whilst elaborating on different types of modern contraceptives. The lady is a local health promoter attached to IPPF’s Member Association, Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU), one of Uganda’s foremost organizations renowned for its championing and provision of quality SRHR information and services. A short while later, Nalubega makes her way to another makeshift tent in the open field. There, she finds an empty white plastic chair and takes a seat, awaiting her turn to be served by the attending nurse. Following the detailed information given by the lady in the green apron, she has decided to take up a family planning method. On Nalubega’s back is one of her four-month old twins. The other twin is a short distance away, being cared for by a volunteer from RHU.   Chance encounter with a local health volunteer When she woke up that morning, attending a mobile medical camp was not in Nalubega’s plans for the day. So how did she end up there? “After hurriedly completing my routine morning chores, I set out for the local health center to take my twins for their scheduled immunization. While standing by the roadside, waiting for a motorbike taxi, a health volunteer from RHU approached me and told me about a medical camp happening in the local market center. The volunteer said that in addition to my babies’ immunizations, there would also be a range of other services I could access for free –such as contraceptives, HIV testing and cervical cancer screening,” she explained. Even more exciting was the fact that the medical camp was happening just a distance away from her home, so Nalubega would not need to incur any transport costs. Going to the local health center would have cost her UGS 4,000 ($1.1) for return fare on a motorbike taxi. “I was grateful to the volunteer for not only informing me about this golden opportunity, but for also accompanying me to the camp and assisting me with my twins,” she says. Stalling on taking up a family planning method Ever since the birth of her twins, Nalubega has been seriously contemplating taking up a family planning method. “My first child is three years old. I now have four-month old twins. I don’t want to have another child soon, so I must take the necessary precautions. However, in as much as I know that I could fall pregnant anytime because I am regularly intimate with my husband, I have been procrastinating on the decision to take up family planning, for no good reason at all,” she explains. Nalubega’s husband is a casual labourer who, on many occasions, goes for several days without finding work. With an expanding family and subsequent growing financial needs in the home, his lack of a reliable income has left Nalubega, a housewife, deeply frustrated. “The money is too little. I fear that my children will not go to school if we continue like this. I dropped out of school at primary level because my parents were unable to pay my school fees. I desire better for my children. What if I get pregnant again? Won’t things only get worse?”   Supplementing the family’s income Nalubega, who has been married for five years, has recently found herself thinking of ways to supplement her husband’s income.   “I don’t want to have another child until the twins are at least six years old. For now, I want to look for a job and save enough money to start a business. With my own source of income, I can have another child because I will be able to manage my own time and resources. That way, whether my husband finds work or not, I’ll be comfortable knowing that I can provide for the children. Until then, I must avoid another pregnancy.” That is why it was a huge relief for Nalubega to learn about the medical camp. The camp was organized courtesy of the Stand-Up project, being implemented by RHU. Stand Up is a multi-stakeholder, multi-country initiative that contributes to the increased enjoyment of SRHR by adolescent girls and young women (10-29 years), other women of reproductive age (30+ years), and men and boys, in strategically selected Ugandan and Mozambican districts. The project is funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC) through Oxfam Canada. No fears about an unplanned pregnancy anymore After being attended to by the nurse in the makeshift tent at the medical camp, Nalubega was all smiles. “I received counselling on the different types of family planning methods and with guidance from the nurse, I settled on a five-year contraceptive. I also received HIV counselling and testing services. Additionally, my twins received immunization services in a different tent within the precincts of the medical camp, and their general health and well-being was assessed. The nurses told me that the babies are growing healthy and strong, which made me very happy!” Nalubega was all praise for the services she received at the camp. “I can’t believe that I have received all these services at no cost, and all in one day, at the same venue. Everything was so seamless. I’m happy the RHU community volunteer who met me at the roadside told me about it. I feel so relieved knowing that I won’t have to worry about an unplanned pregnancy anymore. I really want to improve the economic situation of my family, and I believe this is the first step to achieving this.” Effective collaborations for success Nalubega is one of the 16,533 adolescent girls and young women who have been reached with community-based family planning/sexual and reproductive health services. Dr. Simon Peter Lugoloobi, the RHU Stand-Up Project Manager in Uganda credits the project for the significant uptake of contraceptive services among adolescents and young people in the implementation sites, which has been achieved through robust community engagement strategies. In Uganda, the Stand-Up project is being implemented in the West Nile region (Arua district, Terego district, Madi Okolo district and Nebbi district), as well as in the Busoga region (Mayuge district and Namayingo district). “The project employs a multisectoral and participatory approach through the cluster model which enhances reach to the last mile. A typical cluster model contains about five to six public and private health facilities within a 20km radius, with one of the facilities serving as a comprehensive site (for coordination, referral, mentoring, supportive supervision). The facilities offer standardized, integrated SRH services to communities in their area through facility-based (static), outreach (in-reach) and community-based channels,” he says. Dr. Lugoloobi adds that the capacity building and clinical mentorship aspects of the Stand-Up project have enhanced quality service provision and availability through a proficient health workforce. “Data utilization further informs planning and ensures resources are focused in areas with highest need for contraception and other SRHR services. The participatory and multisectoral approaches have greatly resulted into ownership and leveraging existing resources to further ensure value for money and sustainability,” he says. The Stand-Up project is currently in its 4th year of implementation, and will continue to serve thousands of girls, women, and men with much needed SRHR services, including vulnerable and marginalized populations. Follow IPPF Africa Region on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube.