By Maryanne W. Waweru The First Lady of the Republic of Chad, Her Excellency Hinda Déby Itno has reaffirmed the importance of providing life skills education to children and adolescents right from a young age. Doing so, she says, will give them a good head start to help them make healthy and informed decisions about their lives and thus creating brighter futures for themselves and their families. “Young people have great ambitions, hopes and dreams. Imparting them with the information and skills to help them pursue their goals is important. That’s why offering them life skills education, which includes information on how to prevent teenage pregnancy, prevention of sexually transmitted infections, peer pressure, their access to youth-friendly reproductive health services and staying healthy as they transition from puberty to adulthood is imperative. In order to achieve our development goals, we must give them this information from an early age. Waiting until they are adults to start doing so will be too late,” she said. Speaking during a courtesy visit paid to her by a delegation from IPPF Africa Region led by its Regional President Hon. Antonio Niquice, the First Lady also stressed on the need to focus on the empowerment of girls and young women. “Girls and young women face unique challenges in our society, and we therefore must direct our attention to them. We need to invest in their education, train them and equip them with the relevant knowledge and skills they need to chart their successful futures. We must support girls and young women by creating safe spaces for them and opening up opportunities for their voices to be heard. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our young African girls and women are empowered enough to participate meaningfully in society,” she said. As a member of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Her Excellency made reference to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which prioritizes girls and women’s sexual reproductive health and rights. She emphasized on the need for all stakeholders to act now, if this vision to be realized by 2063. IPPFAR is the leading sexual and reproductive health and rights advocacy voice in the region. IPPFAR works through a network of Member Associations in 37 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. IPPFAR works in Chad through its Member Association, L'Association Tchadienne pour le Bien-Être Familial (ASTBEF). ASTBEF provides a wide range of quality sexual and reproductive health information and services which include family planning, maternal and child health services, HIV & AIDS counseling, testing and management services, as well as provision of youth-friendly education and services to adolescents and young people both in-and-out of schools. Her Excellency Hinda Déby Itno serves as ASTBEF’s Honorary President. She encouraged ASTBEF, which is governed and supported by volunteers, to carry on with its good work in the country and lay more emphasis in broadening its partnerships with stakeholders for maximum impact. “One of ASTBEF’s effective strategies that has been its partnership with stakeholders not only in the health sector, but across other sectors including different levels of government, the private sector and other civil society organizations. Through targeted recruitment of individuals, champions and organizations, it is important for ASTBEF to increase its base of support as this will enable it to grow and become sustainable,” she said. Her Excellency pledged her commitment of support to the advancement of ASTBEF’s mission and vision.  Hon. Niquice thanked her for her commitment to the cause of ASTBEF in Chad. Other members in the delegation included IPPF’s Global Governing Council Member Clementine Guelmbaye, IPPFAR’s Acting Regional Director Dr. Haingo Rabearimonjy, IPPFAR Executive Committee member Amadou Amadou, and the ASTBEF National President Salomon Mbaitel Berang. Read this article in French here. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region.

La Première Dame de la République du Tchad, Son Excellence Hinda Déby Itno, a réaffirmé qu'il importait de dispenser une éducation à la vie active aux enfants et aux adolescents dès leur plus jeune âge. Cela leur donnera une bonne longueur d'avance pour les aider à prendre des décisions saines et éclairées au sujet de leur vie et à créer ainsi un avenir meilleur pour eux-mêmes et leur famille. "Les jeunes ont de grandes ambitions, des espoirs et des rêves. Il est important de leur transmettre les informations et les compétences nécessaires pour les aider à atteindre leurs objectifs. C’est pourquoi il est impératif de leur offrir une éducation à la vie active, qui inclut des informations sur la prévention des grossesses précoces, la prévention des infections sexuellement transmissibles, la gestion de la pression de leurs pairs, leur accès à des services de santé reproductive adaptée aux jeunes et leur maintien en bonne santé pendant la transition. Pour atteindre nos objectifs de développement, nous devons leur fournir ces informations dès leur plus jeune âge. Il sera trop tard pour attendre qu’elles ou ils deviennent desadultes pour commencerà le faire," a-t-elle déclaré. Lors d'une visite de courtoisie qui lui a été faite par une délégation de la région Afrique de l'IPPF conduite par son président régional, l'honorable Antonio Niquice, la Première Dame, a également insisté sur la nécessité de mettre l'accent sur l'autonomisation des filles et des jeunes femmes. "Les filles et les jeunes femmes font face à des défis uniques dans notre société et nous devons donc porter notre attention sur elles. Nous devons investir dans leur éducation, les former et les doter des connaissances et des compétences nécessaires pour préparer leur avenir. Nous devons soutenir les filles et les jeunes femmes en leur créant des espaces sûrs et en leur offrant la possibilité de faire entendre leur voix. Il est de notre responsabilité collective de veiller à ce que nos jeunes filles et femmes africaines soient suffisamment responsabilisées pour participer de manière significative à la société", a-t-elle déclaré. En tant que membre de l’OAFLAD (Organisation des Premières Dames d’Afrique pour le Developement), Son Excellence a fait référence à l’Agenda 2063 de l’Union africaine, qui donne la priorité à la santé et aux droits des femmes en matière de reproduction et sexuelle. Elle a insisté sur la nécessité pour toutes les parties prenantes d'agir maintenant pour voir cette vision  se concrétiser d'ici 2063. IPPF Région Afrique est le principal intervenant en matière de défense des droits et de la santé en matière de sexualité et de procréation dans la région. L'IPPFRAtravaille à travers un réseau d'associations membres dans 37 pays d'Afrique subsaharienne. L’IPPFRA travaille au Tchad par l’intermédiaire de son association membre, l’association tchadienne pour le bien-être familial (ASTBEF). ASTBEF fournit un large éventail d’informations et de services de qualité en matière de santé sexuelle et reproductive, notamment des services de planification familiale, de santé maternelle et infantile, de conseil, de dépistage et de gestion du VIH & SIDA, ainsi qu’une éducation et des services adaptés et destinés aux adolescents et aux jeunes à la fois à l’école et hors des écoles. Son Excellence Hinda Déby Itno est La présidente d’honneur de l’ASTBEF. Elle a encouragé l'ASTBEF, qui est gouvernée et soutenue par des volontaires, à poursuivre son bon travail dans le pays et à mettre davantage l'accent sur l'élargissement de ses partenariats avec les parties prenantes pour un impact maximal. "L’une des stratégies efficaces de l’ASTBEF a été son partenariat avec toutes les parties prenantes, non seulement dans le secteur de la santé, mais également dans d’autres secteurs, et notamment avec les différents niveaux du gouvernement, le secteur privé et d’autres organisations de la société civile. En recrutant de manière ciblée mais ouverte des personnes, des champions et des organisations, il est important pour ASTBEF d’accroître sa base de soutien car cela lui permettra de se développer et de devenir pérenne", a-t-elle déclaré. Son Excellence s’est engagée à appuyer l’avancement de la mission et de la vision de l’ASTBEF. L'honorable Niquice l'a remerciée pour son engagement envers la cause d'ASTBEF au Tchad. Parmi les autres membres de la délégation figuraient Mme Clémentine Guelmbaye, membre du Conseil mondial gouvernancede l'IPPF, le Dr. Haingo Rabearimonjy, directeur régional par intérim de l'IPPFRA, Mr Amadou Amadou, membre du Comité exécutif de l'IPPFRAet le président national de l'ASTBEF, Mr Salomon Mbaitel Berang. Lire en anglais ici. Histoire par Maryanne W. Waweru, gouvernance et de la conformité, IPPFAR

IPPF Africa Region recently held a Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) workshop for over 30 program staff and service providers drawn from selected Member Associations (MAs). The workshop was co- organized by the Gender Unit and the Programmes & Health Systems Strengthening Department. It was aimed at strengthening the capacity of IPPFAR MAs to deliver on SGBV -a major public health concern and human rights issue. SGBV is one of the eight components of IPPF’s Integrated Package of Essential Services (IPES), whose other components include: counselling, contraception, safe abortion care, STIs/RTIs, gynaecology, prenatal care and HIV. Worrying Data According to Dr. Elias Girma -IPPFAR’s Lead Technical Advisor, SRHR Programmes, SGBV statistics from the region are indicative of the rising number of cases (35% to 70% women having experienced physical or sexual violence), which underscores the great need for IPPFAR Member Associations to strengthen their response to survivors. In 2017, IPPF Africa region offered over 1.3 million SGBV services (including referrals). “This worrying data reveals the need for appropriate and effective strategies to address the SGBV challenge in Africa. Provision of a range of essential services to SGBV survivors is one of the most crucial responses, and there are great opportunities for our clinics to ensure that every SGBV survivor receives the appropriate counseling, treatment and support services they need,” he said during the workshop which was held in Nairobi, Kenya. Policy and Legal Environment While noting that the deeply-embedded unequal power relations in society sees more women than men suffer from SGBV, Dr. Girma said that key among the workshop’s objectives was to broaden the service provider’s understanding of the legal and policy frameworks pertaining to gender and SGBV. These comprise key international and regional laws, instruments and agreements. Toward this, Ms. Nathalie Nkoume, IPPFAR's Gender Equality Advisor shared information on various policies, conventions and international frameworks that aim to fight violence against women. She stressed that each government has the duty to protect all SGBV survivors by putting in place respective national frameworks and further providing adequate resources for effective implementation of the legal provisions. Ms. Nkoume also took participants through the IPPF Gender Equality policy, as well as the IPPF gender implementation plans as key reference documents that promote actions towards a transformative agenda for equality of outcomes, opportunities and rights. Visit to the KNH GBV Recovery Center To better understand how an ideal GBV center within a health facility operates, the participants -drawn from 12 African countries (Cote d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, DRC, Eswatini, Zambia, Togo, Mali, Chad, and Cameroon) visited the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH)’s Gender-Based Violence Recovery (GBVR) Center in Nairobi. This is a model health facility that offers comprehensive management of GBV. At the recovery center, participants were taken through the process of handling a client who presents with a GBV complaint or need, and the range of services offered to them. These services include: screening and examination, treatment for physical injuries, laboratory tests, collection of forensic evidence, counseling (including trauma counseling) and psychosocial support. On a need basis, the clients are linked to safe houses (shelters), support groups and law enforcement agencies.  The GBV survivors are also offered post-rape care services such as treatment for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), emergency contraceptive pills -to help reduce chances of unwanted pregnancies, as well as Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) -antiretroviral drugs which, if taken properly, significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection by 80%. Comprehensive Package of Care The head of the Mental Health Unit at KNH GBVR Center, Dr. Margaret Makanyengo stressed on the strong referral mechanism within the hospital that ensures the survivor gets a comprehensive package of care. “Different units within the hospital work closely together to ensure the client is offered all the services they need. These services are provided to the client in a confidential manner. The service providers strive to uphold the dignity of the clients, while assuring them of their safety and security within the hospital precincts,” she said. Following their visit to KNH’s GBVR center, participants shared some of their feedback. “Seeing how different departments all work together to smoothly deliver services to the client is impressive. There are different entry points of identification for the GBV survivors such as the maternity, the Comprehensive Care Center, the casualty, the youth center and the mental health department. This ensures that no client is left out, and it is something that we as health service providers need to think seriously about, with regard to our facilities,” said Rebecca Zawedde, a participant from Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU). Her sentiments were shared by Cathy Zoa, a participant from Cameroon. “I return to my work station with a lot of lessons learnt from KNH. Right from the triage, the clients are well received by the nurse. The facility is well-branded and the rooms, which are exceptionally clean, are in secure areas which is very important for SGBV survivors. In addition, the reception area at the GBVR center is very warm and welcoming. This is very important to the client.   I also admired the zeal with which the service providers undertake their work. You can tell they are very knowledgeable about their areas of expertise and are very passionate about what they do. They have really inspired me,” she said. Data Collection and Management Mr. Paulin Tra, IPPFAR’s Technical Manager -Performance, Knowledge and New Technology shared information on the power of data collection and management, and the key role they play in improving SGBV programs. He also shared trends of SGBV performance in the IPPF Africa Region, verses other SRHR services offered by MAs in the same region. Population Council, an organization that has undertaken extensive research on SGBV shared several study results on SGBV.  The organization has also helped create a regional SGBV network. Improved SGBV Service Provision in MA Clinics Following the training, the participants thoroughly analyzed the SGBV components in their programs, taking note of the weaknesses, strengths and areas of improvement. In their action plans, some of their improved strategies for strengthening the SGBV components will include routine screening for SGBV, training of service providers on the respective national SGBV protocols, more engagement of boys and men in the SGBV response, and heightened awareness creation of SGBV -which will largely be undertaken by volunteers and peer educators at the community level. Other aspects will include the forging of partnerships at the community and national level with different stakeholders such as the government, grassroots organizations, cultural custodians, religious leaders, and other influential institutions. Sylvia Auma of Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK) was inspired to begin instituting changes back at the Family Care Medical Center in Jerusalem estate, located in Nairobi’s Eastlands area. “I have gained a lot from this workshop. The most important thing I have learnt is that responding to the unique needs of SGBV survivors in our health facilities does not have to be complicated. When I return, I will share all the information I have learned from this workshop with my colleagues. I will particularly ensure that our triage service is functional, as this can be entry point for identification of potential SGBV survivors or those at risk of abuse. I believe we have the capacity to attend to their sensitive needs with the already existing resources that we have at our clinic,” she said. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region Also Read: Newly Launched! State of African Women Report: Key Findings For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.

  IPPFAR African Journalists Family Planning Reporting Award The International Planned Parenthood Federation – Africa Region (IPPFAR) is the leading non-government sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) service delivery organization in Africa and the leading SRHR advocacy voice in the region.  Our overarching goal is to increase access to SRHR services and support for sub-Saharan’s Africa most poor, marginalized, socially-excluded and under-served youth, men and women.  Taking stock of the two previous editions of the IPPF Africa Region African journalists Family Planning Reporting Awards held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in 2013 and Bali, Indonesia in 2016 during the International Family Planning Conference, and considering the African Union 2017 theme on  “Harnessing the Demographic Dividend through investments in Youth” and ongoing initiatives including FP2020, the Ouagadougou Partnership, IPPF Africa Region is proud to announce the third African Journalists Family Planning Reporting Award. Withthe financial support of the David and Lucile Packard Foundation   About the Award   Despite the progress made over the last several decades, the unmet need for family planning and contraception remains huge.  Twenty-six per cent of married women in sub-Saharan Africa have an unmet need for contraception. Access to services and supplies and/or choices is limited.  In some communities there is still fear of social disapproval or opposition by the male partner. Myths and misconceptions form a formidable barrier in which worries of side effects and lack knowledge about contraceptive options and their use are the norm. The media plays a major role in strengthening and expanding coverage of family planning issues. This coverage includes access to contraceptives, method and choices as well as resources and budgets for improved family planning services.  As advocates the media promotes dialogue on policy issues and public education on family planning ranging from policy issues critical in creating enabling environment for service delivery.   This award recognizes pioneering print, radio and television reports that have:- 1. Promoted dialogue on national/regional family planning policy issues,  2. Challenged governments on their family planning commitments, 3. Highlighted innovative service delivery to increase access to family planning and contraceptive services. Eligibility  Entries will be accepted only from sub-Saharan African nationals, working in the continent, whose work has appeared in printed publications or electronic media /online platforms that is primarily targeted at and received by a sub-Saharan Africa audience.  Judges The selection and judging process will be overseen by a panel of experienced, independent and highly respected experts. They will be judging for entries that: Were broadcast or published, in English, French or Portuguese only, between January 2017 and June 2018 (proof will be required) Are well researched, balanced, objective, comprehensive and demonstrate a high level of journalistic integrity and innovativeness Communicate family planning and contraception/Sexual and reproductive healthin a way that makes the topic accessible and relevant to their audience How to enter  Fill out and submit your forms and attachments to: [email protected]: [email protected] Only one entry per journalist will be accepted. Send 2 copies of your work including date of publication/broadcast, name of publication/broadcaster, contacts of media organization.  Print journalists should send a scan of the original article.  TV & Radio - please send  2 disks (DVD or CD) to our address below or  Submit full URL details where we can view/listen to your work.  You can also submit your entry through dropbox.com or wetransfer.com.  A copy of your updated Curriculum Vitae Any other relevant background information on your entry/entries that you feel is relevant. Deadline for submissions is 15 August 2018 – 23:59 Hours GMT +3.   For queries or additional information please contact James Ngechu | Communication Officer - Design and Media   Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Tel: +254 (20) 4909000 Senteu Plaza, 3rd Floor | Lenana/Galana Road junction | P.O. Box 30234 - 00100  |  Nairobi – Kenya   Download the entry form here: Entry Form         Prix IPPF- Région Afrique de journalisme  sur la planification familiale La Fédération Internationale pour la Planification Familiale - Région Afrique (IPPFRA) est la principale organisation non gouvernementale dans le domaine des prestations de services en droits et santé sexuelle et reproductive (SDSR) en Afrique et le principal porte-parole en matière de plaidoyer s’agissant de la SDSR dans la région. Notre objectif global est d'accroître l'accès aux services SDSR de même que le soutien aux populations les plus pauvres d'Afrique sub-saharienne, aux marginalisés, aux jeunes socialement exclus et mal desservis, aux hommes et aux femmes. En célébration du 50e anniversaire de l'Union Africaine et afin d’ancrer les actions relatives au soixantième anniversaire de l'IPPF célébré l'année dernière, l'IPPF Région Afrique est fière d'annoncer le lancement inaugural du prix de journalisme sur la planification familiale. Ce prix est organisé par l'IPPF Région Afrique avec le concours financier de la Fondation Packard. À propos du prix  En dépit des progrès réalisés au cours des dernières décennies, les besoins non satisfaits en matière de planification familiale et de contraception demeurent énormes. Vingt-six pour cent des femmes mariées en Afrique sub-saharienne ne parviennent pas à satisfaire leurs besoins en matière de contraception. L'accès aux services et aux produits restetlimité ; il en va de même des choix. Dans certaines communautés, la peur de la réprobation sociale existe toujours ; dans d’autres, on a plus à faire à l'opposition du partenaire masculin. Mythes et idées fausses forment ainsi une formidable barrière dans laquelle les soucis à propos des effets secondaires de même que le manque de connaissances sur les options contraceptives et leur utilisation représentent la norme.  Les médias jouent un rôle majeur dans le renforcement et l'élargissement de la couverture des questions se rapportant à la planification familiale. Cette couverture comprend l'accès à la contraception, la méthode et les choix de contraceptifs ainsi que les ressources et budgets pour des services de planification familiale améliorés. En tant qu’avocats, les médias favorisent le dialogue sur les questions de politique et d’éducation publique en matière de planification familiale; celles-ci vont des questions stratégiques essentielles à la promotion d'un environnement propice à la prestation de services.   Ce prix récompense les articles de presse, de radio et de télévision d'avant-garde qui ont:ont :- Favorisé le dialogue sur les questions nationales/régionales et qui portent sur les politiques de planification familiale, rappelé aux gouvernements leurs engagements en matière de planification familiale, Mis en évidence les prestations de services innovants permettant d’améliorer l'accès à la planification familiale et aux services de contraception.   AdmissibilitéEligibilité Seules les soumissions présentées par des ressortissants d'Afrique sub-saharienne, travaillant sur le continent et dont les travaux ont paru dans des journaux ou des médias électroniques s'adressant principalement à une audience sub-saharienne et qui sont reçus par un public résidant en Afrique sub-saharienne, seront acceptées. Jury La sélection et le processus de sélection seront supervisés par un groupe d'experts expérimentés, indépendants et hautement respectés. Ils évalueront les soumissions qui: ont été diffusées ou publiées, en anglais, en français uniquement, entre le mois de janvier 2017 et le mois juin 2018 (une preuve sera exigée) Sont bien documentées, équilibrées, objectives, complètes et qui démontrent un haut niveau d'intégrité journalistique et d'innovation Communiquent le thème de la planification familiale et de la contraception/santé sexuelle et de la reproductiond'une manière qui rend le sujet accessible et d’un intérêt certain pour leur public Comment participer Une fois rempli, il convient de soumettre lesdits formulaires ainsi que les pièces jointes à: [email protected]; [email protected]; Une seule inscription sera acceptée par journaliste. Envoyez 2 copies de votre travail, en y incluant la date de publication/diffusion, le nom de la publication/diffuseur, les contacts du média. Les journalistes de la presse écrite devront envoyer une copie scannée de leur article original. TV & Radio – Merci de nous faire parvenir  2 disques/cassettes (VHS / DVD ou CD) à notre adresse ci-dessous ou  De nous soumettre tous les détails de l'URL où l'on peut voir/écouter le travail que vous avez effectué. Vous pouvez également soumettre votre article dans dropbox.com ou wetransfer.com. Une copie de votre curriculum vitae mis à jour Toute autre information concernant votre soumission/entrées que vous jugez pertinente. La date limite pour le dépôt des soumissions est fixée au 15 août 2018 - 23h59 GMT +3.   Pour toute question ou information additionnelle veuillez contacter James Ngechu | Communication Officer - Design and Media Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Tel: +254 (20) 4909000 International Planned Parenthood Federation Africa Region Senteu Plaza, 3rd Floor | Lenana/Galana Road junction | P.O. Box 30234 - 00100  |  Nairobi – Kenya   Téléchargez le formulaire d'inscription ici : Formulaire d'inscription  

By Maryanne W. Waweru Two IPPF Africa Region Member Associations; Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) and the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) have been recognized for their success in the 3rd IPPF Accreditation cycle. About IPPF’s Accreditation Process As a global sexual and reproductive health and rights movement, IPPF is guided by key Standards and Responsibilities of membership. IPPF expects all Member Associations who wish to be a part of the Federation to uphold and promote the well-defined 10 Principles of Membership, and to comply with the different Standards associated with each Principle. The ‘Accreditation Process’ is based on these 10 Principles and Standards. Accreditation is an important tool for every Member Association’s self-reflection and improvement. It also serves as an effective means of improving communication between Member Associations and the IPPF Secretariat. The Accreditation process further helps in ensuring Member Associations’ accountability to the clients they serve, and to the donor community. The 10 Membership Principles and their associated Membership Standards require that a Member Association is: Open and democratic Well governed Strategic and progressive Transparent and accountable Well managed Financially healthy A good employer Committed to results Committed to quality, and A leading SRHR organization in its country When full compliance is achieved, Member Associations are recognized as fully accredited members of the Federation by the Governing Council; IPPF’s highest decision-making body. The 3rd cycle Accreditation certificates for Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) and Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association (LPPA) were awarded during an awards cocktail ceremony held in Nairobi, Kenya on 29 June 2018 -on the sidelines of the 48th Session of the IPPFAR Regional Council. The awards were presented by the IPPF Africa Regional Chairperson Hon. Antonio Niquice. We congratulate the MAs of Uganda and Lesotho for their success in the 3rd cycle of Accreditation (2016 – 2020). Read more about Reproductive Health Uganda here and Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association here. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter. Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region

Family Health Options Kenya (FHOK), which is IPPF’s Member Association in Kenya this week played host to a team of Program Directors and Directors of Finance drawn from different Member Associations (MAs) in the Africa region. The Directors are in Nairobi attending a strategic workshop aimed at enhancing their capacity for the improvement of the programmatic, financial and operational management practices of their MAs. During one of their activities, which included the visit to FHOK’s headquarters in Nairobi, the Directors received insights into the different programs that FHOK is currently implementing. With a rich experience spanning over five decades, FHOK is recognized as one of the leading service providers in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in Kenya. FHOK has 16 health facilities and 9 youth centers located in different parts of the country. During the learning visit, FHOK shared its experiences in the areas of: clinical services, finance and administration, project implementation, governance, networking, building partnerships, advocacy and human resource. Some of the projects that FHOK is currently implementing include those around the integration of SRHR issues with environmental stability and climate change, mitigating the impact of the Global Gag Rule (GGR) through the social enterprise model, and innovative youth programmes that target both in-school and out-of-school youth. The Directors also toured FHOK’s Nairobi West Family Care Medical Center & Maternity. The center, started in 1999, operates on a 24-hour basis and offers a wide range of in and out-patient services. They include: counselling, family planning, STI treatment and management, HIV services, pre-nantal and post-natal care, maternity services, well baby clinics, gynaecological services, curative services and specialist clinics, among others. The medical center has a well-stocked pharmacy and a well-equipped laboratory. The visiting Directors lauded FHOK for its innovative projects and passion for serving the Kenyan population with quality health services. “Indeed, there is a lot to learn from FHOK. Their intense resource mobilization efforts, that have resulted in funding for several projects is impressive. This is something that other MAs should emulate,” said Mr. Desta Kebede, Program Director at Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE). “There is also plenty to learn from FHOK’s social enterprise model, which is fueled by the organization’s desire to shift its focus from traditional revenue streams -to that of using different entrepreneurial methods to create social impact,” he added. The Directors also commended FHOK for its electronic data management system -SMART Care. This is a system that has helped the organization effectively manage its operations such as in logistics, where it is able to use data to forecast and manage commodities. The use of SMART Care has helped the MA avoid cases of stock-outs. The paperless SMART Care system has also benefitted FHOK in the integration of finances and statistics, as well as in the management of human resources at clinic level. “SMART Care has significantly reduced the workload of our service providers when it comes to capturing of essential data in real time, and consequent generation of reports. Through SMART Care, consumer specific reports -MoH, FHOK, IPPF and donor reports are readily generated at the end of each month by our health personnel within a very short time. The system has gone a long way in ensuring quality data and enhancing compliance to reporting timelines within FHOK,” said Ms. Esther Muketo, Director, Resource Mobilization at FHOK. FHOK is also recognized as one of IPPFAR’s Learning Centers. IPPFAR’s Learning Center Initiative (LCI) is aimed at building capacity through its Member Association network by developing and sharing innovative and best practice approaches on Sexual Reproductive Health (SRH). Learning Centers such as FHOK are regarded as centers of excellence, technical hubs and technical advisory facilities. They assist in the cementing and positioning IPPFAR as a leading service provider in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR). Story by Maryanne W. Waweru, Governance and Compliance Officer, IPPF Africa Region. For more information about the work of IPPF Africa Region, connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.