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Louisa is a community health provider in the Androy region, helping women in the most rural and remote areas of southern Madagascar to access contraception (Credit: Rija Randrianasolo)

Louisa is a community health provider in the Androy region, helping women in the most rural and remote areas of southern Madagascar to access contraception (Credit: Rija Randrianasolo)

Options news

Options joins partnership to deliver sexual and reproductive health and rights programme in 13 sub-Saharan African countries

4 October 2024

Options is part of the new, UK aid-funded Women’s Integrated Sexual Health 2 (WISH 2) programme led by MSI Reproductive Choices in West and Central Africa and the International Planned Parenthood Foundation (IPPF) in East and Southern Africa.

The WISH 2 programme will bring comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services to some of the most underserved and hard-to-reach populations in 13 African nations: Burundi, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Zambia.

Our team will provide urgent support to improve policies, strengthen health systems, and safeguard the reproductive rights of women, girls and vulnerable communities, especially in areas affected by conflict and displacement.

“The launch of the WISH 2 programme represents a significant milestone in our collective journey towards gender equality in sub-Saharan Africa. We look forward to joining efforts with other partners in the region to reach those most in need”, says Jeremiah Makula who will lead Options’ work on WISH 2 in East and Southern Africa.

Other programme partners include Ipas, Sightsavers, WiLDAF Afrique de I’Ouest, RAES Senegal, International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programs.

Building on the previous programme’s success

The WISH 2 programme builds on the substantial achievements of the previous programme, which ran from 2018 to 2024 and saw government budget allocations for family planning increase by over US$9.4 million in seven sub-Saharan African countries. This was a result of targeted, evidence-based advocacy and strengthened government leadership in improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in these countries.

“As a woman, having the ability to choose the right contraceptive for my body gives me power. I grew up in a community where contraception was marred by many negative myths and misconceptions. For the young adults in Africa, the WISH 2 programme will empower them to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. As they gain knowledge, autonomy and support from their parents and communities, we can expect to see improved health outcomes, reduced rates of unintended pregnancies, and a significant decline in maternal and child mortality. To me the WISH 2 programme is not just about health; it’s about dignity, equality, and the fundamental right to make choices that affect one’s life,” says Options Regional Human Resources Specialist Roline Kimeu.

Our role in the programme

In this next phase, Options will focus on boosting the policy and legal frameworks needed to advance gender equality and SRHR, increasing government financing for SRHR, and improving routine access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and family planning services.

Looking ahead

The WISH 2 programme presents a vital opportunity to overcome gaps in healthcare access and improve reproductive choices, particularly among women, girls and vulnerable communities in regions affected by conflict and displacement.

We are excited to make a lasting difference on the lives of women and girls in these countries with our partners.

Funders
UK aid
Focus areas
Reproductive health and Family Planning