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Cape Verde

Articles by Cape Verde

IPPF Board of Trustee Chair Kate Gilmore and Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPFAR Regional director visiting a mobile clinic in Cape Verde
16 June 2022

IPPF first high level visit to Cape Verde: A notable success in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the country

From 25 - 29 May 2022, IPPF Board of Trustees Chair, Kate Gilmore, and IPPF Regional Director for Africa, Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, made an official visit to Cape Verde to support the work of VERDEFAM, the Cape Verde Association for the Protection of the Family and IPPF's Member Association in the country.  The visit was aimed at strengthening IPPF’s work through VERDEFAM, the Cape Verdian Government, and other International Organizations in the country. The visit began with a debrief meeting with VERDEFAM's Board of Directors, where the IPPF delegation was informed of the organization's role and contribution at the national level. The delegation thereafter visited VERDAFAM's health facilities in Pria. As a Full Member of IPPF Since 2014, VERDEFAM provides a wide range of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programs and services to the Cape Verdean population. VERDAFAM has one clinic, one youth center, four mobile clinics, and six health centers spread out across the country. In 2021, VERDEFAM provided a total of 186,000 sexual reproductive health (SRH) services to different key populations in Cap Verde, 60% of these services being directed towards young people (aged 10 – 24 years). In addition, the Association conducts public awareness programs on sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) using radio and television, primarily targeting youth and women. During this first meeting, the President of the Board of VERDEFAM, Francisco Tavares highlighted the convergence of all parties: "I would like to highlight the enormous convergence of the parties present here on the problems, challenges, but also on the solutions. VERDEFAM will continue to work, and with the participation of all we will achieve our goals to defend and promote equality and the right of all Cape Verdeans to access sexual and reproductive health " he said. During the mission, the IPPF team met VERDEFAM’s various Government officials, as well as key partners and stakeholders from different national and international organizations. These included the Cape Verde Prime Minister, Dr. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Minister of State, Family, Inclusion and Social Development, Fernando Elísio FREIRE, and the Deputy Secretary of State for Health, Evandro Monteiro. During discussions with the Prime Minister, Kate Gilmore thanked his Government for the remarkable efforts it has made in promoting sexual and reproductive rights in the country, including those of the LGBTIQ+ community. She called for more action in advancing the rights of this community, including the development and implementation of legislation that defends the rights and interests of the LGBTIQ+ community: "Cape Verde has an excellent legislation regarding human rights. However, there is need to entrench legislations that ensure that all people have the same rights, including members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Individuals who identify as LGBTIQ+ need legislations that ensure their rights are protected, and these include their rights to marry and the right to have children regardless of their sexual orientation," she said. For his part, the Prime Minister,  Dr. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, acknowledged the invaluable support of IPPF and its Member Association, VERDEFAM, and reiterated Cape Verde’s commitment to providing continued support to family welfare in the country.   "Cape Verde has been working on the issue of sexual and reproductive health, we have had visible gains in various aspects, lately we have continued to work in this direction to strengthen the action policies, we are working so that the rights of all are safeguarded", assured the Prime Minister. The IPPF team welcomed the commitment of the Cape Verdean Government in developing actions that are aimed at ensuring its citizens enjoy their sexual reproductive health and rights through the provision of respective information and services. This was achieved in collaboration with key partners such as VERDEFAM. The IPPF delegation also met with United Nations representatives, the Assistant Secretary of State to the Minister of Health, and the Ministry of State, Family, Inclusion and Social Development to discuss sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, and ways to improve and facilitate access of youth and adolescents to services and care. The delegation also visited the Centre for Adolescents and Youth, and LGBTIQ+ community networks to understand their specific needs in Pria. Members of the LGBTQ+ community denounced the various discriminations they face and asked for more opportunities for training and socio-professional integration. At the end of the mission, the IPPF team was delighted to receive positive testimonies from VERDEFAM’s partners,  Government officials, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries of its services (the youth and the LGBTIQ+ activists). The IPPF delegation expressed gratitude and encouragement to VERDEFAM as a local  Member Association that is tirelessly advocating and providing services for sexual and reproductive health and rights in Cape Verde.  A sex worker supported by VERDEFAM expressed her gratitude: “We (sex workers) are very grateful to Verdefam for the level of organization and tidiness of their clinic facilities, which not only creates a friendly atmosphere but also provides comfort to the beneficiaries of SRHR services”. “This stands out as a simple but important example of results that can be achieved with good leadership, management, and commitment at all levels,” added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, the IPPF Africa Regional Director.   While the IPPF team celebrates VERDEFAM’s achievements, a lot more still needs to be done to expand and improve its services. Among others, the team recommended to VERDEFAM to innovate and advocate for people with disabilities who requested more inclusion in access to information and services in different areas of life, while safeguarding their privacy and rights, especially the mute, for whom messages must be translated through a third person; to advocate for reforms on the country’s legal framework to enable LGBTIQ+ activists to live their lives in full, without discrimination or stigmatization, including the ability to marry and raise children; to explore the expansion of the provision of information and SRH through mobile clinics, and public-private partnerships.  A conference on "The role of civil society in promoting sexual and reproductive rights" that brought all cap verdean civil socity actors, marked the end of the first official five-day visit of the IPPF Delegation to Cape Verde, to learn about the work carried out by VERDEFAM in promoting and defending sexual and reproductive health.  

Mobile clinic Cape Verde VERDEFAM
30 August 2018

Mobile Clinics in Cape Verde: Taking Services Closer to the People

By Maryanne W. Waweru IPPF’s Member Association in Cape Verde - Association Capverdienne pour la Protection de la Famille (VERDEFAM) was established in 1995 with the mission to defend, promote and guarantee people’s accessibility in the the area of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). VERDEFAM endeavors to provide quality health information and services to all, more so the youth, vulnerable and most-at-risk populations. VERDEFAM implements its activities through its centers found in seven municipalities in Cape Verde. To achieve its objectives, VERDEFAM works closely with a host of partners including the government, civil society organizations, the media and other national and international institutions. Reaching Vulnerable Populations with Services    One of the major health challenges that vulnerable populations in Cape Verde face is their access to quality Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services. These populations include: sex workers, drug users, migrants, Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), migrant populations, the poor and other populations in resource-limited settings. Driven by the need to improve these vulnerable populations’ access to quality, safe and effective services, VERDEFAM expanded its service delivery approaches through introduction of mobile clinics. An initiative started in 2010, the mobile clinics are well-equipped mobile vans that are run by skilled healthcare workers including; a doctor, nurse, psychologist and social workers. The intervention by VERDEFAM targets these populations by locating the mobile clinics in strategic places where these populations are found, such as in entertainement spots, night clubs, bars and music festivals. The mobile clinics are open every working day, some weekends and during the night. The mobile clinics are found on the islands of Santiago, São Vicente, Sal and Boa Vista. Through these mobile clinics, VERDEFAM offers a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services including: Family planning Counseling on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Information about abortion and unsafe abortion Promotion of good health practices Screening and treatment for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) inlcuding hepatitis, chlamydia and syphilis Promotion and distribution of condoms Support for drug users Counseling and screening for breast, uterus and prostate cancer Peer-Peer Approach for Increased Service Delivery To enhance its reach to these vulnerable populations, VERDEFAM identified and trained a select group of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and sex workers. The trained 15 MSM and 12 sex workers were imparted with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to reach out to their peers with information about sexual and reproductive health. The volunteer peer educators also mobilize and refer their peers to VERDAFAM clinics where they are assured of accessing a variety of sexual reproductive health services. To reach more people, VERDEFAM participates in health fairs and other related exhibitions. Participating in these forums has increased the visibility of VERDEFAM and enabled it to reach more people with SRHR information and services. Benefits of the Mobile Clinics The mobile clinics have enhanced VERDEFAM’s collaboration with local organizations, institutions, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and community members. The mobile clinics have presented high visibility for VERDEFAM and has helped the MA reaffirm its position as the leading NGO in sexual reproductive health in the country. The media reports on local television and radio stations have also boosted this visibility The mobile clinics have facilitated the involvement of VERDEFAM volunteers, including members of the Youth Active Movement (YAM) who participate in community awareness and mobilization activities Proximity of Health Services Influences Uptake by Populations   Through this initiative, VERDEFAM has established that proximity is a key determining factor in the uptake of sexual reproductive health services, especially among vulnerable and most-at-risk populations. Taking health services closer to them; where they are found, leads to their increased uptake of services in a timely manner. Partners and donors have commended VERDEFAM for this intervention, recognizing it as a good tool for health services. This mobile clinic intervention was identified as one of VERDEFAM’s Good Practices during the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation. A Good Practice is an activity or practice that has been proven to work and yields positive results. The sharing of Good Practices by IPPF Member Associations offers learning experiences for their counterparts. Connect with VERDEFAM on Facebook here. Also Read: Reproductive Health Uganda and Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association Receive Accreditation Certificates For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

IPPF Africa Region Director Mr. Lucien Kouakou
16 December 2015

Parliamentarians are Key to Realizing Demographic Dividend in Africa

African parliamentarians must seek ways of mobilizing resources to fund the demographic dividend agenda in their countries. This is according to the IPPF Africa Region Director Mr. Lucien Kouakou, who made these remarks during the closing ceremony of a two-day capacity building workshop for African Parliamentarians held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14 – 15 December 2015. The meeting, attended by 13 legislators drawn from the Africa Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA), was aimed at enhancing the legislators' understanding of the concept of the ‘Demographic Dividend’, and their role in moving forward related agenda. The demographic dividend refers to the accelerated economic growth initiated by a rapid decline in fertility and mortality, and which results in a change of the age structure in the population –from one dominated by child dependents to one driven by an economically productive adult workforce. “Harnessing the demographic dividend is fundamental to Africa’s development. A demographic shift in any population is important because of it's direct bearing to among others: economic growth, education levels, poverty levels and the health and well-being of a nation. The current demographic transition in Africa is one that has the ability to steer the next surge of economic growth - with a population characterized by healthier and more educated youth, and who will have greater access to the labour force and economic markets. African leaders therefore need to put in place measures that will ensure that the continent harnesses the dividend from Africa’s youthful population,” he said. A new report from the World Bank reveals that government policies and other related actions undertaken today will increase the likelihood of harnessing various economic and social benefits of demographic change. “Parliamentarians are instrumental in this process, as they are the ones involved in the formulation of policies and legislations. When a country has the right set of policies in place, it is better placed to reap the benefits of a demographic change, hence the need to involve Members of Parliament in all conversations around the demographic dividend. There is no doubt that the demographic dividend can be achieved in Africa, if the right policies are instituted,” said Mr. Kouakou. The capacity building initiative for the African legislators, organized by IPPF and UNFPA and themed: "Moving the Demographic Dividend Agenda: from Ideas to Actions", established a harmonized understanding of the demographic dividend among the MPs, and helped define their level of engagement in advancing this agenda in their countries. A clear roadmap for moving forward the demographic dividend agenda at both regional and national levels was developed during the forum. Members of parliament who attended the forum included: Hon. Chris Baryomunsi (Uganda), Hon. Marie-Rose Nguini Effa (Cameroon), Hon. Jose Manuel Tavares Sanches (Cape Verde), Hon. Mbaidessemel Dionadiji (Chad), Hon. Zalikatou Diallo (Guinea Conakry), Hon. Larry Younquoi (Liberia), Hon. Illa Ousmane (Niger), Hon. Helen Kuyembeh (Sierra Leone), Hon. Dlamini Princess Phumelele (Swaziland), Hon. Highvie Hamdudu (Zambia), Hon. Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman (Nigeria), Hon. Ahmed Babou Babah (Mauritania) and Hon. Sado Nazaire (Benin). In his speech, Mr. Kouakou called on the MPs to take a lead role in mobilizing resources that will ensure that the demographic dividend will be realized in their countries. “Parliamentarians can influence their colleagues and garner their support for the formulation of policies and legislations, specifically those related to population and development. They can call for more budgetary allocation to respective institutions, such as the Ministries of Planning and Development, The Ministries of Health and Education, as well as institutions that focus on the youth. They can also take the lead in seeking innovative ways of mobilizing resources at the local level that would champion population and related issues. Members of Parliament have an unmatched role in steering development in their countries,” he said. Mr. Kouakou further urged the legislators to take advantage of the resource that is partners who have a presence in the region, such as IPPF and UNFPA – entities that are committed to Africa’s growth. Development partners, if convinced that the demographic dividend is key to the growth of the region, will definitely assist in different ways, including offering technical assistance, capacity building and mobilization of resources, he said. “IPPF and UNFPA are committed to this agenda, and are working in collaboration with the Africa Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA) to implement a programme that will ensure that all African countries are on track to realizing the demographic dividend. The project is initially slated for implementation in the six countries of Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad, with more countries being incorporated in the coming years. We are keen on ensuring that no country is left behind,” he said. The Africa Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA), which was established in 2012, seeks to exchange and coordinate action in support of the ICPD Beyond 2014. FPA also seeks to ensure that parliamentarians assist in the implementation of the ICPD Beyond 2014 Agenda by adopting initiatives in population policies, as well as harmonisation of African legislation on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). At the Abidjan General Assembly meeting in 2014, FPA reaffirmed its purpose as a regional body established to drive the agenda on population and development at both the national and regional levels.

Associação Caboverdiana para a Proteção da Familia (VERDEFAM)

Established in 1995, the Associação Cabo-Verdiana Para a Protecao Da Familia (VERDEFAM) serves a population of just over 500,000, about 10% of people living in the Republic of Cape Verde. Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa.

Through static service points and mobile clinics, the organization offers family planning, the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, and antenatal and post-natal care. Staff are supported by a large group of volunteers and specially-trained peer educators. VERDEFAM also works in collaboration with Cape Verde National TV to produce health sensitization programmes.

Because of its wide-ranging sexual and reproductive health (SRH) expertise, VERDEFAM was invited to participate in the national committee of strategic SRH organizations which together formulated Cape Verde’s National Reproductive Health programme and the 2006-2011 National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan.

Despite its relatively high level of development compared with many other African countries (according to a variety of international indices) the country still has worryingly high maternal and infant mortality counts. Together, these SRH challenges emphasize the importance of VERDEFAM’s services to the men, women, young people and children of the Republic.

VERDEFAM works in partnership with a number of government departments, including the Ministry of Health, the Cape Verdian Institute for Gender Equality and Equity (ICIEG), the Committee for the Coordination and fight against HIV and AIDS (CCS-SIDA), the Committee for the Coordination of the fight against Drugs (CCCD) and the Ministry of Education.

Civil society partners include the Organizaçao das Mulheres de Cabo Verde (OMCV) and the Red Cross and Acrides. It also works with national networks: the Comité de Coordination du Combat au VIH/SIDA, the Comité Municipal de Santé de la mairie de Praia and the Plateforme des ONGs du Cap-Verde.

VERDEFAM receives funding from GTZ, the UNFPA, the National HIV and AIDS Council (BM/CCS-SIDA), ICIEG/SNU), UNICEF and UNAIDS. VERDEFAM has a private sector partnership with the national telecom company.

 

Contacts

Website: www.verdefam.cv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdefam.verde​

IPPF Board of Trustee Chair Kate Gilmore and Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, IPPFAR Regional director visiting a mobile clinic in Cape Verde
16 June 2022

IPPF first high level visit to Cape Verde: A notable success in the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the country

From 25 - 29 May 2022, IPPF Board of Trustees Chair, Kate Gilmore, and IPPF Regional Director for Africa, Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, made an official visit to Cape Verde to support the work of VERDEFAM, the Cape Verde Association for the Protection of the Family and IPPF's Member Association in the country.  The visit was aimed at strengthening IPPF’s work through VERDEFAM, the Cape Verdian Government, and other International Organizations in the country. The visit began with a debrief meeting with VERDEFAM's Board of Directors, where the IPPF delegation was informed of the organization's role and contribution at the national level. The delegation thereafter visited VERDAFAM's health facilities in Pria. As a Full Member of IPPF Since 2014, VERDEFAM provides a wide range of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) programs and services to the Cape Verdean population. VERDAFAM has one clinic, one youth center, four mobile clinics, and six health centers spread out across the country. In 2021, VERDEFAM provided a total of 186,000 sexual reproductive health (SRH) services to different key populations in Cap Verde, 60% of these services being directed towards young people (aged 10 – 24 years). In addition, the Association conducts public awareness programs on sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) using radio and television, primarily targeting youth and women. During this first meeting, the President of the Board of VERDEFAM, Francisco Tavares highlighted the convergence of all parties: "I would like to highlight the enormous convergence of the parties present here on the problems, challenges, but also on the solutions. VERDEFAM will continue to work, and with the participation of all we will achieve our goals to defend and promote equality and the right of all Cape Verdeans to access sexual and reproductive health " he said. During the mission, the IPPF team met VERDEFAM’s various Government officials, as well as key partners and stakeholders from different national and international organizations. These included the Cape Verde Prime Minister, Dr. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, the Minister of State, Family, Inclusion and Social Development, Fernando Elísio FREIRE, and the Deputy Secretary of State for Health, Evandro Monteiro. During discussions with the Prime Minister, Kate Gilmore thanked his Government for the remarkable efforts it has made in promoting sexual and reproductive rights in the country, including those of the LGBTIQ+ community. She called for more action in advancing the rights of this community, including the development and implementation of legislation that defends the rights and interests of the LGBTIQ+ community: "Cape Verde has an excellent legislation regarding human rights. However, there is need to entrench legislations that ensure that all people have the same rights, including members of the LGBTIQ+ community. Individuals who identify as LGBTIQ+ need legislations that ensure their rights are protected, and these include their rights to marry and the right to have children regardless of their sexual orientation," she said. For his part, the Prime Minister,  Dr. José Ulisses Correia e Silva, acknowledged the invaluable support of IPPF and its Member Association, VERDEFAM, and reiterated Cape Verde’s commitment to providing continued support to family welfare in the country.   "Cape Verde has been working on the issue of sexual and reproductive health, we have had visible gains in various aspects, lately we have continued to work in this direction to strengthen the action policies, we are working so that the rights of all are safeguarded", assured the Prime Minister. The IPPF team welcomed the commitment of the Cape Verdean Government in developing actions that are aimed at ensuring its citizens enjoy their sexual reproductive health and rights through the provision of respective information and services. This was achieved in collaboration with key partners such as VERDEFAM. The IPPF delegation also met with United Nations representatives, the Assistant Secretary of State to the Minister of Health, and the Ministry of State, Family, Inclusion and Social Development to discuss sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, and ways to improve and facilitate access of youth and adolescents to services and care. The delegation also visited the Centre for Adolescents and Youth, and LGBTIQ+ community networks to understand their specific needs in Pria. Members of the LGBTQ+ community denounced the various discriminations they face and asked for more opportunities for training and socio-professional integration. At the end of the mission, the IPPF team was delighted to receive positive testimonies from VERDEFAM’s partners,  Government officials, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries of its services (the youth and the LGBTIQ+ activists). The IPPF delegation expressed gratitude and encouragement to VERDEFAM as a local  Member Association that is tirelessly advocating and providing services for sexual and reproductive health and rights in Cape Verde.  A sex worker supported by VERDEFAM expressed her gratitude: “We (sex workers) are very grateful to Verdefam for the level of organization and tidiness of their clinic facilities, which not only creates a friendly atmosphere but also provides comfort to the beneficiaries of SRHR services”. “This stands out as a simple but important example of results that can be achieved with good leadership, management, and commitment at all levels,” added Marie-Evelyne Petrus-Barry, the IPPF Africa Regional Director.   While the IPPF team celebrates VERDEFAM’s achievements, a lot more still needs to be done to expand and improve its services. Among others, the team recommended to VERDEFAM to innovate and advocate for people with disabilities who requested more inclusion in access to information and services in different areas of life, while safeguarding their privacy and rights, especially the mute, for whom messages must be translated through a third person; to advocate for reforms on the country’s legal framework to enable LGBTIQ+ activists to live their lives in full, without discrimination or stigmatization, including the ability to marry and raise children; to explore the expansion of the provision of information and SRH through mobile clinics, and public-private partnerships.  A conference on "The role of civil society in promoting sexual and reproductive rights" that brought all cap verdean civil socity actors, marked the end of the first official five-day visit of the IPPF Delegation to Cape Verde, to learn about the work carried out by VERDEFAM in promoting and defending sexual and reproductive health.  

Mobile clinic Cape Verde VERDEFAM
30 August 2018

Mobile Clinics in Cape Verde: Taking Services Closer to the People

By Maryanne W. Waweru IPPF’s Member Association in Cape Verde - Association Capverdienne pour la Protection de la Famille (VERDEFAM) was established in 1995 with the mission to defend, promote and guarantee people’s accessibility in the the area of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). VERDEFAM endeavors to provide quality health information and services to all, more so the youth, vulnerable and most-at-risk populations. VERDEFAM implements its activities through its centers found in seven municipalities in Cape Verde. To achieve its objectives, VERDEFAM works closely with a host of partners including the government, civil society organizations, the media and other national and international institutions. Reaching Vulnerable Populations with Services    One of the major health challenges that vulnerable populations in Cape Verde face is their access to quality Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) information and services. These populations include: sex workers, drug users, migrants, Men who have Sex with Men (MSM), migrant populations, the poor and other populations in resource-limited settings. Driven by the need to improve these vulnerable populations’ access to quality, safe and effective services, VERDEFAM expanded its service delivery approaches through introduction of mobile clinics. An initiative started in 2010, the mobile clinics are well-equipped mobile vans that are run by skilled healthcare workers including; a doctor, nurse, psychologist and social workers. The intervention by VERDEFAM targets these populations by locating the mobile clinics in strategic places where these populations are found, such as in entertainement spots, night clubs, bars and music festivals. The mobile clinics are open every working day, some weekends and during the night. The mobile clinics are found on the islands of Santiago, São Vicente, Sal and Boa Vista. Through these mobile clinics, VERDEFAM offers a wide range of sexual and reproductive health services including: Family planning Counseling on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) Information about abortion and unsafe abortion Promotion of good health practices Screening and treatment for HIV and other Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) inlcuding hepatitis, chlamydia and syphilis Promotion and distribution of condoms Support for drug users Counseling and screening for breast, uterus and prostate cancer Peer-Peer Approach for Increased Service Delivery To enhance its reach to these vulnerable populations, VERDEFAM identified and trained a select group of Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and sex workers. The trained 15 MSM and 12 sex workers were imparted with the knowledge and skills necessary for them to reach out to their peers with information about sexual and reproductive health. The volunteer peer educators also mobilize and refer their peers to VERDAFAM clinics where they are assured of accessing a variety of sexual reproductive health services. To reach more people, VERDEFAM participates in health fairs and other related exhibitions. Participating in these forums has increased the visibility of VERDEFAM and enabled it to reach more people with SRHR information and services. Benefits of the Mobile Clinics The mobile clinics have enhanced VERDEFAM’s collaboration with local organizations, institutions, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and community members. The mobile clinics have presented high visibility for VERDEFAM and has helped the MA reaffirm its position as the leading NGO in sexual reproductive health in the country. The media reports on local television and radio stations have also boosted this visibility The mobile clinics have facilitated the involvement of VERDEFAM volunteers, including members of the Youth Active Movement (YAM) who participate in community awareness and mobilization activities Proximity of Health Services Influences Uptake by Populations   Through this initiative, VERDEFAM has established that proximity is a key determining factor in the uptake of sexual reproductive health services, especially among vulnerable and most-at-risk populations. Taking health services closer to them; where they are found, leads to their increased uptake of services in a timely manner. Partners and donors have commended VERDEFAM for this intervention, recognizing it as a good tool for health services. This mobile clinic intervention was identified as one of VERDEFAM’s Good Practices during the 3rd Cycle of Accreditation. A Good Practice is an activity or practice that has been proven to work and yields positive results. The sharing of Good Practices by IPPF Member Associations offers learning experiences for their counterparts. Connect with VERDEFAM on Facebook here. Also Read: Reproductive Health Uganda and Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association Receive Accreditation Certificates For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

IPPF Africa Region Director Mr. Lucien Kouakou
16 December 2015

Parliamentarians are Key to Realizing Demographic Dividend in Africa

African parliamentarians must seek ways of mobilizing resources to fund the demographic dividend agenda in their countries. This is according to the IPPF Africa Region Director Mr. Lucien Kouakou, who made these remarks during the closing ceremony of a two-day capacity building workshop for African Parliamentarians held in Nairobi, Kenya, from 14 – 15 December 2015. The meeting, attended by 13 legislators drawn from the Africa Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA), was aimed at enhancing the legislators' understanding of the concept of the ‘Demographic Dividend’, and their role in moving forward related agenda. The demographic dividend refers to the accelerated economic growth initiated by a rapid decline in fertility and mortality, and which results in a change of the age structure in the population –from one dominated by child dependents to one driven by an economically productive adult workforce. “Harnessing the demographic dividend is fundamental to Africa’s development. A demographic shift in any population is important because of it's direct bearing to among others: economic growth, education levels, poverty levels and the health and well-being of a nation. The current demographic transition in Africa is one that has the ability to steer the next surge of economic growth - with a population characterized by healthier and more educated youth, and who will have greater access to the labour force and economic markets. African leaders therefore need to put in place measures that will ensure that the continent harnesses the dividend from Africa’s youthful population,” he said. A new report from the World Bank reveals that government policies and other related actions undertaken today will increase the likelihood of harnessing various economic and social benefits of demographic change. “Parliamentarians are instrumental in this process, as they are the ones involved in the formulation of policies and legislations. When a country has the right set of policies in place, it is better placed to reap the benefits of a demographic change, hence the need to involve Members of Parliament in all conversations around the demographic dividend. There is no doubt that the demographic dividend can be achieved in Africa, if the right policies are instituted,” said Mr. Kouakou. The capacity building initiative for the African legislators, organized by IPPF and UNFPA and themed: "Moving the Demographic Dividend Agenda: from Ideas to Actions", established a harmonized understanding of the demographic dividend among the MPs, and helped define their level of engagement in advancing this agenda in their countries. A clear roadmap for moving forward the demographic dividend agenda at both regional and national levels was developed during the forum. Members of parliament who attended the forum included: Hon. Chris Baryomunsi (Uganda), Hon. Marie-Rose Nguini Effa (Cameroon), Hon. Jose Manuel Tavares Sanches (Cape Verde), Hon. Mbaidessemel Dionadiji (Chad), Hon. Zalikatou Diallo (Guinea Conakry), Hon. Larry Younquoi (Liberia), Hon. Illa Ousmane (Niger), Hon. Helen Kuyembeh (Sierra Leone), Hon. Dlamini Princess Phumelele (Swaziland), Hon. Highvie Hamdudu (Zambia), Hon. Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman (Nigeria), Hon. Ahmed Babou Babah (Mauritania) and Hon. Sado Nazaire (Benin). In his speech, Mr. Kouakou called on the MPs to take a lead role in mobilizing resources that will ensure that the demographic dividend will be realized in their countries. “Parliamentarians can influence their colleagues and garner their support for the formulation of policies and legislations, specifically those related to population and development. They can call for more budgetary allocation to respective institutions, such as the Ministries of Planning and Development, The Ministries of Health and Education, as well as institutions that focus on the youth. They can also take the lead in seeking innovative ways of mobilizing resources at the local level that would champion population and related issues. Members of Parliament have an unmatched role in steering development in their countries,” he said. Mr. Kouakou further urged the legislators to take advantage of the resource that is partners who have a presence in the region, such as IPPF and UNFPA – entities that are committed to Africa’s growth. Development partners, if convinced that the demographic dividend is key to the growth of the region, will definitely assist in different ways, including offering technical assistance, capacity building and mobilization of resources, he said. “IPPF and UNFPA are committed to this agenda, and are working in collaboration with the Africa Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA) to implement a programme that will ensure that all African countries are on track to realizing the demographic dividend. The project is initially slated for implementation in the six countries of Mauritania, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Chad, with more countries being incorporated in the coming years. We are keen on ensuring that no country is left behind,” he said. The Africa Parliamentary Forum on Population and Development (FPA), which was established in 2012, seeks to exchange and coordinate action in support of the ICPD Beyond 2014. FPA also seeks to ensure that parliamentarians assist in the implementation of the ICPD Beyond 2014 Agenda by adopting initiatives in population policies, as well as harmonisation of African legislation on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). At the Abidjan General Assembly meeting in 2014, FPA reaffirmed its purpose as a regional body established to drive the agenda on population and development at both the national and regional levels.

Associação Caboverdiana para a Proteção da Familia (VERDEFAM)

Established in 1995, the Associação Cabo-Verdiana Para a Protecao Da Familia (VERDEFAM) serves a population of just over 500,000, about 10% of people living in the Republic of Cape Verde. Cape Verde is an archipelago of 10 islands located in the central Atlantic Ocean, 570 kilometres off the coast of Western Africa.

Through static service points and mobile clinics, the organization offers family planning, the prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV and AIDS, and antenatal and post-natal care. Staff are supported by a large group of volunteers and specially-trained peer educators. VERDEFAM also works in collaboration with Cape Verde National TV to produce health sensitization programmes.

Because of its wide-ranging sexual and reproductive health (SRH) expertise, VERDEFAM was invited to participate in the national committee of strategic SRH organizations which together formulated Cape Verde’s National Reproductive Health programme and the 2006-2011 National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan.

Despite its relatively high level of development compared with many other African countries (according to a variety of international indices) the country still has worryingly high maternal and infant mortality counts. Together, these SRH challenges emphasize the importance of VERDEFAM’s services to the men, women, young people and children of the Republic.

VERDEFAM works in partnership with a number of government departments, including the Ministry of Health, the Cape Verdian Institute for Gender Equality and Equity (ICIEG), the Committee for the Coordination and fight against HIV and AIDS (CCS-SIDA), the Committee for the Coordination of the fight against Drugs (CCCD) and the Ministry of Education.

Civil society partners include the Organizaçao das Mulheres de Cabo Verde (OMCV) and the Red Cross and Acrides. It also works with national networks: the Comité de Coordination du Combat au VIH/SIDA, the Comité Municipal de Santé de la mairie de Praia and the Plateforme des ONGs du Cap-Verde.

VERDEFAM receives funding from GTZ, the UNFPA, the National HIV and AIDS Council (BM/CCS-SIDA), ICIEG/SNU), UNICEF and UNAIDS. VERDEFAM has a private sector partnership with the national telecom company.

 

Contacts

Website: www.verdefam.cv
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/verdefam.verde​