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IPPF-ESEAOR TO HOST FP2030 ASIA-PACIFIC HUB

IPPF-ESEAOR will serve as the host of FP2030 Asia Pacific Regional Hub starting this year. This is the fourth FP2030 Regional Hub, preceded by the North America and Europe Hub in Washington DC, the East and Southern Africa Hub in Nairobi, Kenya, and the North, West and Central Africa Hub in Abuja, Nigeria. This is part of the ongoing transition of FP2030 - from a single secretariat office in the United States and now to a global support structure and presence.
IPPF Delegates to the CSO Forum
news item

| 29 November 2018

IPPF ESEAOR actively participates in the 6APPC Mid-Term Review

IPPF-ESEAOR, through its Member-Associations, actively participated in the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of 2013 Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development held in Bangkok from the 26th to the 28th of November 2018. The three-day intergovernmental meeting was organised by the United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).  This MTR was a follow-up to the 6th Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development which took place in 2013 in the effort to monitor the framework in the region. The MTR reaffirmed the commitment towards the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 at both the national and regional levels. Prior to this, a two-day youth forum and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum also took place in Bangkok.  The youth forum was held to discuss the progress of ICPD implementation while the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum was held to chart the way forward and identify key priority areas to accelerate progress implementation of the ICPD Programme of Actions, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Two youth representatives received ESEAOR’s full support to participate in this forum where they urged member States to recognise and reaffirm human rights, gender equality, equity, social inclusion, and justice, as well as youth empowerment and leadership, as central to sustainable development, and closing with a call for meaningful discourse on young people’s needs and aspirations.  The CSO Forum, on the other hand, underscored that, while there had been significant progress in sexual and reproductive health policies in the region, implementation continued to be a challenge, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.  Throughout this three-day meeting, IPPF ESEAOR had been a powerful force – eight (8) ESEAOR MAs were part of the government delegation and have influenced the language of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the national statements. These MAs were also been invited to the consultation process to input the country report to the ICPD +25 review in 2019.  In the statement of the Cook Island delegation, Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA) and its critical role in the training of educators on comprehensive sexuality education were mentioned. There were specific contributions from the MAs, on Comprehensive Sexuality Education or its similar forms (Cambodia, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Tonga); addressing Gender Based Violence (Kiribati), and elimination of FGM (Indonesia), which were highlighted in the national statements.  The MA’s close relationship with its government has facilitated this participation in the delegation. MAs are considered technical experts on SRHR given their knowledge of the local contexts, and their long-standing work with the vulnerable and marginalised groups both on direct service provision and on advocacy for the recognition and respect of human rights. 

IPPF Delegates to the CSO Forum
news_item

| 29 November 2018

IPPF ESEAOR actively participates in the 6APPC Mid-Term Review

IPPF-ESEAOR, through its Member-Associations, actively participated in the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of 2013 Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development held in Bangkok from the 26th to the 28th of November 2018. The three-day intergovernmental meeting was organised by the United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).  This MTR was a follow-up to the 6th Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development which took place in 2013 in the effort to monitor the framework in the region. The MTR reaffirmed the commitment towards the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 at both the national and regional levels. Prior to this, a two-day youth forum and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum also took place in Bangkok.  The youth forum was held to discuss the progress of ICPD implementation while the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum was held to chart the way forward and identify key priority areas to accelerate progress implementation of the ICPD Programme of Actions, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Two youth representatives received ESEAOR’s full support to participate in this forum where they urged member States to recognise and reaffirm human rights, gender equality, equity, social inclusion, and justice, as well as youth empowerment and leadership, as central to sustainable development, and closing with a call for meaningful discourse on young people’s needs and aspirations.  The CSO Forum, on the other hand, underscored that, while there had been significant progress in sexual and reproductive health policies in the region, implementation continued to be a challenge, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.  Throughout this three-day meeting, IPPF ESEAOR had been a powerful force – eight (8) ESEAOR MAs were part of the government delegation and have influenced the language of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the national statements. These MAs were also been invited to the consultation process to input the country report to the ICPD +25 review in 2019.  In the statement of the Cook Island delegation, Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA) and its critical role in the training of educators on comprehensive sexuality education were mentioned. There were specific contributions from the MAs, on Comprehensive Sexuality Education or its similar forms (Cambodia, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Tonga); addressing Gender Based Violence (Kiribati), and elimination of FGM (Indonesia), which were highlighted in the national statements.  The MA’s close relationship with its government has facilitated this participation in the delegation. MAs are considered technical experts on SRHR given their knowledge of the local contexts, and their long-standing work with the vulnerable and marginalised groups both on direct service provision and on advocacy for the recognition and respect of human rights. 

Dr Alvaro Bermejo launching the Niu Vaka strategy
news item

| 12 November 2018

Dr Alvaro Launches the First Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy in Suva, Fiji

On 29th of October 2018, Dr Alvaro launched the inaugural Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy (2019-2022) in Suva, Fiji. Developed for the Pacific by the Pacific, Niu Vaka moves away from providing short-term project funding to support member associations across the Pacific in a holistic and integrated way to build their capacity and sustainability, enabling them to reach more people and to ensure they can continue to do so into the future. The Niu Vaka strategy takes its name from two ideas which are central to the identity of Pacific Islanders: the niu (the coconut) and the Vaka (the canoe). Pronounced ‘new’, the niu represents the next chapter in IPPF’s Pacific voyage. Every part of the niu and the palm tree, often referred to as the tree of life, has a use in the Pacific – not a bit goes to waste. A powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, the niu floats between Pacific islands and puts down roots where it lands. The Vaka, used by ancient Pacific Islanders to journey vast distances between islands, also links Pacific islands together, symbolising our shared history, collective Pacific identity and the united vision of IPPF’s Niu Vaka strategy. As we expand the reach of sexual and reproductive health services across the Pacific, we draw inspiration from the Vaka and the lengths our ancestors went to ensure the well-being of their families. Together, the niu and the Vaka represent sustainability, resourcefulness and resilience, ideals that the Niu Vaka strategy embodies. As we embark on this new voyage, we remember the intrepid seafaring traditions of the Pacific and the resilience of the niu. To read and learn more on the Pacific Strategy, click here.

Dr Alvaro Bermejo launching the Niu Vaka strategy
news_item

| 30 October 2018

Dr Alvaro Launches the First Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy in Suva, Fiji

On 29th of October 2018, Dr Alvaro launched the inaugural Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy (2019-2022) in Suva, Fiji. Developed for the Pacific by the Pacific, Niu Vaka moves away from providing short-term project funding to support member associations across the Pacific in a holistic and integrated way to build their capacity and sustainability, enabling them to reach more people and to ensure they can continue to do so into the future. The Niu Vaka strategy takes its name from two ideas which are central to the identity of Pacific Islanders: the niu (the coconut) and the Vaka (the canoe). Pronounced ‘new’, the niu represents the next chapter in IPPF’s Pacific voyage. Every part of the niu and the palm tree, often referred to as the tree of life, has a use in the Pacific – not a bit goes to waste. A powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, the niu floats between Pacific islands and puts down roots where it lands. The Vaka, used by ancient Pacific Islanders to journey vast distances between islands, also links Pacific islands together, symbolising our shared history, collective Pacific identity and the united vision of IPPF’s Niu Vaka strategy. As we expand the reach of sexual and reproductive health services across the Pacific, we draw inspiration from the Vaka and the lengths our ancestors went to ensure the well-being of their families. Together, the niu and the Vaka represent sustainability, resourcefulness and resilience, ideals that the Niu Vaka strategy embodies. As we embark on this new voyage, we remember the intrepid seafaring traditions of the Pacific and the resilience of the niu. To read and learn more on the Pacific Strategy, click here.

Nurse Tala administering contraceptive injection to client Josephine, Saleapaga Village. Photo credits: Phoebe Hammond
news item

| 30 June 2017

SFHA ED appointed to Samoa’s Medical Council

The Executive Director of the SFHA was appointed by the Hon Minister of the MOH to represent Nursing & Midwifery in the Medical Council for three (3) years – from July 2017 – June 2020. The appointment was approved by the Cabinet in June 2017. The representative for Nursing & Midwifery to the Medical Council is usually the ACEO of Nursing & Midwifery, who oversees the nursing practice. This appointment was a ministerial directive which really reflects the appreciation of the work of SFHA by the government, and the close relationship between SFHA and MOH. The roles of the council will be guided by the Healthcare Professionals Registration and Standards Act, and the Medical Practitioners Act. A Career Pathway and Professional Development Framework for Medical Practitioners in Samoa was developed in April 2016. This frameworks will help guide the medical profession through their lives of service to the people of Samoa and all those who seek medical help and assistance. The members of the council include four (4) Medical Practitioners, one (1) Nurse Midwife, one (1) representative from a government ministry, and one (1) community leader. The ex-officials are the CEO of MOH and the Registrar of Medical, Nursing and Allied professions.  

Nurse Tala administering contraceptive injection to client Josephine, Saleapaga Village. Photo credits: Phoebe Hammond
news_item

| 30 June 2017

SFHA ED appointed to Samoa’s Medical Council

The Executive Director of the SFHA was appointed by the Hon Minister of the MOH to represent Nursing & Midwifery in the Medical Council for three (3) years – from July 2017 – June 2020. The appointment was approved by the Cabinet in June 2017. The representative for Nursing & Midwifery to the Medical Council is usually the ACEO of Nursing & Midwifery, who oversees the nursing practice. This appointment was a ministerial directive which really reflects the appreciation of the work of SFHA by the government, and the close relationship between SFHA and MOH. The roles of the council will be guided by the Healthcare Professionals Registration and Standards Act, and the Medical Practitioners Act. A Career Pathway and Professional Development Framework for Medical Practitioners in Samoa was developed in April 2016. This frameworks will help guide the medical profession through their lives of service to the people of Samoa and all those who seek medical help and assistance. The members of the council include four (4) Medical Practitioners, one (1) Nurse Midwife, one (1) representative from a government ministry, and one (1) community leader. The ex-officials are the CEO of MOH and the Registrar of Medical, Nursing and Allied professions.  

Contraceptives counseling in SIPPA clinic
news item

| 28 June 2017

SIPPA appointed as CSO Focal Point for FP2020

The Solomon Islands government took a significant step in addressing the family planning service delivery programme in the country by strengthening partnership with the civil society. In its latest move, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services tapped Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), an IPPF member association, to be the CSO focal point to help mobilize the civil society sector towards the achievement of Solomon Islands’ FP2020 target. The Solomon Islands failed to reach the national target for contraceptive rate set in 2015. The target of 55% CPR is double the current rate of 27% which has stayed at that rate for about a decade. The high unmet need can be attributed to various factors, which include: young people’s lack of information to make the right choices; women, men, and youth’s lack of access to FP services and commodities; lack of skilled staff and health service providers. By bringing SIPPA into the action, the Government of Solomon Islands will benefit from IPPF’s and SIPPA’s strong youth program, data collection, management, and analysis infrastructure, and technical expertise in comprehensive sexuality education and HIV/STI program. The commitments made on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands on July 11, 2012 are (1) to make family planning a priority under the reproductive health program section of the government National Health Strategic Plan for 2006-2015 and (2) to make men partners in all reproductive health issues, including voluntary family planning.  

Contraceptives counseling in SIPPA clinic
news_item

| 28 June 2017

SIPPA appointed as CSO Focal Point for FP2020

The Solomon Islands government took a significant step in addressing the family planning service delivery programme in the country by strengthening partnership with the civil society. In its latest move, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services tapped Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), an IPPF member association, to be the CSO focal point to help mobilize the civil society sector towards the achievement of Solomon Islands’ FP2020 target. The Solomon Islands failed to reach the national target for contraceptive rate set in 2015. The target of 55% CPR is double the current rate of 27% which has stayed at that rate for about a decade. The high unmet need can be attributed to various factors, which include: young people’s lack of information to make the right choices; women, men, and youth’s lack of access to FP services and commodities; lack of skilled staff and health service providers. By bringing SIPPA into the action, the Government of Solomon Islands will benefit from IPPF’s and SIPPA’s strong youth program, data collection, management, and analysis infrastructure, and technical expertise in comprehensive sexuality education and HIV/STI program. The commitments made on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands on July 11, 2012 are (1) to make family planning a priority under the reproductive health program section of the government National Health Strategic Plan for 2006-2015 and (2) to make men partners in all reproductive health issues, including voluntary family planning.  

news item

| 21 October 2016

Capacity Building Project in the Pacific

Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired.    In 2008, IPPF ESEAOR started implementing a five-year project called the Pacific Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Capacity Building Facility. The project was intended to increase the capacity of IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) in the Pacific to deliver and advocate for quality SRH services. The project was made possible through the generous support of the governments of Australia and New Zealand. Since its implementation, much progress has been made: better SRH services are now being provided in all MAs because the capacity of service providers has improved and because of enhanced facilities; youth-friendly services have been installed where full confidentiality is assured; and the child protection policy is fully enforced, to name just a couple. The number of SRH services and clients in general has trebled in all the nine MAs since the project was implemented. It is worth mentioning that IPPF’s clients in the Pacific are those that are hardly-reached by the usual government services due to their geographical isolation. The project benefitted most of the staff members of the MAs. Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired. Even the staff of IPPF ESEAOR's Sub-Regional Office in the Pacific (SROP) benefitted: the level of their technical assistance and monitoring work has improved due to the professional development course that they were able to attend. During the evaluation in November 2013, MAs reported that the programme / project had impacted positively on their development as a collective voice in the region. The over-all performance of all MAs can be seen with the total number of SRH services provided reaching  654,621 in 2013. The increased capacity of the MAs in the Pacific led to more advocacy activities and those had a greater impact. Some of the activities undertaken include: Participation at the Pacific Parliamentarian Conference in Suva in August 2013, which focused on the post ICPD documentation, resulted in the launching of the Moana Declaration; Participation in the Youth Conference and Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia in December 2013. This established the SROP’s role as a major player to articulate and contribute towards the implementation of the new Youth Framework endorsed by the Pacific Youth Ministers; Pacific Kaci was developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders calling for increased access to SRH services stemming from the Millennium Development Goals; Signing of an MOU with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) to collaborate on engaging the Pacific Parliamentarians with the Vision 2020 Agenda and Sexual Rights Charter of IPPF. IPPF ESEAOR’s work in the Pacific will continue to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and policies are installed and implemented in the future. We will continue building better partnerships to ensure that the Pacific speaks in one voice. It will also ensure that the Pacific people receive quality SRH services from service providers who have been properly and professionally trained.

news_item

| 21 September 2016

Capacity Building Project in the Pacific

Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired.    In 2008, IPPF ESEAOR started implementing a five-year project called the Pacific Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Capacity Building Facility. The project was intended to increase the capacity of IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) in the Pacific to deliver and advocate for quality SRH services. The project was made possible through the generous support of the governments of Australia and New Zealand. Since its implementation, much progress has been made: better SRH services are now being provided in all MAs because the capacity of service providers has improved and because of enhanced facilities; youth-friendly services have been installed where full confidentiality is assured; and the child protection policy is fully enforced, to name just a couple. The number of SRH services and clients in general has trebled in all the nine MAs since the project was implemented. It is worth mentioning that IPPF’s clients in the Pacific are those that are hardly-reached by the usual government services due to their geographical isolation. The project benefitted most of the staff members of the MAs. Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired. Even the staff of IPPF ESEAOR's Sub-Regional Office in the Pacific (SROP) benefitted: the level of their technical assistance and monitoring work has improved due to the professional development course that they were able to attend. During the evaluation in November 2013, MAs reported that the programme / project had impacted positively on their development as a collective voice in the region. The over-all performance of all MAs can be seen with the total number of SRH services provided reaching  654,621 in 2013. The increased capacity of the MAs in the Pacific led to more advocacy activities and those had a greater impact. Some of the activities undertaken include: Participation at the Pacific Parliamentarian Conference in Suva in August 2013, which focused on the post ICPD documentation, resulted in the launching of the Moana Declaration; Participation in the Youth Conference and Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia in December 2013. This established the SROP’s role as a major player to articulate and contribute towards the implementation of the new Youth Framework endorsed by the Pacific Youth Ministers; Pacific Kaci was developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders calling for increased access to SRH services stemming from the Millennium Development Goals; Signing of an MOU with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) to collaborate on engaging the Pacific Parliamentarians with the Vision 2020 Agenda and Sexual Rights Charter of IPPF. IPPF ESEAOR’s work in the Pacific will continue to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and policies are installed and implemented in the future. We will continue building better partnerships to ensure that the Pacific speaks in one voice. It will also ensure that the Pacific people receive quality SRH services from service providers who have been properly and professionally trained.

Fijian mother with child
news item

| 18 October 2016

Providing family planning services to Cyclone Winston victims

IPPF implemented the Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health in the wake of Cyclone Winston in Fiji. IPPF ESEAOR planned for the Fiji response and was able to deploy surge capacity on the first week. Within the first 20 days, six medical missions were already completed. What follows is the story of one of the women who received care in one of these missions: Savaira Buka who is a mother of six was one of the lucky survivors of the tragic Cyclone Winston. The 36-year-old mother originally from Nailaga, Western Fiji, who is married into the village, painfully gathers the memory of the night the storm claimed parts of their home. Savaira and her family moved back to her family home in Nailaga village two years ago to look after her mother who had lost one side of her leg to Diabetes. Cyclone Winston’s strong winds ravaged through her village taking with it walls and roofs of the homes in Nailaga, including Savaira’s. The home that she had once shared with her four other siblings and their families was now in ruins as with most of their belongings. Savaira heard about the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT medical mission from the village headman accepted the service provided by the IPPF team with open arms. Since the storm had struck their village "the IPPF reproductive health medical mission team was the first to ever visit our village and it stood out from the rest as it specifically targeted women of reproductive age and pregnant and lactating women," she shared. For Savaira, the health information sessions stood out as it boosted her confidence about sharing family planning issues with the reproductive health medical mission team from IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. After the health information session, she decided to access injectable contraceptives. After consultation with the medical doctor present in the mission, she was provided with the service. Savaira was not able to contain her smile as she continually thanked the team for the medical visit which was brought to them by the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. Within a month of the cyclone’s landfall, IPPF ESEAOR Sub Regional Office in the Pacific and the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji, through the Australian Aid-funded SPRINT Initiative was able to complete 37 (the plan was for 30) reproductive health medical missions. A total of 868 clients were served, 122 of which are pregnant and 272 are lactating. All 868 beneficiaries received information on family planning, danger signs of pregnancy, HIV/STI prevention, and sexual and gender-based violence during health information sessions that lasted between 20-30 minutes. Condoms and oral and injectable contraceptive were provided to 556 clients.

Fijian mother with child
news_item

| 31 March 2016

Providing family planning services to Cyclone Winston victims

IPPF implemented the Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health in the wake of Cyclone Winston in Fiji. IPPF ESEAOR planned for the Fiji response and was able to deploy surge capacity on the first week. Within the first 20 days, six medical missions were already completed. What follows is the story of one of the women who received care in one of these missions: Savaira Buka who is a mother of six was one of the lucky survivors of the tragic Cyclone Winston. The 36-year-old mother originally from Nailaga, Western Fiji, who is married into the village, painfully gathers the memory of the night the storm claimed parts of their home. Savaira and her family moved back to her family home in Nailaga village two years ago to look after her mother who had lost one side of her leg to Diabetes. Cyclone Winston’s strong winds ravaged through her village taking with it walls and roofs of the homes in Nailaga, including Savaira’s. The home that she had once shared with her four other siblings and their families was now in ruins as with most of their belongings. Savaira heard about the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT medical mission from the village headman accepted the service provided by the IPPF team with open arms. Since the storm had struck their village "the IPPF reproductive health medical mission team was the first to ever visit our village and it stood out from the rest as it specifically targeted women of reproductive age and pregnant and lactating women," she shared. For Savaira, the health information sessions stood out as it boosted her confidence about sharing family planning issues with the reproductive health medical mission team from IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. After the health information session, she decided to access injectable contraceptives. After consultation with the medical doctor present in the mission, she was provided with the service. Savaira was not able to contain her smile as she continually thanked the team for the medical visit which was brought to them by the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. Within a month of the cyclone’s landfall, IPPF ESEAOR Sub Regional Office in the Pacific and the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji, through the Australian Aid-funded SPRINT Initiative was able to complete 37 (the plan was for 30) reproductive health medical missions. A total of 868 clients were served, 122 of which are pregnant and 272 are lactating. All 868 beneficiaries received information on family planning, danger signs of pregnancy, HIV/STI prevention, and sexual and gender-based violence during health information sessions that lasted between 20-30 minutes. Condoms and oral and injectable contraceptive were provided to 556 clients.

IPPF Delegates to the CSO Forum
news item

| 29 November 2018

IPPF ESEAOR actively participates in the 6APPC Mid-Term Review

IPPF-ESEAOR, through its Member-Associations, actively participated in the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of 2013 Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development held in Bangkok from the 26th to the 28th of November 2018. The three-day intergovernmental meeting was organised by the United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).  This MTR was a follow-up to the 6th Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development which took place in 2013 in the effort to monitor the framework in the region. The MTR reaffirmed the commitment towards the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 at both the national and regional levels. Prior to this, a two-day youth forum and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum also took place in Bangkok.  The youth forum was held to discuss the progress of ICPD implementation while the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum was held to chart the way forward and identify key priority areas to accelerate progress implementation of the ICPD Programme of Actions, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Two youth representatives received ESEAOR’s full support to participate in this forum where they urged member States to recognise and reaffirm human rights, gender equality, equity, social inclusion, and justice, as well as youth empowerment and leadership, as central to sustainable development, and closing with a call for meaningful discourse on young people’s needs and aspirations.  The CSO Forum, on the other hand, underscored that, while there had been significant progress in sexual and reproductive health policies in the region, implementation continued to be a challenge, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.  Throughout this three-day meeting, IPPF ESEAOR had been a powerful force – eight (8) ESEAOR MAs were part of the government delegation and have influenced the language of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the national statements. These MAs were also been invited to the consultation process to input the country report to the ICPD +25 review in 2019.  In the statement of the Cook Island delegation, Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA) and its critical role in the training of educators on comprehensive sexuality education were mentioned. There were specific contributions from the MAs, on Comprehensive Sexuality Education or its similar forms (Cambodia, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Tonga); addressing Gender Based Violence (Kiribati), and elimination of FGM (Indonesia), which were highlighted in the national statements.  The MA’s close relationship with its government has facilitated this participation in the delegation. MAs are considered technical experts on SRHR given their knowledge of the local contexts, and their long-standing work with the vulnerable and marginalised groups both on direct service provision and on advocacy for the recognition and respect of human rights. 

IPPF Delegates to the CSO Forum
news_item

| 29 November 2018

IPPF ESEAOR actively participates in the 6APPC Mid-Term Review

IPPF-ESEAOR, through its Member-Associations, actively participated in the Mid-Term Review (MTR) of 2013 Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development held in Bangkok from the 26th to the 28th of November 2018. The three-day intergovernmental meeting was organised by the United Nation’s Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), in cooperation with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).  This MTR was a follow-up to the 6th Asian and Pacific Ministerial Declaration on Population and Development which took place in 2013 in the effort to monitor the framework in the region. The MTR reaffirmed the commitment towards the implementation of the Programme of Action (PoA) of the International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 at both the national and regional levels. Prior to this, a two-day youth forum and Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum also took place in Bangkok.  The youth forum was held to discuss the progress of ICPD implementation while the Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Forum was held to chart the way forward and identify key priority areas to accelerate progress implementation of the ICPD Programme of Actions, as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.  Two youth representatives received ESEAOR’s full support to participate in this forum where they urged member States to recognise and reaffirm human rights, gender equality, equity, social inclusion, and justice, as well as youth empowerment and leadership, as central to sustainable development, and closing with a call for meaningful discourse on young people’s needs and aspirations.  The CSO Forum, on the other hand, underscored that, while there had been significant progress in sexual and reproductive health policies in the region, implementation continued to be a challenge, particularly for marginalized and vulnerable groups.  Throughout this three-day meeting, IPPF ESEAOR had been a powerful force – eight (8) ESEAOR MAs were part of the government delegation and have influenced the language of sexual and reproductive health and rights in the national statements. These MAs were also been invited to the consultation process to input the country report to the ICPD +25 review in 2019.  In the statement of the Cook Island delegation, Cook Islands Family Welfare Association (CIFWA) and its critical role in the training of educators on comprehensive sexuality education were mentioned. There were specific contributions from the MAs, on Comprehensive Sexuality Education or its similar forms (Cambodia, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Malaysia, Tonga); addressing Gender Based Violence (Kiribati), and elimination of FGM (Indonesia), which were highlighted in the national statements.  The MA’s close relationship with its government has facilitated this participation in the delegation. MAs are considered technical experts on SRHR given their knowledge of the local contexts, and their long-standing work with the vulnerable and marginalised groups both on direct service provision and on advocacy for the recognition and respect of human rights. 

Dr Alvaro Bermejo launching the Niu Vaka strategy
news item

| 12 November 2018

Dr Alvaro Launches the First Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy in Suva, Fiji

On 29th of October 2018, Dr Alvaro launched the inaugural Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy (2019-2022) in Suva, Fiji. Developed for the Pacific by the Pacific, Niu Vaka moves away from providing short-term project funding to support member associations across the Pacific in a holistic and integrated way to build their capacity and sustainability, enabling them to reach more people and to ensure they can continue to do so into the future. The Niu Vaka strategy takes its name from two ideas which are central to the identity of Pacific Islanders: the niu (the coconut) and the Vaka (the canoe). Pronounced ‘new’, the niu represents the next chapter in IPPF’s Pacific voyage. Every part of the niu and the palm tree, often referred to as the tree of life, has a use in the Pacific – not a bit goes to waste. A powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, the niu floats between Pacific islands and puts down roots where it lands. The Vaka, used by ancient Pacific Islanders to journey vast distances between islands, also links Pacific islands together, symbolising our shared history, collective Pacific identity and the united vision of IPPF’s Niu Vaka strategy. As we expand the reach of sexual and reproductive health services across the Pacific, we draw inspiration from the Vaka and the lengths our ancestors went to ensure the well-being of their families. Together, the niu and the Vaka represent sustainability, resourcefulness and resilience, ideals that the Niu Vaka strategy embodies. As we embark on this new voyage, we remember the intrepid seafaring traditions of the Pacific and the resilience of the niu. To read and learn more on the Pacific Strategy, click here.

Dr Alvaro Bermejo launching the Niu Vaka strategy
news_item

| 30 October 2018

Dr Alvaro Launches the First Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy in Suva, Fiji

On 29th of October 2018, Dr Alvaro launched the inaugural Niu Vaka Pacific Strategy (2019-2022) in Suva, Fiji. Developed for the Pacific by the Pacific, Niu Vaka moves away from providing short-term project funding to support member associations across the Pacific in a holistic and integrated way to build their capacity and sustainability, enabling them to reach more people and to ensure they can continue to do so into the future. The Niu Vaka strategy takes its name from two ideas which are central to the identity of Pacific Islanders: the niu (the coconut) and the Vaka (the canoe). Pronounced ‘new’, the niu represents the next chapter in IPPF’s Pacific voyage. Every part of the niu and the palm tree, often referred to as the tree of life, has a use in the Pacific – not a bit goes to waste. A powerful symbol of resilience and renewal, the niu floats between Pacific islands and puts down roots where it lands. The Vaka, used by ancient Pacific Islanders to journey vast distances between islands, also links Pacific islands together, symbolising our shared history, collective Pacific identity and the united vision of IPPF’s Niu Vaka strategy. As we expand the reach of sexual and reproductive health services across the Pacific, we draw inspiration from the Vaka and the lengths our ancestors went to ensure the well-being of their families. Together, the niu and the Vaka represent sustainability, resourcefulness and resilience, ideals that the Niu Vaka strategy embodies. As we embark on this new voyage, we remember the intrepid seafaring traditions of the Pacific and the resilience of the niu. To read and learn more on the Pacific Strategy, click here.

Nurse Tala administering contraceptive injection to client Josephine, Saleapaga Village. Photo credits: Phoebe Hammond
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| 30 June 2017

SFHA ED appointed to Samoa’s Medical Council

The Executive Director of the SFHA was appointed by the Hon Minister of the MOH to represent Nursing & Midwifery in the Medical Council for three (3) years – from July 2017 – June 2020. The appointment was approved by the Cabinet in June 2017. The representative for Nursing & Midwifery to the Medical Council is usually the ACEO of Nursing & Midwifery, who oversees the nursing practice. This appointment was a ministerial directive which really reflects the appreciation of the work of SFHA by the government, and the close relationship between SFHA and MOH. The roles of the council will be guided by the Healthcare Professionals Registration and Standards Act, and the Medical Practitioners Act. A Career Pathway and Professional Development Framework for Medical Practitioners in Samoa was developed in April 2016. This frameworks will help guide the medical profession through their lives of service to the people of Samoa and all those who seek medical help and assistance. The members of the council include four (4) Medical Practitioners, one (1) Nurse Midwife, one (1) representative from a government ministry, and one (1) community leader. The ex-officials are the CEO of MOH and the Registrar of Medical, Nursing and Allied professions.  

Nurse Tala administering contraceptive injection to client Josephine, Saleapaga Village. Photo credits: Phoebe Hammond
news_item

| 30 June 2017

SFHA ED appointed to Samoa’s Medical Council

The Executive Director of the SFHA was appointed by the Hon Minister of the MOH to represent Nursing & Midwifery in the Medical Council for three (3) years – from July 2017 – June 2020. The appointment was approved by the Cabinet in June 2017. The representative for Nursing & Midwifery to the Medical Council is usually the ACEO of Nursing & Midwifery, who oversees the nursing practice. This appointment was a ministerial directive which really reflects the appreciation of the work of SFHA by the government, and the close relationship between SFHA and MOH. The roles of the council will be guided by the Healthcare Professionals Registration and Standards Act, and the Medical Practitioners Act. A Career Pathway and Professional Development Framework for Medical Practitioners in Samoa was developed in April 2016. This frameworks will help guide the medical profession through their lives of service to the people of Samoa and all those who seek medical help and assistance. The members of the council include four (4) Medical Practitioners, one (1) Nurse Midwife, one (1) representative from a government ministry, and one (1) community leader. The ex-officials are the CEO of MOH and the Registrar of Medical, Nursing and Allied professions.  

Contraceptives counseling in SIPPA clinic
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| 28 June 2017

SIPPA appointed as CSO Focal Point for FP2020

The Solomon Islands government took a significant step in addressing the family planning service delivery programme in the country by strengthening partnership with the civil society. In its latest move, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services tapped Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), an IPPF member association, to be the CSO focal point to help mobilize the civil society sector towards the achievement of Solomon Islands’ FP2020 target. The Solomon Islands failed to reach the national target for contraceptive rate set in 2015. The target of 55% CPR is double the current rate of 27% which has stayed at that rate for about a decade. The high unmet need can be attributed to various factors, which include: young people’s lack of information to make the right choices; women, men, and youth’s lack of access to FP services and commodities; lack of skilled staff and health service providers. By bringing SIPPA into the action, the Government of Solomon Islands will benefit from IPPF’s and SIPPA’s strong youth program, data collection, management, and analysis infrastructure, and technical expertise in comprehensive sexuality education and HIV/STI program. The commitments made on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands on July 11, 2012 are (1) to make family planning a priority under the reproductive health program section of the government National Health Strategic Plan for 2006-2015 and (2) to make men partners in all reproductive health issues, including voluntary family planning.  

Contraceptives counseling in SIPPA clinic
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| 28 June 2017

SIPPA appointed as CSO Focal Point for FP2020

The Solomon Islands government took a significant step in addressing the family planning service delivery programme in the country by strengthening partnership with the civil society. In its latest move, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services tapped Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA), an IPPF member association, to be the CSO focal point to help mobilize the civil society sector towards the achievement of Solomon Islands’ FP2020 target. The Solomon Islands failed to reach the national target for contraceptive rate set in 2015. The target of 55% CPR is double the current rate of 27% which has stayed at that rate for about a decade. The high unmet need can be attributed to various factors, which include: young people’s lack of information to make the right choices; women, men, and youth’s lack of access to FP services and commodities; lack of skilled staff and health service providers. By bringing SIPPA into the action, the Government of Solomon Islands will benefit from IPPF’s and SIPPA’s strong youth program, data collection, management, and analysis infrastructure, and technical expertise in comprehensive sexuality education and HIV/STI program. The commitments made on behalf of the Government of Solomon Islands on July 11, 2012 are (1) to make family planning a priority under the reproductive health program section of the government National Health Strategic Plan for 2006-2015 and (2) to make men partners in all reproductive health issues, including voluntary family planning.  

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| 21 October 2016

Capacity Building Project in the Pacific

Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired.    In 2008, IPPF ESEAOR started implementing a five-year project called the Pacific Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Capacity Building Facility. The project was intended to increase the capacity of IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) in the Pacific to deliver and advocate for quality SRH services. The project was made possible through the generous support of the governments of Australia and New Zealand. Since its implementation, much progress has been made: better SRH services are now being provided in all MAs because the capacity of service providers has improved and because of enhanced facilities; youth-friendly services have been installed where full confidentiality is assured; and the child protection policy is fully enforced, to name just a couple. The number of SRH services and clients in general has trebled in all the nine MAs since the project was implemented. It is worth mentioning that IPPF’s clients in the Pacific are those that are hardly-reached by the usual government services due to their geographical isolation. The project benefitted most of the staff members of the MAs. Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired. Even the staff of IPPF ESEAOR's Sub-Regional Office in the Pacific (SROP) benefitted: the level of their technical assistance and monitoring work has improved due to the professional development course that they were able to attend. During the evaluation in November 2013, MAs reported that the programme / project had impacted positively on their development as a collective voice in the region. The over-all performance of all MAs can be seen with the total number of SRH services provided reaching  654,621 in 2013. The increased capacity of the MAs in the Pacific led to more advocacy activities and those had a greater impact. Some of the activities undertaken include: Participation at the Pacific Parliamentarian Conference in Suva in August 2013, which focused on the post ICPD documentation, resulted in the launching of the Moana Declaration; Participation in the Youth Conference and Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia in December 2013. This established the SROP’s role as a major player to articulate and contribute towards the implementation of the new Youth Framework endorsed by the Pacific Youth Ministers; Pacific Kaci was developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders calling for increased access to SRH services stemming from the Millennium Development Goals; Signing of an MOU with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) to collaborate on engaging the Pacific Parliamentarians with the Vision 2020 Agenda and Sexual Rights Charter of IPPF. IPPF ESEAOR’s work in the Pacific will continue to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and policies are installed and implemented in the future. We will continue building better partnerships to ensure that the Pacific speaks in one voice. It will also ensure that the Pacific people receive quality SRH services from service providers who have been properly and professionally trained.

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| 21 September 2016

Capacity Building Project in the Pacific

Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired.    In 2008, IPPF ESEAOR started implementing a five-year project called the Pacific Regional Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) Capacity Building Facility. The project was intended to increase the capacity of IPPF’s Member Associations (MAs) in the Pacific to deliver and advocate for quality SRH services. The project was made possible through the generous support of the governments of Australia and New Zealand. Since its implementation, much progress has been made: better SRH services are now being provided in all MAs because the capacity of service providers has improved and because of enhanced facilities; youth-friendly services have been installed where full confidentiality is assured; and the child protection policy is fully enforced, to name just a couple. The number of SRH services and clients in general has trebled in all the nine MAs since the project was implemented. It is worth mentioning that IPPF’s clients in the Pacific are those that are hardly-reached by the usual government services due to their geographical isolation. The project benefitted most of the staff members of the MAs. Through the various training activities and professional development courses attended by the MA staff, increased confidence and improved skills needed in delivering quality SRH services have been acquired. Even the staff of IPPF ESEAOR's Sub-Regional Office in the Pacific (SROP) benefitted: the level of their technical assistance and monitoring work has improved due to the professional development course that they were able to attend. During the evaluation in November 2013, MAs reported that the programme / project had impacted positively on their development as a collective voice in the region. The over-all performance of all MAs can be seen with the total number of SRH services provided reaching  654,621 in 2013. The increased capacity of the MAs in the Pacific led to more advocacy activities and those had a greater impact. Some of the activities undertaken include: Participation at the Pacific Parliamentarian Conference in Suva in August 2013, which focused on the post ICPD documentation, resulted in the launching of the Moana Declaration; Participation in the Youth Conference and Youth Ministers’ Meeting in Noumea, New Caledonia in December 2013. This established the SROP’s role as a major player to articulate and contribute towards the implementation of the new Youth Framework endorsed by the Pacific Youth Ministers; Pacific Kaci was developed in collaboration with regional stakeholders calling for increased access to SRH services stemming from the Millennium Development Goals; Signing of an MOU with the Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) to collaborate on engaging the Pacific Parliamentarians with the Vision 2020 Agenda and Sexual Rights Charter of IPPF. IPPF ESEAOR’s work in the Pacific will continue to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and policies are installed and implemented in the future. We will continue building better partnerships to ensure that the Pacific speaks in one voice. It will also ensure that the Pacific people receive quality SRH services from service providers who have been properly and professionally trained.

Fijian mother with child
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| 18 October 2016

Providing family planning services to Cyclone Winston victims

IPPF implemented the Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health in the wake of Cyclone Winston in Fiji. IPPF ESEAOR planned for the Fiji response and was able to deploy surge capacity on the first week. Within the first 20 days, six medical missions were already completed. What follows is the story of one of the women who received care in one of these missions: Savaira Buka who is a mother of six was one of the lucky survivors of the tragic Cyclone Winston. The 36-year-old mother originally from Nailaga, Western Fiji, who is married into the village, painfully gathers the memory of the night the storm claimed parts of their home. Savaira and her family moved back to her family home in Nailaga village two years ago to look after her mother who had lost one side of her leg to Diabetes. Cyclone Winston’s strong winds ravaged through her village taking with it walls and roofs of the homes in Nailaga, including Savaira’s. The home that she had once shared with her four other siblings and their families was now in ruins as with most of their belongings. Savaira heard about the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT medical mission from the village headman accepted the service provided by the IPPF team with open arms. Since the storm had struck their village "the IPPF reproductive health medical mission team was the first to ever visit our village and it stood out from the rest as it specifically targeted women of reproductive age and pregnant and lactating women," she shared. For Savaira, the health information sessions stood out as it boosted her confidence about sharing family planning issues with the reproductive health medical mission team from IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. After the health information session, she decided to access injectable contraceptives. After consultation with the medical doctor present in the mission, she was provided with the service. Savaira was not able to contain her smile as she continually thanked the team for the medical visit which was brought to them by the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. Within a month of the cyclone’s landfall, IPPF ESEAOR Sub Regional Office in the Pacific and the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji, through the Australian Aid-funded SPRINT Initiative was able to complete 37 (the plan was for 30) reproductive health medical missions. A total of 868 clients were served, 122 of which are pregnant and 272 are lactating. All 868 beneficiaries received information on family planning, danger signs of pregnancy, HIV/STI prevention, and sexual and gender-based violence during health information sessions that lasted between 20-30 minutes. Condoms and oral and injectable contraceptive were provided to 556 clients.

Fijian mother with child
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| 31 March 2016

Providing family planning services to Cyclone Winston victims

IPPF implemented the Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health in the wake of Cyclone Winston in Fiji. IPPF ESEAOR planned for the Fiji response and was able to deploy surge capacity on the first week. Within the first 20 days, six medical missions were already completed. What follows is the story of one of the women who received care in one of these missions: Savaira Buka who is a mother of six was one of the lucky survivors of the tragic Cyclone Winston. The 36-year-old mother originally from Nailaga, Western Fiji, who is married into the village, painfully gathers the memory of the night the storm claimed parts of their home. Savaira and her family moved back to her family home in Nailaga village two years ago to look after her mother who had lost one side of her leg to Diabetes. Cyclone Winston’s strong winds ravaged through her village taking with it walls and roofs of the homes in Nailaga, including Savaira’s. The home that she had once shared with her four other siblings and their families was now in ruins as with most of their belongings. Savaira heard about the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT medical mission from the village headman accepted the service provided by the IPPF team with open arms. Since the storm had struck their village "the IPPF reproductive health medical mission team was the first to ever visit our village and it stood out from the rest as it specifically targeted women of reproductive age and pregnant and lactating women," she shared. For Savaira, the health information sessions stood out as it boosted her confidence about sharing family planning issues with the reproductive health medical mission team from IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. After the health information session, she decided to access injectable contraceptives. After consultation with the medical doctor present in the mission, she was provided with the service. Savaira was not able to contain her smile as she continually thanked the team for the medical visit which was brought to them by the IPPF-ESEAOR SPRINT. Within a month of the cyclone’s landfall, IPPF ESEAOR Sub Regional Office in the Pacific and the Reproductive and Family Health Association of Fiji, through the Australian Aid-funded SPRINT Initiative was able to complete 37 (the plan was for 30) reproductive health medical missions. A total of 868 clients were served, 122 of which are pregnant and 272 are lactating. All 868 beneficiaries received information on family planning, danger signs of pregnancy, HIV/STI prevention, and sexual and gender-based violence during health information sessions that lasted between 20-30 minutes. Condoms and oral and injectable contraceptive were provided to 556 clients.