Oxfam Canada launches new program to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights in Zimbabwe, Zambia and Malawi
(Ottawa) – Thanks to a contribution of $30 million from the Government of Canada and $1.3 M from Oxfam and its supporters, people experiencing poverty, marginalization, and vulnerability, particularly women, girls, adolescents, and persons of diverse sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions and sex characteristics in Southern Africa will enjoy more CHOICE. Oxfam Canada’s latest initiative will increase the enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), bodily autonomy and agency for 150,000 people via the Comprehensive Health Options through Innovative Community Engagement (CHOICE) project. The project will be implemented by an innovative partnership between Oxfam Canada, Ipas, Dignity Network Canada and local partners including the Family Planning Associations of Malawi and Zambia, Point of Progress, Centre for Alternatives for Victimized Women and Children, Village Reach, Women in Law and Development in Africa, Population Services Zimbabwe, MUSASA and SAYWHAT.
Health systems in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe have limited capacity to deliver quality sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services, and are less prepared to anticipate, respond to and recover from potential stressors (extreme weather events, pandemics, weak governance). CHOICE will build resilient, integrated communities and health systems to better address women and girls’ needs and ensure access to neglected areas of SRHR such as comprehensive contraceptive care, safe abortion and post-abortion care, comprehensive sexuality education and youth-friendly SRH services. The project takes an integrated approach, acting on multiple levels (individual, community, institutional and societal) and ultimately contributes to transforming gender inequality and discrimination. CHOICE’s ultimate outcome also contributes to poverty reduction. When SRHR needs of Adolescent Girls and Young Women are met, they are able to participate equally in economic and social activities, paving the way for sustainable, inclusive development.
Over its seven-year duration, the project will be implemented in Balaka and Lilongwe districts in Malawi; Chibombo, Chisamba, Itezhi-Tezhi and Namwala in Zambia; and Harare, Nyabira (Zvimba), Gokwe South, Sanyati (Kadoma), Mutare, Beitbridge and Gwanda districts in Zimbabwe. These areas are characterized by deep-rooted harmful social norms, which affect uptake of SRH services and contribute to high rates of unintended pregnancies, lack of essential medicines and drug stockouts. SRH services remain under-utilized across a range of services due to poor service provision, which contributes to high rates of unintended pregnancies.
This funding is part of Canada’s 10-Year Commitment to Global Health and Rights (10YC) – Canada’s largest and longest financial commitment in international development assistance.
“Canada has a responsibility to do our part to build a brighter and healthier future for everyone. International assistance in healthcare is an investment that will create stronger communities for generations to come. When communities are healthy, more people are able to contribute to robust local and global economies. We will continue to invest in global health initiatives so more children around the world are growing up healthy and strong.”
– Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
In these countries of Southern Africa, there are high unmet family planning needs, high rates of teen pregnancy, high HIV/AIDS prevalence, and child, early and forced marriages are a precursor to adolescent pregnancy and increased adolescent birth rate. The Maternal Mortality Rate in the region is significantly higher than the SDG target of 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030 (WHO, 2023) (439 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in Malawi, 278 in Zambia and 363 in Zimbabwe (World Bank, 2022)).
“Continued funding to support and strengthen health systems and improve sexual and reproductive health and rights is critical today, more than it has even been” said Erin Kiley, Oxfam Canada’s Director of International Programs.
“With recent reductions in foreign assistance around the world, health clinics have been closing, maternity care, HIV prevention and treatment and family planning access has been severely curtailed. CHOICE will offer a measure of hope to communities that need this kind of support urgently. ” Kiley said.