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El Fasher, North DarfurThe International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and The Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) are deeply alarmed and saddened by targeted attacks in El Fasher, Sudan, where Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have caused devastating harm to civilians, humanitarian workers, and SFPA staff.SFPA, a Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), reports that one staff member has been detained and nine others remain missing. One staff member previously reported missing has reached relative safety after walking for two days to Tawila. She is now receiving medical care for exhaustion and dehydration. The whereabouts of the remaining staff are still unknown, as communications and movement in El Fasher remain severely restricted.“The silence is unbearable. Our colleagues are missing, clinics have been destroyed, and women are giving birth with no one to help them. The world cannot stay quiet while lives are being systematically erased.” said Elshafie Mohamed Ali, Executive Director of SFPA.SFPA and IPPF strongly condemn the ongoing attacks on healthcare, including the assault on the Saudi Maternity Hospital, which SFPA had rehabilitated to provide essential maternal, newborn and reproductive health care. During the hospital attack, which killed more than 460 patients and their companions and led to the abduction of health workers, one SFPA staff member was present inside the facility but managed to escape.“They are bombing the very places where life begins. Maternity wards have become killing grounds. Women are giving birth under fire, midwives are disappearing, and health workers are being attacked for saving lives. We cannot continue to let this go on.” said Dr. Hiba Ahmed Khalil Badr, Director of Emergency and Humanitarian Interventions, SFPA.More than 260,000 people remain trapped in El Fasher with almost no access to food, clean water or medical care. Pregnant women and survivors of sexual and reproductive violence face life-threatening barriers to care.“What is happening in El Fasher is a brutal assault on women, health workers, and the very essence of life itself. Our colleagues are risking everything to keep women and newborns alive, while hospitals are being turned into battlefields. This cannot be normalized. The Arab world and the international community must act now, not only with words of sympathy, but with decisive measures to protect civilians, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure that the right to health and safety is never again treated as a casualty of war,” said Dr. Fadoua Bakhadda, Regional Director, IPPF Arab World Region.These attacks mark a dangerous escalation in violence against humanitarian and health facilities. They threaten not only those providing care but also the continuity of life-saving sexual and reproductive health services, including safe delivery, contraception, and emergency obstetric and newborn care. The deliberate targeting of health workers and maternity facilities is a violation of international humanitarian law and an assault on the right to health and dignity.“This is not an isolated incident. It is part of a relentless pattern of attacks on women, on health workers, and on the right to care,” said Valerie Dourdin, Global Humanitarian Director, IPPF. “How much longer can we watch hospitals burn and call it outrage without action? The international community must act now to protect health workers, civilians, and defend the right to reproductive healthcare.”We urgently call for:• Immediate protection of civilians and humanitarian personnel in El Fasher.• Safe and unimpeded humanitarian access to all conflict-affected areas.• The release of detained and missing staff, and clarification on their situation.• International action to halt these attacks and uphold international humanitarian and human rights law.---About SFPAThe Sudan Family Planning- Association (SFPA) was established in 1965 by pioneers in obstetrics and gynaecology in response to rising maternal, neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity.As a Member Association of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), SFPA has provided sexual and reproductive health services to millions of people affected by crisis across Sudan, including maternal healthcare, contraception, and essential care for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Despite the direct targeting of their own infrastructure, including the destruction of nine SFPA clinics and the tragic loss of healthcare workers, SFPA has continued to deliver life-saving SRH services. In 2024 alone, they reached 13.2 million people, including 10.1 million in humanitarian settings, across 14 states through a network of static clinics, mobile teams, community distributors and digital platforms.---About the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF)The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in more than 140 countries.Building on a proud history of over 70 years of achievement, we commit to lead a locally owned, globally connected civil society movement that provides and enables services and champions SRHR for all, especially the under-served.We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect and dignity, no matter what.

El Fasher, Sudan: The Abu Shouk Centre, affiliated with the North Darfur State Branch of the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) was directly targeted by the Rapid Support Forces militia on the morning of 28 December 2024. The centre was providing humanitarian services at the time of the attack. This tragic incident resulted in the death of a 17-year-old client and injuries to three others, with varying degrees of severity. The centre’s buildings sustained partial destruction, significantly reducing its ability to deliver essential healthcare and humanitarian services to the local community. This latest attack adds to a series of devastating assaults on our clinics in Sudan. In September 2023, facilities in Khartoum and El Fasher, along with several health centres run by SFPA, were destroyed. On 2 July 2024, another horrendous attack targeted one of our healthcare clinics in Khartoum, further compromising our ability to deliver life-saving services to those in need. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached catastrophic level and is now the world’s largest humanitarian emergency. After nearly 20 months of war, over 12 million people have been displaced from their homes. The country’s healthcare system has collapsed, with an estimated 70–80% of hospitals in conflict-affected areas no longer functioning. Women and girls are experiencing a sharp increase in sexual and conflict-related violence and our staff have witnessed the devastating impact of these crimes on women, girls, and other marginalised groups. SFPA is actively supporting its North Darfur State branch in responding to this urgent situation. We remain committed to the safety and security of our staff and beneficiaries and to continuing the provision of vital family planning and healthcare services to communities in this critically insecure region. Fadoua Bakhadda, Arab World Regional Director for IPPF said, "IPPF AWRO condemns the attack on the Abu Shouk Centre as a heartbreaking reminder of the escalating violence against healthcare providers in Sudan. This assault targets the basic rights of women, girls, and communities relying on life-saving services. We stand in solidarity with SFPA and call on all parties to respect the neutrality of healthcare facilities and prioritize civilian safety and dignity."   About the Sudan Family Planning Association The Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) was established in 1965 by pioneers in obstetrics and gynaecology in response to increases in maternal, neonatal and infant mortality and morbidity. As the statistics show, Sudan is a country in great need of frontline sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. Advocacy, and undertaking information, education and communication (IEC) programs are critical. In 2023, SFPA provided 38 million services through 25 clinics, 272 associated clinics, 39 mobile clinics, 1494 CBD/CBS, and digital/Virtual channels. Since the start of the crisis on 15 April 2023, the association teams were successful in providing 8 million services through 25 SDPs and 10 million services through non damaged associated and mobile clinics. SFPA was able to assist 1,183 deliveries under bombardment and provided 170 943 treatments of HIV in its static clinics.   About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global healthcare provider and a leading advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for all. We are a movement of 150 Member Associations and Collaborative Partners with a presence in over 146 countries. Building on a proud history of 70 years of achievement, we commit to lead a locally owned, globally connected civil society movement that provides and enables services and champions sexual and reproductive health and rights for all, especially the under-served. We advocate for a world where people are provided with the information they need to make informed decisions about their sexual health and bodies. We stand up and fight for sexual and reproductive rights, and against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care that is rooted in rights, respect, and dignity - no matter what.

In light of the ongoing conflict in Sudan since April 15, 2023, the Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) has re-launched its electronic platform to provide essential rights-based reproductive health services. Current technical challenges in Sudan, caused by the ongoing conflict, has disrupted many essential services, including access to family planning and reproductive health care. The e-platform is being relaunched to ensure that we can continue providing rights-based, essential services to those in need, particularly women and youth, even during these difficult times. Since the platform’s inception, it has already reached over one thousand clients, many of whom are in rural or conflict-affected areas. It has also provided psychological support and legal advice to women suffering from abuse in conflict areas, which demonstrates the platform’s vital role. This initiative, supported by the Federal Ministry of Health and state ministries, aims to strengthen the affected health system and improve access to vital services during this challenging period. Key services available through the phone number 1700 include: Comprehensive reproductive health consultations. Response to gender-based violence (GBV) with psychological and legal support. Secure and confidential remote consultations via video calls. The project aims to: Enhance access to reproductive health services, particularly in conflict-affected areas. Support vulnerable groups such as women and youth with comprehensive health consultations. Strengthen the national health system in partnership with the Ministry of Health and international partners. Elshafie Muhammed Ali, Executive Director, Sudan Family Planning Association, said:  "We hope this initiative will contribute to alleviating the impact of the crisis and improving the quality of life for the Sudanese population. The lack of reaction from the UN and the international community is heartbreaking. So much is left for the Sudanese people to deal with. SFPA and IPPF stand by the women and girls of Sudan, even if the world looks away." The total number of people who fled their homes since mid-April 2023 is 10.3 million - or every fifth person in the country - making this the largest displacement crisis in the world. This includes about 8 million people displaced within Sudan and another 2.3 million who crossed into neighbouring countries. The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), estimates that 6.7 million Sudanese people, mostly women, are at risk of gender-based violence (GBV).

Nairobi, 23 September 2024 – A groundbreaking £75.125 million project has been announced by the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) and its partners, the International Rescue Committee (IRC), Options, Ipas, and Johns Hopkins University Centre for Communication Programmes, to transform sexual and reproductive health services across East and Southern Africa. This large-scale initiative will benefit seven countries, supporting millions of women, girls, and vulnerable communities in Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Zambia. This programme, known as Women’s Integrated Sexual Health 2 (WISH 2) Lot 2, is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO). As part of FCDO WISH Dividend, it builds on the successes of FCDO’s £272 million Women’s Integrated Sexual Health (2018-2024) programme, which spanned 27 countries across Africa and Asia. Over its lifespan, the first WISH programme supported over an estimated 16.9 million women and girls, helping them gain access to critical SRHR services. FCDO’s continued partnership with IPPF for this next phase of WISH was unveiled by FCDO's Chris Carter, on behalf of the UK Minister for Africa, Lord Collins, during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) side event, “SRHR: Securing reproductive choice for the next generation.” Announcing FCDO’s partnerships with IPPF, MSI Reproductive Choices and the Children's Investment Fund Foundation, Chris Carter noted the new programme will play a critical role in increasing women's voice, choice and control across 13 countries in Africa.” With the goal of delivering over seven million ‘couple years protection,’ the programme will address critical healthcare gaps, promote reproductive choice, and tackle harmful social norms. It will also provide urgent support to improve policies, strengthen health systems, and safeguard the reproductive rights of women and girls, especially in areas affected by conflict and displacement. At the heart of this initiative is a focus on reaching the most marginalised groups, including young women and girls under 20, those living in poverty, people with disabilities, and communities in conflict zones. Importantly, WISH2 will also work to improve access to safe abortion care and counteract the growing threats to women’s and girls' sexual and reproductive health rights. IPPF Director General Dr Alvaro Bermejo emphasised the critical need to protect and expand access to SRHR. “WISH2 will continue our mission of empowering women and girls across Africa to unlock their full potential. We will not only tackle the rollback of SRHR rights but also strengthen disability inclusion while delivering sustainable healthcare solutions,” said Dr Bermejo. “We’re grateful to the UK Government for their unwavering support in this important work.” Elshafie Mohamed Ali, Executive Director of Sudan Family Planning Association (SFPA) said “WISH2 is essential given Sudan’s current circumstances, particularly the ongoing conflict since April 15, 2023. The programme addresses the growing need for sexual and reproductive health services, offering crucial support to vulnerable communities amidst increasing instability and humanitarian challenges.” Chris Carter, Deputy Director, Head of Human Development Department, highlighted the impact of this new initiative: “Access to sexual and reproductive health services saves lives, empowers women and girls, and supports education, transforming lives and entire livelihoods. This project will amplify women’s voice, choice, and control across Africa, and we are proud to partner with IPPF and African organizations in this critical mission.” For media enquiries, please contact media@ippf.org    

With support from the Government of Japan, International Planned Parenthood Federation’s (IPPF) Member Associations in five countries, namely Afghanistan, Palestine, Sudan, Ukraine and Yemen, will provide urgent sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services to communities affected by natural disasters and conflict situations.  These IPPF Member Associations will: Provide sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and maternal and child health services for women and girls and marginalized communities in six remote and flood affected provinces in Afghanistan; Provide urgent sexual and reproductive health services to communities affected by the escalating violence in Palestine; Improve accessibility of services and community sustainability to decrease sexual and reproductive health-related mortality and morbidity of women and girls in three States with high internally-displaced populations in Sudan; Restore health facilities and access to maternal health services in conflict affected areas for populations affected by the destruction of the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine;  Provide critical sexual, reproductive and maternal health care to internally displaced people and local communities in Yemen. This vital funding from Japan will help with provision of badly needed but currently missing health services, especially for women, so that they can live with dignity and free from unwanted pregnancies, death of themselves and their newborns, and reproductive ill-health. It will allow us to provide essential and quality SRH and maternal and child health services in the communities, prevent and manage the consequences of sexual and gender-based violence, including the clinical management of rape, equip community-based midwives with skills to provide high quality obstetric and neonatal services and strengthen health information systems to collect high quality data to respond to the needs and priorities of women and girls’ health. IPPF Director General, Dr Alvaro Bemejo, said, "I offer heartfelt thanks to the Government of Japan for their  unparalleled generosity to enable IPPF to respond to the needs of women and girls caught up in crises around the world. This generosity will allow IPPF and our local partners to provide a critical lifeline to the growing number of people in desperate need of humanitarian assistance."   By the end of December 2024, IPPF, through our local partners in the five countries, will aim to deliver health services and information to at least 239,000 people in total.   For further information, please contact Yuri Taniguchi, IPPF London Office, at ytaniguchi@ippf.org.   Photo Credits: IPPF/Hannah Maule-ffinch/Sudan