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What we do

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What we do

Direct delivery of sexual and reproductive health services and education programmes, international advocacy, intervention in disasters and emergencies, and the development of pan-national projects in response to specific needs: this is the work of IPPF and its Member Associations.

An staff member explains the contraceptive pill to a woman while girls watch

Contraception

Contraception is the use of temporary, long-term or permanent methods to prevent pregnancy. Condoms are the only available means to protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Man wearing an 'HIV Positive' shirt standing next to a girl

HIV and AIDS

IPPF is at the forefront of efforts to ensure that a comprehensive response to HIV is situated within a larger sexual and reproductive health framework.

Pregnant woman in a clinic in Mauritania getting an ultrasound scan

Women's health

Some of the greatest inequalities in the world are in levels of women's sexual and reproductive health and rights. In some countries, as many as 1 in 7 women who fall pregnant will die.

Two girls and a boy sit together

Sexual rights

Sexual rights are basic human rights. But around the world, they are denied daily to people through violence, abuse and coercion, and through criminalization and discrimination.

An IPPF medical staff member talks to a woman. Biology poster on the wall behind

Abortion

Every year, 47,000 women die due to unsafe abortion. It is 1 of the 3 leading causes of maternal mortality. IPPF supports a woman’s right to choose and to access safe abortion services.

Human Rights Council

Advocacy

At global, regional and national levels, IPPF persuades governments and decision makers to promote sexual and reproductive health and rights, to change policy and to fund programmes and service delivery. 

A woman stands next to rubbish tip, Georgia

Humanitarian

All humanitarian crises present acute sexual and reproductive health (SRH) challenges. Of countries worst affected by poor SRH, 9 out of the 10 are in a state of crisis.

Woman holding an IPPF condom

Gender equality

Gender‑based power inequalities mean that individuals face barriers deciding if, when and with whom to have sex; whether to use contraception; if, when and how many children to have; and how to seek health care.

Two girls embracing

Young people and adolescents

Over 40% of IPPF’s resources are devoted to addressing the needs of young people. Under 25s account for 50% of new HIV infections, and girls and young women are the most vulnerable group.