Stichting Lobi Health Center, the IPPF Member Association in Suriname, recently welcomed Dr. Alvaro Bermejo, Director General of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF), and Eugenia López Uribe, IPPF Regional Director for the Americas and the Caribbean. During their visit, Nensy Bandhoe, Lobi’s Executive Director, focused on strengthening collaboration with key local leaders to advance sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in this country. The highlight of the visit was the launch of Lobi’s latest social media campaign, hich aims to address men’s role in preventing cervical cancer, as well as their expansion of HIV prevention with PrEP. In this generous visit, Stichting Lobi shared how important it is for their organization to provide integrated SRHR services, policy alignment, and community-based approaches.  

Expanding Access to HIV Prevention with PrEP 

Stichting Lobi Health Center is also advancing SRHR through its commitment to HIV prevention. As a pioneer in providing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), Lobi offers this preventive treatment to individuals at high risk of contracting HIV, emphasizing community outreach and confidentiality. PrEP, a daily pill, prevents HIV from establishing itself in the body, thereby offering effective protection for those who might be vulnerable. Lobi’s services provide information and consultations on PrEP eligibility and usage, ensuring clients have confidential access to critical HIV prevention resources.  

Fostering Inclusive Community Connections 

 The visit stresses Stichting Lobi’s commitment to inclusive SRHR by engaging with diverse community representatives. Meetings were held with sex worker advocates, LGBTQ+ organizations, and representatives for transgender rights, such as Rachel Smith, Maarten Colom, and consultant Carla Bakboord. These interactions emphasized Lobi’s dedication to reaching marginalized groups, ensuring that SRHR services are accessible to all Surinamese people, regardless of class, or gender identity. 

Lobi’s youth advocates also presented project proposals to the IPPF leadership. Peer educators Vergay and Keyshia shared their vision for community outreach, showcasing the impact of youth-led initiatives in addressing SRHR barriers at the grassroots level. 

Launch of the LEAF Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign 

During the visit, there was the official launch of the LEAF project’s social media campaign, focused on dismantling misconceptions about cervical cancer screenings and on how men’s participation can be pivotal for timely diagnosis. At this launch, distinguished attendees included Dr. Yafflo W. Ouattara from PAHO/WHO, and Minister of Public Health Dr. A. Ramadhin. Dr. Bermejo expressed IPPF’s unwavering support for Stichting Lobi’s efforts, emphasizing the importance of early screening in cervical cancer prevention. 

A video debuted at the launch addressed male partner misconceptions around screening. The humorous but impactful narrative featured "Ernesto," a fictional male character reluctant to support his wife’s screening out of fears rooted in cultural and social misunderstandings. Through candid conversations, Ernesto learns the importance of early detection and gender-sensitive options in healthcare, ultimately supporting his wife’s decision to undergo screening. The video, available in Dutch and Sranang Tongo, was crafted to resonate deeply with Surinamese audiences. 

Looking Forward: Strengthening SRHR in Suriname 

The visit reaffirmed IPPF’s dedication to supporting Stichting Lobi’s work and expanding SRHR access in Suriname. As Lobi continues to enhance its services, their important collaboration as part of IPPF ensures that community-based health solutions remain a priority, advocating for SRHR that is inclusive, accessible, and impactful for all.