Strengthening Integrated Services for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights in Eastern and Southern Africa

The Strengthening Integrated Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights, HIV and Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Services programme aims to accelerate action on SDGs 3 and 5 in Eastern and Southern Africa, by improving the sexual and reproductive health and rights of all people in the region, with a focus on adolescent girls, young people and key populations at risk of HIV.

Funded by the Swedish International Development Agency, the programme combines the strengths of UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO to support governments, civil society and communities in the region in scaling up quality, integrated services, drawing on lessons learned from previous projects implemented by these agencies.

The programme addresses inequalities and discrimination to reduce the vulnerabilities of the most marginalized people in the region, and works to make national health systems more accountable in meeting commitments to leave no one behind.

The programme aims to create an enabling legal and policy environment that empowers all people, especially adolescent girls, young people and key populations, to exercise their sexual and reproductive health rights, access services and adopt protective and promotive behaviors. It facilitates South-South and triangular cooperation to share knowledge and document promising practices, and coordinates the four agencies’ assistance at the country and regional level.