Unite for Body Rights (UFBR) programme is a five year (2011-2015) youth reproductive health and rights programme funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Dutch Sexual and Reproductive Health Alliance, where AMREF is represented by the Netherlands office.
UFBR programme is Phase II of AMREF’s Nomadic Reproductive Health Project which run from 2007 to 2010 funded by the Dutch Foreign Ministry through AMREF Netherlands. UFBR is wider in scope, geographic coverage and the number of implementing partners.
The project targets young people (10-24), women, people from marginalised groups and community members (Marginalised groups such as survivors of violence, LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender), MSM (Men having Sex with Men), the disabled, people with traditional lifestyles in remote areas (such as nomads), and people living with HIV/AIDS) with the overall objective of improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of the nomadic youth.
Specific Objectives
- Increased utilisation and quality of comprehensive Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services
- Increased quality and delivery of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
- Reduction of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)
- Increased acceptance of Sexual Diversity and Gender Identity
Challenges
- Widespread practice of risky cultural practices such as FGM, early marriage and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV)
- Shortage of health workers at the facility/understaffing
- Lack of motivation for peer educators and CHWs/ payment of the government monthly allowance rates not possible by project
- Poor access to health facilities due to long distances
- Cultural beliefs still hinder full acceptance by mothers to skilled birth attendance, ANC and child immunisation
- High levels of illiteracy remain a big barrier to SRHR services and information
- Persistent drought affects the successful reach of the nomadic population as they keep on the move
- The practice of ‘moranism’ still exposes nomadic boys to high risk practices
AMREF is a transparent organisation distributing funds of up to $85 million per year.
