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IPPF Member Associations through the SPRINT Initiative have strengthened partnerships with various agencies to increase SRH services to disaster affected populations. UNFPA trained nurses of the Vanuatu Family Health Association (VFHA) on how to insert Jadelle® implants; provided a vehicle for o u t r e a c h p r o g r a m s , 100 dignity kits for distribution and two tents for outreach camps in the aftermath of Typhoon Pam. VFHA also worked with the Association for Aid and Relief (AAR) Japan in the provision of a 6,000 liter water tank for safe drinking water for North Tanna VFHA Clinic. The Myanmar Maternal and Child Welfare Association (MMCWA) is collaborating well with the Kachin State Health Department and UNFPA in the provision of SRH services through the basic health service medical missions to 40 IDP camps located in Myit Kyi Na and Waing Maw districts of Kachin State. SPRINT supported the direct procurement of UNFPA RH Kits and SPRINT Community Medical Mission Kits. These kits complemented the medical commodities that were being offered to the internally displaced population (IDPs) in the camps. In response to the Mount Sinabung volcanic eruption, the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA) in coordination with local authorities, distributed dignity and hygiene kits to the affected population. IPPA North Sumatera chapter is exerting extra efforts to be more involved in responding to the needs of the community, especially regarding access to SRH information and services. There is no guarantee when the eruption will end. While the government is focused on food distribution and shelter, the main problem that the villagers face is loss of land. Being farmers, this renders them jobless. Children and youth have also been identified as being at risk as they have been in the camps for almost 2 years. IPPA has carried out site mapping and identified NGOs and volunteer groups who can be potential partners in delivering more services.

The Government of Solomon Islands agreed to cooperate with International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) this week to advance the work on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across its provinces. The Prime Minister announced its commitment to improve SRHR for all by 2020 and a partnership role with IPPF. In the first of a series of meetings between Ministers and high level government officials across the Pacific and Australia this month, IPPF Director General and Acting Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Maelanga brokered a partnership which will see the Federation designated as an executing agency on behalf of the Government of the Solomon Islands to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights of all people across the provinces. IPPF Director General, Tewodros Melesse said:  “This is a great step for the Government and IPPF. Our Member Association, Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association, has been working diligently to improve the lives of people across the Solomon Islands through a range of much needed services. Through this extensive partnership arrangement we can take that work to the next level to improve access, increase the range and quality of Government services and integrate our expertise to better the lives of people across the Solomon Islands.  This focus will ensure services reach those who are poor, marginalized and socially excluded and wherever there is a need”. IPPF’s Member Association - Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association will work closely with the Government to convene meetings across provinces with national ministries, non-governmental and faith based groups and medical associations to advise and prepare a budgeted action plan to help realize sexual and reproductive health and rights for all by 2020. The cooperation will see IPPF play a large role in supporting and representing the interests of the Solomon Islands with key international multilateral and bilateral donors, including the African-Caribbean-Pacific Group of States to support the implementation of these plans, to strengthen sexual and reproductive health and rights.