Africa region

Across the Africa region, access to abortion is often severely restricted, and 62% of the nearly 47,000 people who die annually from unsafe abortion live in Africa. Unmet need for contraception (that is, the proportion of women who want to space births, or who do not want any more children but are not currently using a contraceptive method) is highest in the Afric regiona, and across the region only 32% of married women use a modern contraceptive method, compared to 68% in the Latin America and Caribbean region and 63% in more developed countries. In addition, the vast majority of the world’s HIV-infected people live in Africa, and women comprise over 58% of adults living with HIV in the region.

Ibis’s work in the Africa region encompasses a wide range of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) issues, including abortion, contraception, and HIV/AIDS. We conduct clinical, operations, and social science research to identify and evaluate bold, new ways to improve access to SRH services and the quality of care. We also study the best ways to integrate HIV and comprehensive SRH services in order to meet the needs of all people, whether HIV positive or negative. 

We work closely with local colleagues to use our research to advocate for improved reproductive health policies and service delivery guidelines that reflect the best evidence, ensuring people reap the benefits of global research investments.