The Mauritius Family Planning Association is the leading Non-Governmental Organisation in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health, including Family Planning. It was set up over forty years ago, on 2nd October, 1957. A group of pioneers committed to the cause of social and economic advancement, was determined to set up a movement that would help to reduce the negative impact the growing population was having on the development of the country. In spite of strong opposition from various quarters including religious bodies, politicians, the media and segments of the population itself, their enthusiasm knew no bounds.

In 1958, the Association became an Associate Member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (Africa Region) and it opened its first clinic in Piton, a small village in the north of Mauritius. A second clinic was opened in Bell Village in 1963 when the first oral contraceptives were introduced. From 1962 to 1972, the population growth rate declined from 3% to 1.4%. Fertility rates declined from 5.86 in 1962 to 1.94 in 1986 and to 1.2 in 1996. At the close of the century the Contraceptive Prevalence Rate is currently around 70%.

The Association has been complementing the efforts of Government since the establishment of the Family Planning Division in l972.

OBJECTS OF THE ASSOCIATION

1. Inquire into the sociological aspects of the demographic process
2. Promote family welfare in all its aspects; personal, psycho-social and medical
3. Collect and disseminate information and data relating to family welfare
4. Advise married couples on spacing of births and other marriage problems including contraceptive methods, relevant materials and literature
5. Establish contacts with organisations engaged in a similar type of work in Mauritius and abroad and to establish Branches of the Association

MISSION

The Mauritius Family Planning Association is committed to the promotion of social justice, gender equality, and the right of individuals and families to free and informed choice regarding the number and spacing of their children maintenance of sexual health. It will achieve these goals through advocacy, networking and information provision. It will strive to provide good quality care services taking into account the needs of the underserved.

NEW ROLE FOR THE ASSOCIATION

At the turn of the century, the Association has moved beyond the concept of family planning. In line with recommendations contained in the ICPD Programme of Action, the Beijing Platform for Action and a new Strategic Plan based on IPPF Vision 2000, it has reoriented its programmes and activities to offer comprehensive sexual and reproductive health information and care.

MAJOR PROGRAMME THRUSTS IN THE STRATEGIC PLAN

• Sexual and Reproductive Health for Adolescents, the Unmarried and other Underserved
• Women Empowerment
• Elimination of Unsafe Abortion
• Quality of Services
• AIDS/STDs Prevention
• Male Involvement in Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Family Planning
• Reproductive Health of Women and Men

STRATEGIES

• Advocacy
• Information, Education and Communication
• Training
• Demonstration of innovative approaches
• Research
• Evaluation
• Networking with government bodies and other NGOs
• Service Delivery

ACTIVITIES

Information & Education

• Family Life Education in primary/secondary schools, vocational institutions and for out-of-school youth
• Educational sessions for women, men, youths in the community
• Counselling and Hotline services
• Organisation of seminars/workshops
• Legal literacy programmes
• Pre-marital counselling programmes
• Pre-retirement Preparation and Adaptation programmes for workers
• Peer-based educational programmes at the work site

CLINIC SERVICES

• Gynaecology
• Ultrasound Scanning
• Male Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Infertility
• Medical sessions
• Laboratory tests
• Echography service
• Pap Smear screening
• Issue of contraceptives (pills, IUDs, Norplant, Voluntary Surgical Contraception, Depo Provera, condoms)
• Glucose and Blood Pressure checks
• Pregnancy checks
• Ante-Natal Care

Youth Development Centre: Youth Counselling and Youth Clinic

Social Contraceptive programme in the community

Individual and Family Counselling for individuals and couples

Daycare Centres and baby-sitting facilities

STRUCTURE OF THE ASSOCIATION

The Association has a strong volunteer structure managed by a Committee of 19 volunteers from different sectors: social, economic, medical, educational and legal and includes a representative from the Ministry of Health.

There are various Sub-Committees such as a National Youth Advisory Panel and a Women Advisory Panel, Youth Advocacy Teams, National Women Advocacy Group, Women Community Groups, Women Empowerment Groups, Daddies' Clubs and a Senior Volunteers' Club. The small team of full time staff, work in close collaboration with the volunteers.

The Executive Director heads the Association which has three distinct departments:

• Programme (under the responsibility of the Programme Co-Ordinator)
• Finance & Administration (under the responsibility of the Finance/ Administrative Officer)
• Research & Evaluation (under the responsibility of the Operations Research Officer)

RODRIGUES BRANCH

MFPA has operated a branch in the 10th District of the republic of Mauritius, Rodrigues, since 1980. The Rodrigues Branch is headed by a Project Officer. IEC and FLE sessions, contraceptive service delivery, medical and counselling services are provided at the Clinic/Headquarters in Port Mathurin.

MFPA is increasingly striving towards self-sustainability. This requires a constant review of its performance and programme efficiency. The quality and performance of the staff team and volunteers are important factors in achieving targets and facing new challenges.