DIRECTOR GENERAL OF IPPF, DR. ALVARO BERMEJO VISITS GHANA ON A MISSION TO DISCUSS PRIORITIES AND CHALLENGES REGARDING SRHR
During his visit to Ghana from February 10th to 13th, the Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, engaged in a series of significant activities aimed at advancing Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in collaboration with the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana (PPAG) and other key stakeholders.
MEETING WITH PPAG STAFF- Dr. Bermejo held discussions with PPAG workforce in Accra to address the Association’s priorities and challenges concerning SRHR, emphasizing the vision of ensuring unhindered access to sexual and reproductive health and rights for young people and vulnerable groups in Ghana. Also, discussion centered on resource mobilization to bring on board the necessary resources that will equip PPAG in delivering SRHR information and services.
Field Visit to Cape Coast- Dr. Bermejo visited the Cape Coast facility of PPAG to gain firsthand experience with PPAG’s frontline work, witnessing the impact of the initiative on the ground. Whiles there, he also inspected the ongoing PPAG maternity ward.
Dr. Bermejo participated in media engagements to raise awareness and advocate for SRHR issues, amplifying the importance of comprehensive reproductive health services. He proceeded to meet with top Ghanaian authorities, including relevant Cabinet Ministers and private organization working in the SRHR space, fostering collaboration, and addressing mutual concerns including UNFPA visit.
The Director- General, Dr. Bermejo, joined by the President Mr. Leckson-Leckey and Executive Director of PPAG, Madam Abena Adubea Amoah paid a courtesy call to the UNFPA Country Representative in Ghana, Dr. Wilfred Ochan to discuss collaborative eff orts in advancing SRHR in the country and to deepen the working relationship between PPAG and UNFPA. In their discussions they acknowledged some of the great progress on SRHR and ICPD that have been made in Ghana. They also noted the areas of slow progress that need accelerated actions as we approach the 2030 timeline, such as stagnant maternal mortality ratio, persistent unmet need for family planning, especially for youth, and the prevalence of teenage pregnancy and child marriage. PPAG is one of the foremost Implementing Partners of UNFPA in tackling Sexual and Reproductive Health issues in Ghana.
Engagement with Youth Action Movement (YAM) Ghana- Dr. Bermejo met with members of the Youth Action Movement (YAM), listening to their perspectives on SRHR and their experiences as youth champions. He pledged IPPFs unwavering support to empower them in advocating for informed SRHR choices and accessing essential services.
Dr. Bermejo’s visit underscored the commitment of IPPF and PPAG to strengthen partnerships, drive policy change, and ensure that every individual in Ghana can exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights. By engaging with diverse stakeholders and communities, they aim to accelerate progress towards achieving
comprehensive SRHR by 2030, addressing persistent challenges such as maternal mortality, unmet family planning needs, teenage pregnancy, and child marriage.
