Tanzania

Driven by passion, Stephen dedicates himself to arming the youth in his community with invaluable knowledge and skills. His tireless efforts have empowered 385 young individuals with a comprehensive understanding of sexual and reproductive health. UNFPA's Safeguard Young People programme has created a long-lasting impact on the communities it reaches, seeking to empower and support young women and men, like Stephen Bikoko, who has become a changemaker in his community.

Malawi

Discover Daliso Simon's story—a survivor who was seven months' pregnant when Tropical Cyclone Freddy struck Malawi. Through the provision of dignity kits, Daliso, along with numerous other women, not only endured the harsh winter but also gained crucial access to life-saving sexual and reproductive health services and essentials.

Botswana

UNFPA is using technology to bring change and medical care. The Drones for Health programme looks into reducing delivery times from hours to minutes for vital medical supplies and samples, swiftly transporting them from health-care hubs to remote clinics.

With Botswana's alarmingly high maternal mortality ratio, digitally-powered solutions have the potential to revolutionize health care for women and girls.

Mozambique

Despite challenges, health care champions are emerging in Mozambique. From ensuring services in times of hardship and conflict, to promoting bodily autonomy through education and generating discussions on socio-cultural barriers to sexual health and the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS, educators, communicators, local leaders and volunteers have brought change to their communities. This was done with the support of UNFPA.

Ethiopia

In her attempt to access education and well-being, Ms. Alemtsehay shared her journey as a refugee and a girl looking to continue her education. Undeterred by challenges ranging from family pressures to conflict in her area, she pursued her studies. Now, Ms. Alemtsehay recalls her initial apprehension upon entering a safe house for survivors of gender-based violence, supported by UNFPA in Ethiopia.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

In North Kivu Province, where 5.5 million people are displaced, including an estimated 220,000 pregnant women, UNFPA-supported health facilities saw 31,000 safe deliveries from January through September 2023. Local health clinics were equipped with technology to enhance their responsiveness to patients' needs.

Lesotho

In Lesotho, vulnerable populations experience difficulty in accessing HIV-related resources. With the world's second-highest HIV prevalence rate, UNFPA works hand in hand with local educators to ensure stigma-free care. 

UNFPA and the Lesotho Planned Parenthood Association ensure that care is provided to the people who need it most. The Along the Borders project aims to create demand and encourage the uptake of sexual and reproductive health services among vulnerable populations, including sex workers, long-distance truck drivers and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Rwanda 

In Rwanda, community engagement has become the driving force behind the right to access information. UNFPA, in its commitment to promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights, works actively to diminish the risks of youth exposure to sexually transmitted infections including HIV, early and unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions and child marriages.

Uganda 

In 2021, 95 per cent of women and girls in Uganda reported surviving gender-based violence since the age of 15. Timothy Mbene Masereka, a village team member in Kasese District, recognized an urgent need to advocate for girls’ right to a life free of violence. Through the Spotlight Initiative, he became a catalyst for change. Timothy is part of a group of more than 1,500 men in Uganda who have undergone training since 2019.

Madagascar 

In Madagascar, UNFPA has implemented comprehensive strategies, spanning from integrated care centres to gender-sensitive men's groups and youth-focused programmes.

A housewife residing in Majunga has shared her transformative journey facilitated by the Centre for Listening and Legal Advice, a project supported by UNFPA. This centre provided crucial guidance after she experienced a traumatic incident of rape, helping her rebuild her family and emerge as a successful entrepreneur. Through another initiative, young peer educators from the Morondava Youth Centre, supported by the Kingdom of Norway and UNFPA, are actively building resilience and creating safe spaces where women and girls can take control of their health and learn about family planning.