International organizations and NGOs: An example of international collaboration to improve women's health by preventing unsafe abortion

Abstract

International collaboration with organizations and agencies is a basic requirement for the success of the FIGO Initiative for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and its Consequences. Many activities being carried out by the organizations form a part of the plans of action of all countries participating in the Initiative. It was, therefore, not difficult to obtain their collaboration in implementing the plans of action. The many ways in which they have collaborated and continue to do so are described in this article. This collaboration has saved time, avoided duplication of effort, and has also satisfied the Accra Agenda of Action by reducing fragmentation of funding. It has already contributed toward preventing unsafe abortion and reducing abortion-related maternal deaths and morbidities, and is expected to contribute even more significantly in the coming months and years.

Contribution of the Central American and Caribbean obstetrics and gynecology societies to the prevention of unsafe abortion in the region

“…The focal points and executive boards of the participating societies are committed to achieving these goals. They are working in close coordination with their local Ministry of Health representatives and with the support of agencies such as Gynuity Health Projects, Ipas, the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), Marie Stopes International, the Population Council, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and WHO through its Pan American branch (PAHO) [8].…”

Contribution of obstetrics and gynecology societies in South America to the prevention of unsafe abortion in the region

“…They then formulated a plan of action aimed at resolving the problems identified in the analysis. The plans of action were prepared in collaboration with the country's Ministry of Health and occasionally with the participation of national and international agencies working in the field of women's health and rights [2,9,10]. The objectives included in the plans of action for each country are listed in Table 1.…”

Contribution of obstetrics and gynecology societies in West and Central African countries to the prevention of unsafe abortion

“…The achievements represent the results of the work performed by the professional societies of obstetrics and gynecology in collaboration with their respective Ministries of Health and development partners. In most cases, the collaborating partners consisted of UNFPA, WHO, IPPF, Ipas, Gynuity Health Projects, the Concept Foundation, and Population Services International [4].…”