ARFH, in collaboration with the Ekiti State chapter of the Federation of Professional Business Women Association (FPBWA), implemented a one-year pilot project titled “Promoting Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights through Coalition of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) in Ekiti State”. With support from Pathfinder International U.K., this project aimed to contribute to a reduction in maternal mortality and morbidity rates in Ekiti State and to promote voluntary use of FP methods through information, education and communication (IEC) and clinic-based services.
The project was implemented in 8 communities in two LGAs: Ifelodun/Irepodun and Ido/Osi. Three communities in Oyo Local Government Area served as a control. The project’s wide consultations with key stakeholders at the State, local government and community levels prior to the project take-off facilitated progress and enthusiasm. Through the ten-month intervention, this pilot project recorded significant results in motivating and propelling one NGO, 2 CBOs, various trade groups, traditional institutions and decision makers at both state and LGA levels into action. Such action included mobilization of community members in participating actively and taking responsibilities for their reproductive health, influenced government in making adequate provision for health establishments in their domain, mobilized members in changing their health seeking behaviour, making health providers accountable to the people rather than themselves, emerging culture of women participating in decision making, mobilization of people for safe sexual practices to stem the tide of HIV/AIDS.