Thimpu, March 8: Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), graced the International Women's Day event hosted by Respect, Educate, Nurture, Empower Women (RENEW) on 8 March in Thimpu. The event, observed in the esteemed presence of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck, Queen Mother of Bhutan, served as a platform to raise awareness and address the pressing issue of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Bhutan, and the larger South Asian subcontinent. In South Asia, the prevalence of sexual gender-based violence (SGBV) remains alarmingly high, with lifetime intimate partner violence rates being 35% higher than the global average. This pervasive issue is compounded by societal factors such as the socio-economic structure, power imbalances within households, and institutionalized patriarchy. Countries like Bangladesh and Nepal continue to grapple with gender-based violence, ranking as the top countries where gender-based violence is the first or second leading cause of intentional homicide. Gross human rights violations, including female feticide, honor killings, trafficking, forced sex work, and acid attacks, persist unchecked in South Asia. Additionally, everyday forms of gendered violence within the private sphere often go unnoticed, perpetuating its societal acceptance. Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, in his capacity as Director-General of IPPF, recognizes the urgent need for action to address SGBV in South Asia. “The IPPF's new strategy, "Come Together," underscores the importance of challenging social norms, providing support to marginalized communities, and advocating for policy changes to combat SGBV effectively “, he said. In Bhutan, a study by the National Commission for Women and Children (NCWC) in 2017 on violence against women and girls (VAWG) in the country found that more than 40% of the 298 surveyed women who had experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner – never shared their experience with anyone. RENEW, IPPF's Associate Partner in Bhutan, stands as a champion in the fight against SGBV. Despite significant progress in enacting laws and policies related to sexual and reproductive health and gender equality, Bhutan faces challenges in implementing these measures. RENEW provides comprehensive services to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, including counseling, legal aid, shelter, advocacy, and awareness campaigns. "During the last 16 years, RENEW has made numerous attempts to understand the nature and causes of GBV and has introduced a stellar community-led intervention to address these issues. However, SGBV remains a critical issue in Bhutan. We urge the government to prioritize Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and efforts to combat SGBV down to the local government bodies and officials," stated Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of IPPF. "We also seek greater interagency collaboration and coordination to effectively address this issue." As part of the effort towards destigmatising and preventing SGBV in South Asia and to directly work with the most vulnerable communities, IPPF South Asia Region’s #GotToBreakFree Awards aim to shed light on often-invisible survivors from key intersections, including those facing caste-based gender violence, the LGBTI+ community, women in sex work, women with disabilities, and undocumented migrants. By recognizing their contributions, the initiative seeks to build a cadre of community champions and encourage a culture of speaking out against SGBV. During the International Women's Day Celebrations, Dr. Alvaro announced the names of six #GotToBreakFree champions selected from Bhutan, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “These champions will receive support from IPPF to advance their work in preventing SGBV within their communities and countries. Additionally, they will mentor youth volunteers from the South Asia Regional Youth Network to address harmful narratives and destigmatise SGBV in the region effectively”, said Dr. Bermejo.  For further information, please contact Kuenga lhaden at [email protected] and Madhurima Mallik at [email protected]  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.

We have meticulously followed the Indian Supreme Court’s verdict on legally recognizing same-sex marriages. We must express our profound disappointment at the missed opportunity to unequivocally affirm the rights and dignity of the LGBTI+ community in India.  The court’s recognition of the LGBTI+ community’s rights is a positive development, Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, known for his progressive judgment in the decriminalization of Section 377, which decriminalized homosexuality, asserted that it is erroneous to exclusively associate competent parenting with heterosexual couples, a sentiment we applaud.  However, our appreciation is tempered by the court’s reluctance to extend legal recognition to same-sex marriages under the Special Marriage Act. The assertion by Justice Narasimha that the right to marry is statutory, not constitutional, and Justice Bhat’s concurrence that the Act should not be read down to include same-sex marriages, are positions we find deeply unsatisfactory.  The verdict, though a mix of progressive and conservative stances, unfortunately, leans towards the latter, leaving the LGBTQIA+ community in a limbo of partial recognition and incomplete rights. The court’s decision to defer the issue to parliament underscores a hesitancy to assert judicial leadership in safeguarding minority rights.  We are unwavering in our belief in the inherent dignity, rights, and equality of all individuals, irrespective of their sexual orientation. The verdict falls short of the decisive affirmation of rights that the LGBTI+ community in India deserves and is entitled to.  Our advocacy for the comprehensive legal recognition and societal acceptance of same-sex relationships remains as steadfast as ever. We are committed to ensuring that every individual enjoys the freedom to love and be loved without discrimination. We urge the Indian parliament to rise above societal norms and prejudices and to legislate an inclusive, equitable, and just society where the rights and dignities of all citizens are upheld and protected.  We are committed to continued and intensified advocacy until the full spectrum of rights is unconditionally extended to the LGBTQIA+ community in India. The journey towards equality, dignity, and justice continues. 

IPPF South Asia Regional Office (SARO) is inviting young people from the region (Afghanistan, Iran, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Maldives) to become part of its South Asia Regional Youth Network (SARYN). SARYN is a youth-led network run by youth volunteers from IPPF’s Member Associations in South Asia dedicated to promoting sexual and reproductive health, rights, and justice in the region. The network is supported by Member Associations and IPPF South Asia Regional Office. SARYN shares the core values of IPPF and is committed to the same vision and mission as the Federation. The network aims to ensure coordination and collaboration of regional youth and their networks through the development of a Youth Regional Strategic Plan (Youth RSP) drawing from IPPF Strategy 2023-28, which aims to strengthen youth engagement in the region and within eight countries on themes of SRHR, Abortion rights, Diversity, and Inclusion, this will be in line with IPPF’s Sexual Rights Declaration/ IPPF’s charter. IPPF recognises youth and young professionals as champions, knowledge-holders, and innovators thus, firmly advocating that young people hold the key to sustainable development. IPPF’s SARYN is in response to calls by youth to be more engaged in IPPF’s work, particularly in SRHRJ. Individuals with intersectional identities, including young SOGIESC, people living with HIV and/or disabilities, are strongly encouraged to register. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible, one must be: Aged between 10-24 years. Affiliated to a youth-led or youth-focused organisation/network/movement, volunteer at respective Member Association OR affiliated to a university or college and pursuing courses related to the thematic areas. Able to clearly demonstrate a multiplier effect of being part of the network.  Willing and able to continue engagement and participation that is in virtual and in-person meetings/seminars at respective MAs (at least 4 events). HOW TO JOIN The joining process is done online by completing an e-application form accessible https://forms.office.com/r/bPGs4grGUg  

Monkeypox Q&A 1. What is monkeypox? Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease first discovered in 1958 and typically occurs in tropical areas in central and west Africa. In May 2022, multiple cases of monkeypox were identified in non-endemic countries, and the number of cases and countries where infection has spread has continued to increase to over 16,000 cases over the past 2 months. This is the first time many monkeypox cases have been reported concurrently in non-endemic and endemic countries in different geographical areas. Previously, almost all monkeypox cases in people outside of Africa were linked to international travel to countries where the disease commonly occurs or through imported animals. Most cases so far have been identified through sexual health and other services at primary healthcare facilities, and have involved mainly, but not exclusively, men who have sex with men. Studies are underway to understand the epidemiology of the current spread of disease. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown. African rodents and non-human primates (like monkeys) are the animals most likely to harbor the virus and infect people. 2. What are the symptoms? The incubation period is between 6-13 days, with a range of 5-21 days. Initially, infection is followed by 0-5 days of fever, intense headache, lymphadenopathy, back pain, myalgia and fatigue. The skin lesions appear 1-3 days after the fever. The rash affects almost all infected people, beginning on the face (95%) and then spreading to other parts of the body, most commonly the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It also may develop on mucosal membranes and genitalia. The rash begins from macules and progresses to papules, then to vesicles and pustules which dry up and fall off. The lesions may be itchy or painful, and in some cases cause scarring. The infection is self-limited and symptoms generally last 14-21 days. 3. How is it transmitted? The transmission can be spread from human to human via: - Direct contact with the infected areas: rash, scabs or body fluid. This also include the contact during physical intimacy. Respiratory secretions, usually requires prolonged face-to-face contact such as kissing. - Contaminated via infected items such as clothing, bedclothes - Infected pregnant mother to their fetus via placenta It may also be contracted through an animal host, generally through scratching or biting or by preparing or eating meat or using products from an infected animal, in endemic countries. 4. How dangerous is it? Most cases of the virus are mild, sometimes resembling an illness like chickenpox, and resolve without treatment within a few weeks. The risk of transmitting disease is much greater for the infected person than developing severe disease or dying. The case fatality ratio of monkeypox has ranged from 0 to 11 % in the general population and has been higher among children. Recently, the case fatality ratio has been around 3–6%. Severe cases occur most commonly among children and those with underlying immune deficiencies. 5. How can it be prevented? Avoiding close, skin-to-skin contact with people who have a rash that looks like monkeypox. - Avoid handling bedding, towels or clothing or sharing utensils or cups with a person with monkeypox. - Follow normal infection-prevention protocols and behaviors, such as washing hands often with soap and water. Health care providers should use personal protective equipment when monkeypox is suspected. - People with monkeypox should isolate at home for the duration of symptoms of illness and refrain from close physical contact, including sexual activity - Avoid unprotected contact with wild animals, especially those sick or dead, in countries where it is endemic. Additionally, cook well all foods containing animal meat or parts. Vaccination may be available for those who have been exposed to monkeypox through close contact or sexual contact, within 2 weeks of exposure. Prior vaccination against smallpox (which is in the same virus family) is 85% effective in preventing development of disease; however, only persons older than 40 or so may benefit from prior vaccination given that routine smallpox vaccination ceased around 1980 when it was declared eradicated. A newer vaccine based on modified attenuated vaccina virus was approved for the prevention of monkeypox in 2019. This is a two-dose vaccine currently with limited availability. 6. What is the treatment? Clinical care for monkeypox should have a goal to alleviate symptoms, manage complications, and prevent long-term sequelae. Most infected people can manage their symptoms at home without specialized or hospital care. Severe cases or complications arising from the disease, such as pneumonitis or superimposed bacterial infections and sepsis require medical treatment. Patients should be offered fluids and food to maintain nutritional status. Secondary bacterial infections should be treated as needed or indicated. An antiviral agent known as tecovirimat that was developed for smallpox was licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for monkeypox in 2022 based on data in animal and human studies. It is not yet widely available. 7. How is monkeypox diagnosed? The clinical differential diagnosis that must be considered includes other rash illnesses, such as chickenpox, measles, bacterial skin infections, scabies, syphilis, and medication-associated allergies. Lymphadenopathy during the prodromal stage of illness can be a clinical feature to distinguish monkeypox from chickenpox or smallpox. If monkeypox is suspected, health workers should collect an appropriate sample; polymerase chain reaction (PCR) Assays is the preferred laboratory test as it is most accurate and sensitive. Optimal sampling is from skin lesions: the roof or fluid from vesicles or pustules, or from dry crusts. Specimens should be packaged and shipped to appropriate laboratories in accordance with national and international requirements. 8. Are gay men at greater risk? Although many of the cases have been seen in gay and bisexual men, anyone who comes into close contact with someone who has monkeypox could be infected with the virus. All patients regardless of their history or characteristics who need diagnosis and treatment should receive stigma-free care and/or referrals free of discrimination. For any questions, please contact Nathalie Kapp, [email protected].  

The US Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade in the biggest blow to women's health and rights in recent US history, removing 50 years of constitutional protection for abortion across America, meaning individual states will now decide the legality of abortion within their jurisdiction. Twenty-six states, including Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas and Georgia, are now poised to enact "trigger laws" that will severely limit or ban abortion, putting approximately 40 million women and girls of reproductive age at risk of losing abortion access, with lower-income people and people of color most severely affected.  The patchwork of state abortion bans means those without funds to travel for safe and legal abortion services or access medical abortion pills will be forced underground to unsafe and unregulated methods, with no guarantee of quality of care or aftercare if things go wrong. The devastating rollback of reproductive rights resulted from the Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case, a 2018 ruling that banned abortion in Mississippi after 15 weeks of pregnancy. Of the nine federal Supreme Court Justices, six voted to uphold the Mississippi law, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade, and three dissented. Dr Alvaro Bermejo, Director-General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: "The Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade is the biggest blow to women's health and rights in recent US history and an outrageous and devastating conclusion to what was already an unconstitutional removal of life-saving healthcare. "By continuing its unbridled attack on women's bodies and forcing them to carry pregnancies to term, the highest court in the land has reached its lowest point, robbing millions of their liberty, bodily autonomy and freedom – the very values the United States prides itself on. "We know for a fact that banning abortion does not mean fewer abortions and that when abortion bans are enacted, women and pregnant people die, as we have seen across the globe, most recently in Poland. We also know that those who cannot access safe abortion care legally, including medical abortion pills, will be forced into unregulated and unsafe methods, potentially resulting in serious harm or even death and costing lives for decades to come. "The fallout from this calculated decision will also reverberate worldwide, emboldening other anti-abortion, anti-woman and anti-gender movements and impacting other reproductive freedoms. The justices who put their personal beliefs ahead of American will, precedent, and law will soon have blood on their hands, and we are devastated for the millions of people who will suffer from this cruel judgment." The overturning of Roe v. Wade also flies in the face of democracy and against the values of those the Supreme Court is meant to represent and protect, with the majority (60%) of Americans supporting Roe v. Wade and 70% believing the decision to end a pregnancy is between a woman or pregnant person and their doctor. Elizabeth Schlachter, Director of Advocacy and US representative for the International Planned Parenthood Federation, said: "The Supreme Court's perilous ruling is not just regressive but also wildly out of step with most Americans, who we know support access to abortion care. It is also at odds with much of the world, where access to abortion is expanding to reach all who need this vital health service. "By overriding the constitutional right to abortion across the US and handing the decision to each state, many parts of the US will now join El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Poland with some of the most restrictive, extremist, and life-threatening bans on abortion care in the world. "But this is not just about the anti-abortion movement in the US; this is concerted and calculated global effort by anti-women, anti-gender, anti-LGBTQI+ conservative and religious, white supremacist extremists, who are using dark money and undemocratic means to deny people their human right to healthcare, equality, bodily autonomy and ultimately, freedom. "With long-held rights under sustained attack, the International Planned Parenthood Federation is imploring governments across the globe to do more to protect democracy and peoples' freedoms from the interference and influence of these extremist groups." The International Planned Parenthood Federation's (IPPF) Member Association, the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA), continues to provide services to all who need them where legally possible, including via telemedicine for medical abortion pills. IPPF and PPFA will also continue to work around the clock to protect the rights of all people both in the US and globally, fighting extremism at its core and ensuring that women and pregnant people will not be forced to carry a pregnancy or give birth against their will. To help keep abortion legal, safe, and accessible, you can donate to the International Planned Parenthood Federation or Planned Parenthood Federation of America. For media enquiries, please contact Karmen Ivey on [email protected] or [email protected]   About the International Planned Parenthood Federation The International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) is a global service provider and advocate of sexual and reproductive health and rights for all.   For over 65 years, IPPF, through its 118 Member Associations and 15 partners, has delivered high-quality sexual and reproductive healthcare and helped advance sexual rights, especially for people with intersectional and diverse needs that are currently unmet. Our Member Associations and partners are independent organizations that are locally owned, which means the support and care they provide is informed by local expertise and context. 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 against those who seek to deny people their human right to bodily autonomy and freedom. We deliver care rooted in rights, respect, and dignity - no matter what.