The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is proud to welcome Youth to Youth in Health (YTYiH) as our newest collaborative partner in the East & South East Asia and Oceania Region (ESEAOR). This announcement comes as YTYiH celebrates 39 years of service in advancing youth sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in the Pacific.
Based in the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), YTYiH is a dynamic, youth-led organization dedicated to empowering Marshallese through sexual and reproductive health education, leadership development, and culturally relevant outreach. Founded in June 1986 and formally incorporated in 1989, the organization has grown into a trusted provider and national leader in peer-to-peer health promotion, using music, dance, drama, radio, and digital media to reach even the most remote island communities.
Today, YTYiH operates a youth health centre and a clinic in Majuro, offering services such as family planning, STI testing, HIV counselling, and mental health support. In collaboration with the RMI Ministry of Health and Human Services and the Ministry of Education, YTYiH also trains health workers to better engage with young people in a respectful, inclusive, and youth-friendly manner.
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region
East and South East Asia and Oceania
Related Member Association
Youth to Youth in Health (YTYIH)
Shaping the future of SRHR in the RMI
As the newest IPPF member in the Pacific, YTYiH brings a bold vision for advancing SRHR in the Marshall Islands, including:
- Encouraging open dialogues between youth, parents, and community leaders to reduce stigma around SRHR
- Advocating for stronger youth-centred policy frameworks and strengthening government - youth partnerships that support long-term SRHR goals
- Expanding access to safe, accessible, and youth-friendly SRH services in rural and outer island communities
39 Years of Impact
While YTYiH experienced a brief closure in recent years, its legacy continues to inspire the next phase of youth-led change. Through its long-standing collaboration with the Ministry of Health and creative campaigns, YTYiH has been instrumental in shifting public discourse on youth sexual and reproductive health and rights. They have helped normalize conversations about sexuality and promoted access to accurate, rights-based SRHR information in the RMI.
“Our expectations are to have youth, parents, and community leaders talk more openly about SRHR. By reducing shame and encouraging conversations between generations, we can help young people make healthier choices.” - Cathner Abner, YTYiH Executive Director
IPPF ESEAOR is thrilled to welcome YTYiH as a partner. Their youth-led leadership and youth-centred approach to SRHR will play a vital role in strengthening SRHR advocacy and access to SRH services across the Marshall Islands.
For more details, visit Youth to Youth in Health’s profile: https://eseaor.ippf.org/about-us/member-associations/youth-youth-health-ytyih
