Across Africa, assisted reproductive technology (ART) is expanding at an unprecedented pace. Fertility clinics are opening in countries where, until recently, couples had little choice but to travel abroad, often to Europe, India, or within the continent South Africa–to access in vitro fertilisation (IVF) and related treatments. The costs of travel alone made this a…
Nairobi, Kenya — Africa’s fight for sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and gender equality has never been more urgent, as hard-won gains are increasingly threatened by shrinking civic spaces, rising political hostility, and the withdrawal of global funding. These pressures are creating widening gaps in national budgets and weakening the systems meant to…
Nairobi, Kenya — Sexual and reproductive health is a fundamental human right and a cornerstone of development, shaping the dignity, choices, and futures of women and girls everywhere. International and regional human rights frameworks, echoed in national laws, affirm this right and call for bold action and innovation to ensure women and girls can access…
Large majorities favour sex education and allowing pregnant girls to stay in school. Key findings On average across 38 countries, large majorities of Africans say women should be able to decide for themselves whether and when to marry (75%) as well as when to have children and how many children to have (62%). o Women…
No, applying castor oil to sanitary pad won’t solve reproductive health issues IN SHORT: Facebook posts claiming that castor oil applied to a sanitary pad can fix issues such as endometriosis and stomach cramps are being shared widely. But there’s no scientific evidence to support these claims. “Try this and thank me later” reads the…
Lusaka, Zambia — Ministers of Health and Heads of Delegation from Member States attended a high-level meeting, titled “Advancing Leadership for Women’s Health and SRHR in the WHO African Region“, as part of the 75th Session of the Regional Committee of the WHO African Region. Dr. Abdourahmane Diallo, Director of Programme Management, representing the WHO…
In the context of continuing global crises and diminishing donor funding, grassroots organisations and advocacy networks are facing difficult circumstances in maintaining services and advocating for progressive policy changes. And sexual and reproductive health accesses are being eroded. In response to these cumulative and complex challenges, MenEngage Africa and Sonke Gender Justice are catalysing a…
Addis Ababa — To address gaps in sexual and reproductive healthcare access, widened by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing humanitarian crises, Ethiopia is reinforcing its health system, making these vital services more accessible for women and adolescents in remote and crisis-affected areas. A key part of this effort is promoting self-care, by giving people the…
