By Maryanne W. Waweru

IPPF Africa Region, the leading non-governmental Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) service delivery organization in Africa, and the leading SRHR advocacy voice in the region, held its first IPPF Africa Region Award for Excellence in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights in July 2017. The award ceremony took place during the 47th session of the Regional Council in Nairobi, Kenya.

The award was established to recognize and celebrate the role played by the over 39,000 IPPFAR volunteers, youth, Member Associations (MAs), staff, partner organizations and individuals who make outstanding contribution for the advancement of SRHR in sub-Saharan Africa. It recognizes those who have undertaken remarkable initiatives towards the achievements of Africa’s SRHR goals.

The following individuals were feted during the ceremony:

Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award Category

The recipient of this award is an individual who has advocated for SRHR and contributed to the advancement of SRHR in his individual capacity. His stringent efforts have led to feasible impact at national, regional and international levels.

Dr. Shimelis Adugna from Ethiopia is the 2017 recipient of this award. A founding member of our Member Association in Ethiopia –Family Guidance Association of Ethiopia (FGAE), Dr. Adugna is a passionate SRHR champion and has contributed immensely towards the growth and development of FGAE.

Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award Category

This award recognizes young people who continue to influence SRHR strides in their country and in the continent. The recipient for the 2017 award was Mr. Daniel Oyom from Uganda.

Through Reproductive Health Uganda (RHU) –our Member Association the East African country of Uganda, Mr. Oyom continues to make immense contributions, more so in the area of resource mobilization for RHU. Among others, Mr. Oyom donated his personal land worth $10,000 to the MA.

Outstanding IPPFAR Staff Award Category

Dr. David Williams from Sierra Leone was feted in this category. Dr. Williams has served in various positions in the MA of Sierra Leone – The Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL), where he is the current Executive Director. Dr. Williams played a significant role in the fight against the Ebola epidemic in the country. He serves on various SRHR technical and advisory committees including the Country Coordinating Mechanism Committee (CCM).

Also recognized in this category was Ms. Diallo Drame from Burkina Faso. Ms Diallo is a midwife, Head of Clinic and has supported the management of the comprehensive abortion management project in the MA of Burkina Faso.

With over 20 years of service in the Association, Ms. Diallo has demonstrated unwavering commitment to promoting the Association's FP/RH activities. One of great achievements is the integration into several teams of SRH trainers. She is in charge of quality of services at service delivery points, she organized mobile teams in social franchising. The number of statistics on services provided has doubled.

Outstanding non-IPPFAR Individuals Awards Category

Dr. Mustapha Sidiki Kaloko, Commissioner for Social Affairs at Africa Union Commission was recognized by IPPFAR for his great role and contribution in the advancement of SRHR in Africa and beyond.

As the AU Commissioner for Social Affairs, Dr. Kaloko  played a leading role in the adoption of the new Maputo Plan of Action and the integration of SRHR into the AU Agenda 2063. He also greatly supported IPPFAR Member Associations (MAs) in the fight against the Ebola crisis.

In addition, Dr. Kaloko recommended IPPFAR to the Heads of States and First Ladies which has increased in country support and funding.

Our hearty congratulations to all the recipients of the first IPPF Africa Region Award for Excellence in Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights

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