E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

Research Consultancy on Resource Flows in Asia Pacific

APA is currently seeking a consultant to conduct research on unmet needs and resource flows on sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) of donor aid in and to the Asia and the Pacific region to improve accessibility and transparency of data, and strengthen the case for advocacy.   The consultancy is to be carried out over a 2 month time period commencing 1 March 2012.  The deadline for applications is 19 February.  Find more information about this opportunity in the TOR  and Annex.

UNESCAP High Level Meeting on HIV and AIDs in Bangkok

Executive Director of APA, Rose Koenders, was invited as an Observer to the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP) Inter-governmental meeting on HIV/AIDS and MDGs , in Bangkok 6-8 February. It was the highest level intergovernmental meeting that UNESCAP has convened, and the first civil society has been asked to participate in. With the UN Inter Agency Task Team on Gender equality and Women and Girls, APA organized the side event ‘The Gender Agenda: Making the HIV responses work for key affected women and girls’ and facilitated its media outreach, for example here and here

APA Advocacy Grant Programme Open

APA would like to announce that the tenth cycle of the Advocacy Grant Programme ‘Scaling Up Action for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Asia Pacific: MDGs 2015 and Beyond’ is now open.  APA provides advocacy grants to its Member Organisations and their partner civil society organisations to advocate to donors and emerging donors for increased political commitment and resources for SRHR in the broader development agenda. APA is one of the few organizations that provides dedicated funding for advocacy and these grants are seeding numerous examples of national level advocacy.

APA at the Asia Pacific Youth Partners Advocacy Training and Strategy Meeting

FROM THE MEMBERS 

Jane Bruning Speaks at the HLM on Links Between HIV and GBV

Jane Bruning, Asia Pacific Delegate to the UNAIDS PCB, coordinator of Positive Women, New Zealand and APA Member, spoke about the links between HIV and Gender Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls. She shared the huge impact that GBV can have on the lives of women and girls at an early age, making them more vulnerable to contract HIV, during the side event at the UN-ESCAP Inter-governmental meeting on HIV/AIDS and MDGs held in Bangkok 6-8 February. Read more here.

First National Sexual and Reproductive Health Conference in Australia

The first National Sexual and Reproductive Health conference is being held 20-21 November 2012, organized by the Public Health Association of Australia in partnership with Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA). Abstracts on the conference themes are being accepted until 22 June.  For more information read the call for abstracts here.

MSI Australia Discusses Study Findings that Abortion Rate Reductions Have Stalled

Marie Stopes International’s Policy Manager in Australia, Mina Barling addresses the debate around the recent research by the Guttmacher Institute and the World Health Organisation. The study found that, overall, reductions in abortion rates have stalled whilst unsafe abortion rates have increased and contraceptive uptake has remained unchanged.  Read the online opinion piece here.

SPOTLIGHT ON ASIA PACIFIC

New Resource on Policies and Strategies to Scale Up Sexuality Education

A review of policies and strategies to implement and scale up sexuality education in Asia and the Pacific is now available, produced by UNESCO’s Asia Pacific Regional Bureau for Education.  Read the Review here.

UN Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women to visit PNG and Solomon Islands

The Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women, Ms. Rashida Manjoo, will be officially visiting Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands in March.  Ms Manjoo plans to investigate issues related to violence in the two countries and will meet with parliamentarians, heads of Ministries, women’s organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders. Access the information source here.

Study Reveals that in New Zealand 1 in 5 Gay and Bisexual Men with HIV are Unaware of Positive Status

A ground-breaking study has revealed that 1 in 5 gay and bisexual men with HIV in Auckland are not aware of theri positive status. The study is the first time that a measure of undiagnosed HIV has been recorded in New Zealand, and also confirms that the incidence of HIV in general has increased. Read the more here.

GLOBAL NEWS, UPDATES, AND RESOURCES

Save the dates for 3^rd Women Deliver Conference!

The third global conference of Women Deliver will be held 28-30 May 2013, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Note the following dates: on 15 February 2012 Youth Scholarship Application Opens; 26 March Regular Scholarship Application Opens; 15 April is the Deadline for ALL Scholarship Applications.Early Bird Registration opens 1 June 2012. Read more here

New Resource on UNAIDS Guidance for Partnerships with Civil Society

UNAIDS guidance for partnerships with civil society, including people living with HIV and key populations has been produced.  It emphasized that UNAIDS, its Cosponsors and Secretariat (working at national, regional and global levels) should strengthen and operationalize meaningful and respectful partnership work with civil society. This partnership will enable the UN to deliver the targets and elimination commitments agreed in the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS.  Read the new Guidance here. Also read the APA/APCASO factsheet on Women and Girls and the 2011 Political Declaration here.

International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation

6 February 2012  marked the ninth commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting. An estimated 100 million to 140 million girls and women worldwide have undergone female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and more than 3 million girls are at risk for cutting each year on the African continent alone.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

Join the E-discussion on Meeting the HIV Needs of Women and Girls!

APA Secretariat is inviting contributions to an e-discussion the first week of February focused on the HIV needs of key affected women and girls and setting priorities to meet the targets of the 2011 Political Declaration. The e-discussion is linked to the upcoming Asia-Pacific High-level Intergovernmental Meeting (HLM) on the Assessment of Progress against Commitments in the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and the MDGs (6-8 February 2012). Contribute to the discussion by signing up to the Asia Pacific Community of Practice on HIV, Gender and Human Rights (HIV-APCoP) here.

New Factsheet on Women and Girls and the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV!

 APA Secretariat, in collaboration with APCASO, has developed a new factsheet addressing the impact of the 2011 Political Declaration on women and girls, including key affected populations.    Part of the InFocus series, this factsheet the zooms in on what the Declaration means for the lives of women and girls in Asia and the Pacific in the context of the challenges they face and policy and programme responses needed to overcome these, and highlights the three targets and elimination commitments that are most crucial for women and girls.   Read the factsheet here.

Members of the New APA Task Force on Resource Flows

APA Secretariat is pleased to announce the following members of the new APA Task Force to guide the follow up research on resource flows for SRHR , and thanks them for volunteering their time and expertise: Suzanna Dennis and Suzanne Ehlers Population Action International (PAI); Shiv Khare, Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development  (AFPPD); Sean Mackesy-Buckley, Family Planning International, New Zealand;  and Joanne Ramadge, Sexual Health and Family  Planning (SH&FPA) Australia.

ASEAN Workshop on Human Rights and Development

APA Secretariat will be participating in the “Workshop on Human Rights and Development in ASEAN” from 30-31 January 2012 in Bangkok, Thailand.  The workshop aims to give an overview of the human rights framework and how it is being used as an approach to development, as well as any challenges in the implementation of the human rights based approach to development in the ten ASEAN nations.

FROM THE MEMBERS

Jane Bruning Speaks at HLM Side Event on Meeting the Specific Need of Women and Girls in the HIV Response

Jane Bruning (APA Member) will speak at the side event ‘The Gender Agenda: Ensuring National HIV Responses Meet the Specific Needs of Women and Girls’ at the Asia-Pacific High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Assessment of Progress against Commitments in the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and the MDGs.  Jane Bruning is on the NGO Delegation to the UNAIDS PCB, for Asia Pacific, on behalf of APN+ and the National Coordinator of Positive Women Inc, New Zealand.

Pathfinder Develops New Tools for Advocacy Initiatives

Pathfinder International has developed a new  series of advocacy tools: 1) setting advocacy priorities; 2) assessing the political environment for advocacy; and 3) mapping an advocacy strategy.  The 'Straight to the Point' series is intended for organizations that want to include in-country advocacy and public policy work among their programmatic strategies, and lead the user through the three essential steps to developing an advocacy initiative. 

SPOTLIGHT ON ASIA PACIFIC 

First South Asia Reproductive Rights Case Development Workshop

Apply now for the first South Asia Reproductive Rights Case Development Workshop taking place in July 2012, in Kathmandu, Nepal, and organized by Center for Reproductive Rights. The workshop will bring together lawyers from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka to learn about international and comparative law in reproductive rights, to share experiences and lessons learned through litigation, to develop new litigation initiatives, and much more. Deadline for applications is 29 February 2012. Read more here.

GLOBAL RESOURCES, NEWS AND UPDATES

Gates Announces Family Planning Remains a Priority

The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has identified that family planning is a key priority for the year ahead in the annual letter from Bill Gates.  Read the letter here.

Increase in Global Proportion of Unsafe Abortions  

Findings from a new study indicate an inverse association between the proportion of women living under liberal abortion laws and with the abortion rate. According to ‘Induced abortion: incidence and trends worldwide from 1995 to 2000’ by Sledge, the proportion of abortions that are unsafe has increased since 1995, such that nearly half of all abortions worldwide were unsafe in 2008.  Read more here. 

Registration Open for the AIDS 2012 Conference 

Registration for the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) is now open. Applications for the AIDS 2012 Global Village, Youth Programme, Workshops, Satellites and Exhibition are being accepted. Abstracts can submitted under the following five programme tracks: Basic Science; Clinical Science; Epidemiology and Prevention Science; Social Science, Human Rights and Political Science; Implementation Science, Health Systems and Economics.  Read more here. 

Calling For Nominations of Inspiring Ideas and Solutions for Women!

Women Deliver is spotlighting the top 50 inspiring ideas and solutions that deliver for girls and women. Nominate the most innovative, impactful, and promising advancements in overcoming gender inequality.  Deadline for nominations is 10 February. Read more here.

Calling for Nominations for the 2012 Red Ribbon Award!

The global call for nominations for the 2012 Red Ribbon Award is open. The award will be given to ten organizations that have shown outstanding community leadership and action on AIDS, and will be presented at the XIX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2012) in Washington DC in July 2012.  The five categories are: Prevention of sexual transmission; Prevention among people who use drugs; Treatment, care and support; Advocacy and human rights; Stopping new HIV infections in children and keeping mothers alive; women's health. Deadline for applications is 29 February.  Read more here.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

Time plus Talents Selected for Research on SRHR Advocacy with ASEAN

APA is pleased to announce that Time plus Talents has been selected for the research consultancy on advocacy with ASEAN for the promotion and fulfillment of SRHR in the region. Director Dr. Gill Greer, (former Director-General of IPPF) and Associate Victoria Boydell will be undertaking the research.  More information about advocacy with ASEAN will also be made available to APA Members through the APA Intranet. If you require any assistance with the intranet system, contact the Advocacy and Communications Officer Alexandra@asiapacificalliance.org.

Congratulations to Gill Greer: CBE on the UK New Year’s Honour List

APA wishes to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Gill Greer, former Director-General of IPPF, who has been made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). Dr. Greer was on the 2012 United Kingdom’s New Year’s Honour list in recognition of her outstanding work over many years on behalf of women, young people, health and human rights.

SPOTLIGHT ON ASIA PACIFIC

Sexuality, Gender and Rights Course

The annual, week-long residential course 'Sexuality, Gender, and Rights Institute: Exploring Theory and Practice', is being offered by CREA from 6 - 12 April 2012 in Khandala, India.  Focused on a conceptual study of sexuality, the course examines the links between sexuality, rights, gender, and health and their interface with socio-cultural and legal issues. Participants critically analyse policy, research, and programme interventions using a rights-based approach.  Deadline for applications is 10 February 2012.  Read more and apply here.

Study Reveals Most Youth in India Having Premarital Sex Not Using Condom 

In India, most youth who are having premarital sex are not using condoms, according to “Condom Use Before Marriage and Its Correlates: Evidence from India,” a new study by K.G. Santhya, Rajib Acharya and Shireen J. Jejeebhoy, of the Population Council, New Delhi. Discomfort about approaching a pharmacist or other provider for contraception was identified as an important obstacle to condom use for both sexes. Read the study here.

Socio-Cultural Dynamics of RH Highlighted in UNFPA Reports

Several reports provide insights into socio-cultural (including religious) dynamics pertaining to women and children's reproductive health in various countries, including Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam. Commissioned by UNFPA, the reports explore the challenges that health workers face in these countries and other issues, offering recommendations for action. Access the Reports here.

GLOBAL NEWS, RESOURCES and OPPORTUNITIES

Rio+20 PreRegistration Now Open

Preregistration of accredited groups (holding consultative status with ECOSOC) is now open for Rio +20, the UN Conference on Sustainable Development in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 20 - 22 June 2012.  Registration closes on 20 May, 2012.  NGOs and other organisations wishing to attend Rio +20 that are NOT yet accredited to the UN can apply until 20 February 2012.  Read more here.

Rio+20 Participation Guide Now Available

A  Participation Guide  for Rio+20 has been developed to make the entire process understandable and supply the tools to effectively get involved. The guide offers specific information for youth, identifies ways to make a real difference and shares best practices, tips and tricks and existing examples on youth activism.  Read more here.

US Congress Members Ask Obama to Review Interpretation of Policy Restricting Use of Foreign Aid for Abortion Care

A dozen members of the US Congress have called on President Obama to end the overinterpretation of the Helms Amendment in order to ensure policies are responsive to the needs of women in developing countries. The Amendment (which restricts but does not prohibit abortion funding) is being implemented as though it were a complete ban.  Read the letter here.

Aid Transparency Index

Find out how APA members Australia, Japan, New Zealand, Republic of Korea and others rank on the 2011 Aid Transparency Index.  A pilot program by Publish What You Fund,  the Index compares the aid transparency of 58 donors across thirty-seven weighted indicators.  Access the index and other resources here.

Amnesty Seeking Advocate with the Law and Policy Team

Amnesty International is seeking an advocate/adviser for an 18 month special project to analyze human rights laws, standards, and practice pertaining to criminalization in the following areas: abortion, same-sex sexual conduct, sex outside of marriage, sex work, transmission of HIV, women’s conduct during pregnancy, sexual and reproductive health and rights information provision, and drug use. Access the job profile here.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS  

SECRETARIAT NEWS

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year

APA Secretariat wishes to thank members, partners and friends for all their support this year. Together, we are building a strong network for a future where all people can enjoy full access to sexual and reproductive health. All the best for a safe and happy New Year! 

Civil Society Meets with Australian Senator

Civil society representatives from Asia Pacific Network of People Living with HIV (APN+), Raks Thai Foundation, and Population and Community Development Association (PDA) met with Senator Lee Rhiannon from the Parliamentarian Group on Population and Development (PGPD) of Australia to discuss HIV/AIDS and sexual and reproductive health related issues of young people, migrants and HIV positive women and the need for a more integrated approach. The meeting was coordinated by Care Australia and APA Secretariat as part of the Senator’s visit to Bangkok in December. 

FROM THE MEMBERS

NGO Report Highlights HIV and Law at UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board Meeting 

The NGO Delegation to the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) presented its  2011 Report focusing on legal issues and HIV responses, including stigma and punitive laws, at the UNAIDS Programme Coordinating Board (PCB) meeting in Geneva, Switzerland from 13-15 December.  Jane Bruning, from Positive Women, New Zealand, is the Asia Pacific alternate representative on the NGO delegation. Read the recommendations in the UNAIDS NGO Delegation Communiqué here. International Community of Women Living with HIV (ICW) also presented a Progress Report on the Global Plan at the PCB meeting, read the ICW Intervention here.

AFPPD Focus Group on Policy Tracking and Monitoring Unit

Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) held a focus group discussion about the Policy Tracking and Monitoring Unit with population and development policy experts, practitioners, and parliamentarians in Asia and the Pacific on 16 December 2011, in Bangkok, Thailand. Participants shared ideas and suggestions to be used for future development of the unit, which holds a database of population and sexual and reproductive health policies.

NEWS, RESOURCES and OPPORTUNITIES

Pre- Registration for Commission on Population and Development Session Now Open!

The UN Commission on Population and Development will hold its 45th session from 23 to 27 April 2012 at UN Headquarters in New York, with theme "Adolescents and Youth".  NGO’s that are ECOSOC-accredited can now pre-register to participate here.

New Investment Framework for Global HIV Response 

An investment framework that offers a road map to accelerate progress in the global HIV response is presented in the UNAIDS October Issues Brief. The framework presents a shift from current approaches to HIV investment and programming and offers support to countries to prioritise HIV programmes and assess the synergies between them. Read the brief here.

International Day of the Girl Child

On 19 December, a resolution was adopted at the 66^thmeeting of the UN General Assembly designating 11 October as the International Day of the Girl Child, to be observed every year beginning in 2012.  Read Resolution here.

Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Recognized in Historic UN Report

The Report of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights "Discriminatory laws and practices and acts of violence against individuals based on their sexual orientation and gender identity” was released December 15.  The report was requested by the UN’s Human Rights Council in its first-ever resolution condemning acts of violence and discrimination against LGBT individuals, last June. Access the report here.

New Advocacy Toolkit on Female Condoms Available

Universal Access to Female Condoms (UAFC) Joint Programme developed a toolkit with important information to equip and support advocacy initiatives for the female condom on all levels. One of the items in the toolkit is a booklet that provides the basics needed to design an advocacy strategy. Access the booklet here.

AWID International Forum Early Bird Registration Open

Registration is now open for the  2012 AWID International Forum,  with early bird rates in effect until 6 January 2012.  Over 2,000 women’s rights leaders and activists from around the world are expected to gather at the Forum to strategize, network, celebrate, and learn at the event, which will take place 19-22 April in Istanbul, Turkey, under the theme ‘Transforming Economic Power to Advance Women’s Rights and Justice.’ Access registration here.

New Report Reveals Households Impact of HIV in Asia Pacific

 A new analysis of the impact of HIV at the household level reveals that the number of reported HIV cases has tripled in Indonesia in recent years, curtailing productivity and trapping affected girls and women, especially, in poverty. ‘The Socioeconomic Impact of HIV at the Household Level in Asia: a regional analysis” released by the UNDP in December includes case studies on Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Viet Nam.  Read the report here.

New Publication Highlights Linkages between Population, Culture and Climate Change and Family Planning

 “Population, Culture and Climate Change: the Need for Family Planning” by the Women’s Plan Foundation, is based on the results from an expert roundtable convened in Australia on 27 July.  Finding causal links between issues of family planning, women’s enablement, population size, food security and climate change, recommendations included mobilizing political support for AusAID to continue and increase funding for inclusion of family planning as a key measure in reproductive and maternal health program. Read the Report here.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS  

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

Only 2 days left to apply for Research Consultancy on SRHR Advocacy with ASEAN

The APA Secretariat is currently seeking a Consultant for an exciting opportunity to conduct research on advocacy with ASEAN for the promotion and fulfillment of SRHR in the region. There are two days left to apply before the deadline of 14 December.  Read more and access the TOR here.

New Resources for APA Website

In the coming weeks the Secretariat will be scaling up the information on HIV and SRH Linkages and on Aid Effectiveness in the resources section of the APA website.   This comes after the Secretariat attended the first ‘Asia Pacific Workshop on SRH /HIV linkages’, organized by UNFPA APRO and IPPF ESEAOR; and the 4th High Level Meeting on Aid Effectiveness (see more below).  An online resource pack for SRH HIV linkages can be found here.

ICPD Beyond 2014

APA Secretariat, ICOMP, and Population Action International (PAI) joined the ICPD Beyond 2014 Civil Society Stakeholder Group Consultations at 9-10 December 2011 in Istanbul, Turkey. In the process leading to 2014 and beyond, UNFPA is planning a global survey with engagement of youth and civil society in 2012. In process leading up to ICPD 2014 APA Secretariat will keep updated with any new information, and relevant meetings as they develop through the APA Events Calendar.

FROM THE MEMBERS

ACPD New Secretariat for Canadian Parliamentarians 

Action Canada for Population and Development  (ACPD) is the new  Secretariat for the Canadian Association of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (CAPPD).  The announcement was made following the Executive Committee Meeting of the CAPPD, with immediate effect. 

Burnet Institute Researcher Appointed to Top Post by WHO

The new Director appointed to the UNICEF/UNDP/World Bank/WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) is Professor John Reeder, co-head of the Burnet Institute’s Centre for Population Health in Melbourne. TDR is the United Nation’s leading research programme into diseases of poverty. Read more here

AFPPD Gathers Young Parliamentarians on ICPD issues

30 young parliamentarians have agreed to strengthen their work on sexual and reproductive health issues after attending an international conference held in Krabi Thailand, on November  15-16. The Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD), in cooperation with UNFPA, organized the meeting for Members of Parliament (MPs) under 35 to deepen their understanding of the ICPD agenda. Read more here.

NEWS, RESOURCES and OPPORTUNITIES

A New Global Partnership for Development Cooperation - 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness

A new Global Partnership for Development Cooperation bringing together development actors around a shared set of development principles that extend beyond aid is an outcome from a 3 day civil society forum and the 3 day 4th  High Level Meeting on Aid Effectiveness (HLF-4). Read the  HLF-4 final statement here.     Read the CSO statement here.   Over the next six months, CSO groups headed by Better Aid will continue to work to ensure the new Global Partnership lays out an implementation framework and indicators.  For more information on what this means for SRHR, visit a blog by Suzanna Dennis from Population Action International (PAI) and/or contact APA Secretariat Executive Director, Rose Koenders; participants in the meeting.

Women's Right to Comprehensive Health Care Highlighted on International Human Rights Day

In celebration of International Human Rights Day on December 10, networks, coalitions, groups and organizations from Latin America and the Caribbean released a statement on women’s right to comprehensive health care, especially for women who are poor, adolescent, indigenous, of African descent, of different sexual identities,immigrants, residents of rural areas, HIV +, displaced, victims of violence, etc., as they are still overlooked in debates and in public policymaking . The interim report by Special Rapporteur, Anand Grover “The human right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health” was highlighted and embraced as an indispensable tool for political action and citizen monitoring efforts.

Tracking Aid Effectiveness in the Pacific

“Tracking the Effectiveness of Development Efforts in the Pacific 2010” published by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat is a tracking report of the commitments that were agreed upon in the 2009 Cairns Compact on Strengthening Development Coordination in the Pacific. It builds on the Paris principles the report evaluates progress in enhancing development.  Read the report here.

Melbourne to host next International AIDS Conference in 2014

Melbourne, Australia has been chosen to host the XX International AIDS Conference (AIDS 2014), the largest international conference on HIV and AIDS, where every two years up to 25,000 participants, representing all stakeholders in the global response to HIV, meet to assess progress and identify future priorities.' AIDS 2014 will be the twentieth in the series of International AIDS Conferences.

New Publication Showcases the Delivery of SRHR Services in Emergencies

Launched on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a new publication ‘SPRINTing towards change: sex and pregnancy in emergencies’ explored the innovative approaches and high-impact practices piloted by IPPF and partners.

 “Getting to Zero” on World AIDS Day 

On December 1, this year World Aids Day was celebrated with the release of a new campaign "Getting to Zero". Complete with ten new goals, the campaign runs until 2015. The launch of a UNAIDS, WHO and UNICEF   “Report of the global HIV/AIDS response” showcases  the  progress made by science and political leadership in the fight against HIV and AIDS in 2011, highlighting that more funding is crucial.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS 

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

New APA Task Force on ASEAN Formed

The Secretariat would like to welcome and thank members of the new APA Task Force, assembled to oversee a research on SRHR advocacy with ASEAN: Promboon Panitchpakdi of Raks Thai Foundation; Sandeep Prasad and  Katherine McDonald of Action Canada for Population and Development; Romeo Arca Jr. of IPPF East and South East Asia & Oceania Region; Wasim Zaman of ICOMP;  Joanne Ramadge of Sexual Health and Family  Planning Australia (SH&FPA); and Claire Padilla of EnGendeRights (external Task Force Member).

Follow APA on Twitter at the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness!

Can’t attend the 4th High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF-4)?  Keep up on the events by following Rose Koenders, APA Executive Director, on Twitter @RoseKoendersAPA, as she posts live updates from the Global Civil Society Forum from 26 to 28 November, and the HLF-4 from  29 November to 1 December, in Busan, Republic of Korea.  A  Better Aid National Advocacy and Media Toolkit for HLF-4 is also available below, under the resources section.

APA factsheet on the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and the impact on key affected groups of women and girls!

APA Secretariat is co-producing a fact sheet which aims to highlight the impact of the 2011 Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS on women and girls with APCASO , as part of their In-Focus series.  Please contact APA Advocacy and Communications Officer,  Alexandra Johns, at  Alexandra@asiapacificalliance.org if you would like to know more about the project. 

From the Members

Representatives from the Pacific discuss MDG5b at Family Planning Pacific Forum in Australia 

 Representatives from family planning across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands met to discuss the current challenges and limitations in the Pacific for the achievement of MDG5b, ‘Achieve, by 2015, Universal Access to Reproductive Health’ at the Family Planning Pacific Forum, held on the 15-16 November at Family Planning NSW in Ashfield, Australia, and part of the APA Advocacy Grants Program. Read more here. 

PDA Flood Relief in Thailand

Population and Community Development Association (PDA) is embarking on a Flood Relief Mission to help victims of this disaster by providing essentials such as foodstuff, drinking water, baby milk, clothes, boots, mosquito repellents and nets, medicine and hygiene kits. Further assistance will also be provided to improve hygiene, sanitation and waste management in afflicted areas. Access more information about the initiative as well as how to donate here.

Raks Thai Flood Relief in Thailand

 Raks Thai and its partner civil society organizations aim to support infants, children and women who are facing the immediate impact of the disaster and lack the necessities for infant and child care through the provision of the “Children and Women Caring Package”. This will include provision of powdered milk, infant/children’s clothes, health care products and developmental toys, as well as support to mothers and women who are in need of essential items. Access more information about the initiative as well as how to donate here.

NEWS, RESOURCES and OPPORTUNITIES

Advocacy and Media toolkit for HLF-4

A  Better Aid National Advocacy and Media Toolkit, to attract and focus media attention to effectively communicate the CSO perspective on aid and development effectiveness and reaction to the HLF-4 outcomes is now available. Access the toolkit here.

Global Fund Cancels 11th Funding Round

As a result of a decline in donor funding to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria , the Global Fund board has decided to cancel its 11th funding round , and replace it with a Transitional Funding Mechanism. Read a Medicines Sans Frontieres press release here.

2011 UN Trust Fund Call for Proposals

The UN Trust Fund in Support of Actions to Eliminate Violence Against Women is now accepting grant proposal applications from government authorities, civil society organizations and networks, worth US$100,000 to US$1 million for 2-3 years, on : 1) Closing the Gap on the Implementation of National and Local Laws, Policies and Action Plans that Address Violence against Women; or 2) Addressing Violence against Women in Conflict, Post-conflict and Transitional Settings.  The application deadline is 19 January 2012. Read the call for proposals here.

RH Supplies Coalition RMA Members meeting in Dakar in the Run-up to the International Conference on Family Planning

The Reprodutive Health Supplies Coalition, Resource Mobilization and Awareness (RMA) Working Group members will meet the afternoon of 29 November in Dakar, Senegal. Read more here.   The meeting is being held in advance of the International Conference on Family Planning, November 29 – December 2 in Dakar, co-hosted by The Bill and Melinda Gates Institute for Population and Reproductive Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Ministry of Health and Prevention in Senegal.  

‘Is social franchising the answer to the global unmet need for family planning?’

MSI says yes! And states that social franchising is a key element in expanding access to modern contraception to the 215 million women around the world who want to choose how many children to have and when, but aren’t currently able to. Read more here.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of Sexual and Reproductive Health Funding

Based on the example of 7 European donor government's, 'Maximizing the Effectiveness of Sexual and Reproductive Health Funding' by Sara Seims contains recommendations for these SRHR champions to increase the effectiveness of their overseas SRHR investments. Read the article here. 

Cervical Cancer in the Developing World 

A new report highlights the efforts to prevent cervical cancer and improve maternal health in developing countries the political leadership, public-private partnerships, and civil society efforts that are models for change. Produced by Women Deliver, it uses case studies from Bolivia, Mexico,  Rwanda and Thailand.  Read the report here.

Laos: Bridging Culture to Promote Maternal Health

140 midwives graduated in Laos in 2010 but specialists say their skills may go untapped because the country's women are not used to visitn health workers. Read more here.

 WGNRR Seeking a Policy and Advocacy Coordinator

Women's Global Network for Reproductive Rights is a southern-based global network that builds and strengthens movements for sexual and reproductive health, rights (SRHR) and justice.  The Policy and Advocacy Coordinator will oversee policy development, advocacies and campaigns in the WGNRR 5 programme areas: Access to safe abortion, Access to contraceptives, Sexual Rights, Youth SRHR, Membership and networking.  The deadline for applications is 21st December 2011. Read more about the position here.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS 

In this issue of the APA Update, special attention will be paid to the efforts of the Thai members of APA for their relief work in Thailand, which  has been hit by the most devastating floods in over 50 years.  To date it has resulted in large-scale evacuations, the destruction of homes and livelihoods, and over 500 deaths. 

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

APA is a New Member of RH Supplies Coalition

APA has been welcomed as an organizational member of the Reproductive Health Supplies Coalition, and a new partner to ensure that people in low and middle-income countries can obtain, choose and use high quality reproductive health supplies. 

APA at the Asia and the Pacific Regional Consultation on SRH and HIV Linkages

APA Secretariat has been invited to attend the Asia and the Pacific Regional Consultation on SRH and HIV Linkages, held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, from 6 – 8 December, and organized by UNFPA APRO and IPPF ESEAOR.

Join the Busan Health Working Group Side Event at HLF4

Join APA Secretariat, Population Action International and other NGOs from the Busan Health Working Group at the side event "Effective Aid for Better Health" held at the upcoming CSO Forum, on 27 November in Busan, Republic of Korea. The Busan Health Working Group is a coordinating platform for civil society advocating for health to be recognized as an integral issue in development, and highlighting lessons learnt from the health and health-related sectors to inform aid effectiveness policy discussions at the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness in Busan from 26 November to December 2011. Read more about the Side Event here.

MEMBER NEWS

PDA Flood Relief in Thailand

Population and Community Development Association (PDA) is embarking on a Flood Relief Mission to help victims of this disaster by providing essentials such as foodstuff, drinking water, baby milk, clothes, boots, mosquito repellents and nets, medicine and hygiene kits. Further assistance will also be provided to improve hygiene, sanitation and waste management in afflicted areas. Access more information about the initiative as well as how to donate here.

Raks Thai Flood Relief in Thailand

 Raks Thai and its partner civil society organizations aim to support infants, children and women who are facing the immediate impact of the disaster and lack the necessities for infant and child care through the provision of the “Children and Women Caring Package”. This will include provision of powdered milk, infant/children’s clothes, health care products and developmental toys, as well as support to mothers and women who are in need of essential items. Access more information about the initiative as well as how to donate here.

IPPF ESEAOR is the Newest APA Member!

APA welcomes International Planned Parenthood Federation East & South East Asia and Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR) as its newest member in the APA network, in the category of supporting member.

ICOMP Workshop on Effective Warehouse Management, Inventory, and Distribution

International Council on Management of Population Programmes (ICOMP) is organizing a Workshop on 'Effective Warehouse Management, Inventory, and Distribution' from 12-14 November in Bangkok. Through the integration of functions such as procurement and warehouse management, reproductive health supply chain performance is greatly enhanced. Read more here.

NEWS, RESOURCES and OPPORTUNITIES

2015+: Join the Discussions on the Future of Maternal and Reproductive Health

 Join Women Deliver for an online discussion forum on the future of maternal and RH!  This week's topic "Reflecting on the Successes and Challenges of the MDGs," is moderated by two experts: Gill Greer, director of Time Plus Talents and former director-general of the IPPF, and Jill Sheffield, president of Women Deliver. The two questions being discussed are:  How have the MDGs impacted the work of your organization?  Although the MDGs were intended to set specific goals and targets to reduce poverty, they are also often used as a key advocacy tool. How have the MDGs increased political attention and/or funding to your region or country?  Sign up here.

Women in Vanuatu receive support from Australia

At the Pacific Women’s Empowerment Policy Dialogue Stopping Violence Against Women in Canberra, the Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Affairs Richard Marles announced that the Australian government would provide the Vanuatu Women’s Centre AU$ 5 million over four years to deliver counselling and legal services and emergency accommodation for up to 15,000 survivors of violence. Access the information source here.

IACHR creates Unit to Protect the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex (LGBTI) Persons

The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) has decided to create a Unit on the Rights of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex (LGBTI) Persons, in order to strengthen its capacity to protect their rights, during its 143 regular session.  LGBTI persons face serious discrimination, both in fact and in law, and significant barriers in their access to health, employment, justice, and political participation in the region of Latin America. Read more here.

Police in Malaysia Ban Event on Sexuality Rights

Royal Malaysia Police declared a ban on 2 November for an event planned by Seksualiti Merdeka (SM), which aims to celebrate sexual diversity and disseminate information to the public on lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI) rights through art and public talks. SM is a coalition of human rights defenders working to promote the rights of LGBTI individuals and communities in Malaysia. The yearly event has been held since 2008.  Read more here.

European Court of Human Rights Sides with Roma Woman in Case of Forced Sterilization

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) issued an important and long-awaited decision, finding Slovakia in violation of inhumane and degrading treatment and the right to private life for the coerced sterilization of a Roma woman (in VC v Slovakia).  This victory is a critical step in seeking justice on this issue. Read more about the case here.   Read more about the ECHR decision here.

IPPF Posting for Senior Technical Officer

IPPF, a global service provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all, is hiring a Senior Technical Officer, Health Systems, Economics and Financing.  As part of the Access team, the position will play a key role in the implementation of the IPPF Access Global Strategy. The focus will be health systems strengthening (HSS), health financing, health economics and health service management. The closing date is 9 December 2011.   Find more information about the position here.

The Youth Coalition is seeking a full-time Executive Coordinator

Youth Coalition, an international organization of young people committed to promoting adolescent and youth SRHR at the national, regional and international levels is seeking an Executive Coordinator. Responsible for the general coordination, implementation and management of the Youth Coalition’s programs, projects and operations, under the supervision of the Youth Coalition’s International Board of Directors. Deadline for applications is 2 December 2011.  Find more information about the position here.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

Better Aid for the World We Want!

In the run-up to the High Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF4),  the “Better Aid for the world we want” campaign was launched on 17 October, mobilizing public support for civil society’s asks towards the upcoming HLF4 taking place in Busan, South Korea in November.   Access updates and news items, and add your voice to the call for better aid policy and practice.   APA Secretariat Executive Director, Rose Koenders, has been chosen to participate in the HLF4.

CSO and Young People meeting on ICPD Beyond 2014

APA Secretariat Executive Director Rose Koenders is invited to participate in a CSO and young people stakeholder meeting on the ICPD Beyond 2014 process, organized by UNFPA and held in Istanbul, Turkey from 7-8 December.  The objective is to share information and receive feedback on the ICPD Beyond 2014 review process and discuss its components; including the global survey approach, tools and indicators framework, topics for in-depth study and expert group meetings, identify thematic issues to consider, as well as get feedback on how to best fully and effectively involve CSOs and young people.  In this regards, if any APA members have issues they wish to highlight, please contact Rose@asiapacificalliance.org.

APA MEMBERS

Family Planning Pacific Forum in Two Weeks!

The Family Planning Pacific Forum aims to bring together civil society organisations, government, international funding agencies and donors who are working in the Pacific towards the achievement of MDG5b: 'Achieve, by 2015, Universal Access to Reproductive Health'.  The two day event, hosted by Sexual Health and Family Planning Australia (SH&FPA) is being held on15-16 November in Sydney, Australia. Family Planning NSW is coordinating the Forum on behalf of SH&FPA, and it is part of the APA Advocacy Grants Program. Read more here.

Family Planning International hosts launch of UNFPA's State of World Population and the Pacific Portraits Photo Book

The New Zealand launch of the United Nations Population Fund's (UNFPA) annual report, State of World Population, was hosted by Family Planning International NZ and  Sue Kedgley, MP and NZPPD member, on 28 October at the New Zealand Parliament. This year's report, People and Possibilities in a World of 7 Billion, looks at how the world is coping with a population of 7 billion and its continued growth.   The Pacific Portraits: Photo book from the Pacific, which looks at the human stories behind sexual and reproductive health statistics in the Pacific, was also launched at the event.  Order a copy here.

APA  Members at APCRSHR6

APA members participated in a Workshop on using strategic tools for family planning programmes, resource allocation, and policy making; organized by APA Secretariat with Family Planning International, NZ (FPI) and Futures Group in advance of the 6th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (APCRSHR6) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.  APA, FPI and JOICFP also organized an NGO satellite session on 'Will NGOs Deliver? Time for effective strategies to place SRHR on everybody's agenda!'.  A donor satellite session was organized by APA Secretariat with IPPF ESEAOR, in collaboration with AFPPD and Pathfinder International on "Sex and Money: What Drives Donors to Invest in SRHR."

NEWS, RESOURCES, AND OPPORTUNITIES

Postponement of the Asia-Pacific High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Assessment of Progress against Commitments in the Political Declaration on HIV/AIDS and the MDGs

The Asia-Pacific High-level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Assessment of Progress against Commitments in the Political  Declaration on HIV/AIDS and the MDGs, organized by UN ESCAP in cooperation with other UN agencies,  has been postponed due to the current  flood situation in Bangkok, Thailand.  The meeting has been shifted to the period of 6 to 8 February 2012, (from 1-3 November 2011), in Bangkok. Access more information here.

Postponement of Regional Consultation on SRH and HIV Linkages

The Regional Consultation on SRH and HIV Linkages, organized by UNFPA in cooperation with partners, is now postponed due to the current flood situation in Bangkok, Thailand.  New dates and a new venue are currently being organized for the event, originally scheduled to be in Bangkok from 9 - 11 November.  New potential dates could be at the end of November or early December 2011 and the new venue could be in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.  

Advise the UNAIDS Secretariat on New HIV/AIDS policy

CrowdOutAIDS.org, a new UNAIDS collaborative project - by and for young people - uses online and offline tools to connect young people inside and outside the AIDS response, to share knowledge and experiences for concrete action. The aim is to work together with young people for stronger and more effective action on AIDS.  Access more information and sign up here.

EU Report calls for Empowerment of Developing Country People and Democratic Institutions in the run-up to HLF4

The European Parliament unanimously adopted  a promising report on aid effectiveness demanding more ambitious reforms than those proposed by the European Commission, in the run-up to the Fourth High-Level Forum on Aid Effectiveness (HLF4), taking place in Busan, Republic of Korea, in 29 November to 1 December. Calling for further progress to empower developing country’s people and democratic institutions and emphasises that donors’ procurement practices need to be reformed to boost aid’s economic impact and drive inclusive growth, the report also stresses the need to strengthen the role of parliaments and civil society organisations in development planning, execution, and cooperation. Read the Report here.

Deadline for Statement submissions to the Commission on the Status of Women

Written statements to the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW) may be submitted by NGOs holding consultative status with the Economic and Social Council on the thematic issues considered by CSW in accordance with Council resolution 1996/31.   The deadlines for submission are - for individual organizations: 14 November 2011; for joint written statements: 21 November 2011; and for NGOs on the roster or joint statements that include NGOs on the Roster: 7 November 2011.   Access more information here.

Resources on World’s Abortion Laws now available

The World's Abortion Laws has been published by the Center for Reproductive Rights since 1998, to visually compare the legal status of induced abortion in different countries - and to advocate for greater progress in ensuring access to safe and legal abortion services for women worldwide.  This year there are additional resources which track the progress since initial publication, while identifying the challenges that must still be overcome. Access the Resources here

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS

In the run-up to the 6th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (APCRSHR6), APA Secretariat has highlighted APA Member events at the conference, held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, 19-22 October.

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

Join APA for 2 satellite sessions at APCRSHR6

• ‘Sex and Money: what drives donors to invest in SRHR?’ on Thursday, 20 October, from 17.15 - 18.45, organized with IPPF ESEAOR and in collaboration with AFPPD and Pathfinder International, and
• “Will NGOs deliver? Time for effective strategies to place SRHR on everyone's agenda!' on Friday, 21 October, from 10:30-12:25, organized with JOICFP and Family Planning International New Zealand.

Join APA and members at the APCRSHR6 booth!

Visit the APA and APA Member’s booth, a gathering place for SRHR advocates at  APCRSHR6, as well as a place to access APA member advocacy materials.  The APA booth will be joined with the MSI Australia booth.

ASEAN Promoting Maternal Health

APA Secretariat was invited to participate in the “ASEAN Human Rights Conference on Promoting Maternal Health: Responding to the UN Millennium Development  Goal  5” on October 14-15 in Manila, the Philippines.  The workshop aims to contribute to the development of ASEAN best practices for reducing maternal mortality.

APA MEMBERS

Join AFPPD sessions at APCRSHR6

• ‘Parliamentarians and Young People speak out on SRHR' on Thursday, 20 October, from 17.15 -18.45.
• ‘Enhancing Political Commitment for Maternal Health’ on Saturday, 22 October, from 13.30-15.15, organized in cooperation with UNFPA.

Join ICOMP sessions at APCRSHR6

• ‘Enhancing Management Capacity towards Organizational Sustainability: Good Practices from ICOMP and Ford Foundation – Indonesia SRH NGOs' on Friday, 21 October, from 10:30 - 12:15, in collaboration with Ford Foundation
• 'Linking HIV with Sexual and Reproductive Health – What Have We Missed?' on Friday, 21 October from 17:15– 18:45 in collaboration with UNFPA
• ‘Addressing Challenges in Family Planning' on Saturday, 22 October, from 10.30 – 12.15 in collaboration with UNFPA.

Raks Thai Abstracts at APCRSHR6

Raks Thai Foundation will have three research abstracts at APCRSHR6.  Manop Jaitika, Nopparuch Muenkaew  and Sopida Suwannasopit will present on a project that is supported by the APA Advocacy Grants Programme.

Raks Thai and PPAT Make Submissions on Sexual Rights Violations in Thailand

NEWS, RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Research ‘brings down the Opposition’ 

Newly compiled research on anti-choice groups and their opposition of reproductive health services, which ‘cuts them –and their influence – down to size’ is available from Catholics for Choice in the latest version of Conscience magazine.  Access the publication here.

Job Posting for Planning and Monitoring Advisor

JTA International is seeking an experienced professional to fill the role of Adviser for Planning & Monitoring for the Fiji Health Sector Support Program – an Australian Government, AusAID Initiative, providing support to the Ministry of Health to deliver essential health services to the ordinary people of Fiji.  Access the posting details here.

UN HR Council Resolution on Maternal Mortality

Recognizing the interlinked root causes of maternal mortality and morbidity, a recent UN Human Rights Council Resolution has requested the preparation of concise technical guidance on the application of a human rights-based approach to the implementation of policies and programmes to reduce preventable maternal mortality and morbidity by the Office of High Commissioner  (in cooperation with relevant bodies and organizations).   Access the Resolution here.

E-NEWS AND INFORMATION ON SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND RIGHTS

In the run-up to the 6th Asia Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Sexual Health and Rights (APCRSHR6), APA Secretariat has focused this issue of the Update on events at the conference, which is being held from 19-22 October, in Yogyakarta, Indonesia at the esteemed Gadja Mada University, under the theme of 'Claiming Sexual and Reproductive Rights in Asian and Pacific Societies.'

FROM THE SECRETARIAT

APA Asks What Drives Donor to Invest in SRHR? at APCRSHR6

Join APA at ‘Sex and Money: what drives donors to invest in SRHR?’ session which brings together major regional stakeholders in the SRHR field to build a clear understanding on donors’ policies on global health and  linkages with SRHR; what donors can do together with NGOs from a rights-based and people centered perspective, and lessons learned from these experiences.   The session, organized by APA with International Planned Parenthood Foundation, East & South East Asia & Oceania Region (IPPF ESEAOR), in collaboration with Asian Forum of Parliamentarians on Population and Development (AFPPD) and Pathfinder International will take place on Thursday, 20 October, from 17.15 to 18.45.

APA Challenges NGOs to Deliver – and Place SRHR on Everyone’s Agenda! at APCRSHR6

Join APA to ask 'Will NGOs deliver? Time for effective strategies to place SRHR on everyone's agenda!'.  The session brings together NGOs to discuss how we can strengthen evidence and advocacy efforts to ensure that sexual and reproductive health and rights are included and prioritized in the development agendas and by funding agencies. The emphasis will be the identification of future opportunities lie and ideas for propelling the regional agenda forward. Organized in collaboration with APA members Family Planning International (FPI) New Zealand and Japanese Organization for International Cooperation in Family Planning (JOICFP), the session will take place Friday, 21 October from 10.30 to 12.15.

APA SC Meeting in Yogyakarta

The APA Steering Committee (SC) Meeting will be held on 23 September in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. APA SC members will also be able to attend APRSHR6, prior to the meeting.

APA Participates in Regional Consultation on Proposal Writing for SRH

APA joined participants from 5 South East Asian nations in a capacity strengthening workshop on project proposal writing for international assistance on sexual and reproductive health assistance on sexual and reproductive health issues. The workshop, organized by APA member Planned Parenthood Association of Thailand (PPAT) with Thailand International Development Cooperation Agency (TICA), was attended by representives from Myanmar, Lao PDR, Vietnam, Mongolia and the Philippines and took place 21-23 September in Bangkok, Thailand.

APA MEMBERS

AFPPD with Parliamentarians and Youth on SRHR at APCRSHR6

During the AFPPD session  'Parliamentarians and Young People speak out on SRHR'  examples of good practices from supportive politicians in the region  will be shared – including advocacy, working with  the community, involvement of young people and support of young people in policy and programming.  The session will take place Thursday 20 October at 17.15-18.45.

AFPPD addresses Political Commitment for Maternal Health at APCRSHR6

The AFPPD session ‘Enhancing Political Commitment for Maternal Health’ focuses on identifying gaps and challenges in the  regional context and  the critical tool that political will plays in addressing  maternal mortality,  including actions taken by parliamentarians at local and national levels.  The MP session will be held on Saturday 22 October at 13.30-15.15, and is organized in cooperation with UNFPA.

ICOMP Linking HIV with SRHR at APCRSHR6

The International Council On Management of Population Programmes (ICOMP) session on 'Linking HIV with Sexual and Reproductive Health – What Have We Missed?'  will highlight the sharing of  country experiences; and  identify key actions in enhancing SRH HIV linkages in the region. The joint session with  UNFPA will take place at 17:15– 18:45 on 21 October.

ICOMP Addressing Family Planning Challenges at APCRSHR6

The ICOMP session on 'Addressing Challenges in Family Planning' aims to provide a platform for discussions towards advocating with government, civil society, and policymakers and programme managers in the region to attach higher priority to FP programmes and increase investments in order to achieve the MDGs - especially universal access to R H (MDG5b) and address the unmet need for family planning. It will assess progress made since the December 2010 Regional Consultation on Family Planning. The joint session with UNFPA will take place Saturday, 22 October, from 10.30 – 12.15.

ICOMP Shares Best Practices at APCRSHR6

The ICOMP session 'Enhancing Management Capacity towards Organizational Sustainability: Good Practices from ICOMP and Ford Foundation – Indonesia SRH NGOs' will share best practices from 4 Indonesian SRH-NGO grantees which were part of an initiative aiming to strengthen their organizational capacity by building leadership to take alternative courses of action towards organizational and financial sustainability;  helping the NGOs to continue and expand their advocacy, training and other relevant services for disadvantaged population groups in the country.  The joint session will take place Friday, 21 October from 10:30 to 12:15.

A Special Thanks to ARHA!

Australia Reproductive Health Alliance (ARHA) leaves a proud legacy of good work, passionate commitment and sound achievement as it ceases operation on September 30. The ARHA website will continue as a free and readily accessible resource about work in sexual and reproductive health past and present until 2013.  A special thanks go out to Jane Singleton, Mary Mertin Ryan, Alice Ruxton, Rose O’Conner, Joanna Lindner and all the ARHA staff for their hard work!

NEWS, RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES

Global Fund Gender Equality Strategy: Work Remains!

The overall message if that much work remains to be done to achieve the effective implementation of the Global Fund Gender Equality Strategy to ensure women’s knowledge of and engagement with it across the globe, from an evaluation of the implementation of the Strategy by Fundación para el Estudio e Investigación de la Mujer (FEIM) & International AIDS Women Caucus (IAWC) and with the Global Coalition on Women and AIDS (GCWA).  Six key recommendations are highlighted in the “Recommendations for the Evaluation of Gender Equality Strategy for the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria”.  Read the full report here.

Criminalizing Abortion an ‘Impermissible Barrier’ to Women’s Right to Health and SRHR According to New UN Report.

The Special Rapporteur of the Human Rights Council, Anand Grover, has released a groundbreaking report on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health.  According to Grover “Criminal laws penalizing and restricting induced abortion are the paradigmatic examples of impermissible barriers to the realization of women’s right to health and must be eliminated. These laws infringe women’s dignity and autonomy by severely restricting decision-making by women in respect of their sexual and reproductive health.  Access the full Report here.

IPPF Films on SRHR for Girls Win International Award

The Girls Decide films produced for the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) won the prestigious International Video and Communications Award (IVCA) in the charity sector video category on 21 September.  The Girls Decide initiative, started by IPPF in 2010, embodies a positive approach to the sexual and reproductive health of young women and girls across the world and emphasizes the importance of access to services in improving their health, well-being and development.  Access the films here.

New DSW Toolkit on SRHR for Youth

A new publication by DSW (Deutsche Stiftung Weltbevoelkerung)  "How to Reach Young Adolescents -- A toolkit for educating 10-14 year olds on sexual and reproductive health". Serving as an inspiration, planning tool and practical guide for NGOs, programme implementers, private industries and other interested stakeholders, this toolkit presents various replicable and practical methods, activities and best practices on how to increase young adolescents' sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and behaviour in a sustainable and efficient manner.  The toolkit can be downloaded here.

World Contraception Day

World Contraception Day was celebrated on 26 September.  For the occasion,  Conversations for a Better World, a youth community raising global issues and finding solutions, has a series of blogs available on the issue. Access the blogs here.

First Progress Report from the Alliance for Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health Now Available  

The first year progress report for the Alliance for Reproductive, Maternal and Newborn Health is now available. The five-year public/private global alliance includes USAID, the UK Department for International Development (DFID), The Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Initial efforts focused on developing productive partnerships among Alliance members, government partners, and civil society organizations through joint planning, coordinated implementation and joint funding, joint problem-solving, and joint learning. Read the report here.

'Find your number' and Access Resources on Women and Climate Change

Find ‘your number’ as the world approaches 7 billion using a new tool developed by Population Action International (PAI).  When you enter your birthdate, the tool helps  find  “your number”, share on Facebook and Twitter, and access videos and resources to learn more about world population issues  including a new documentary on women and climate change.  Access the tool here.