WVD in Latin America and The Caribbean
WVD and Allie's from Latin America Organize a Webinar to Analyze the Challenges of Male Contraception in the Region
Written By Lorena Setien,
With great success, on 11th June 2024, we developed the webinar ‘World Vasectomy Day and the new challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean,’ organized by our allies at ForoLAC.
‘Vasectomy is a gateway to inspiring men to participate positively,’ said Jonathan Stack, Executive Director of World Vasectomy Day, to begin the meeting that hosted more than 280 people from all over Latin America.
Jonathan highlighted the accelerated change in contraception in the region, although he stressed that there is still much to do.
During the webinar, we had the presentation of Dr. Esgar Guarín, who offered an interesting analysis of the challenges of the Latin American region to reduce the gender gaps that persist in contraception, working not only on the scope of vasectomies but on promoting education on responsible masculinities.
For her part, actuary Yolanda Varela, current General Director of the National Center for Gender Equity and Reproductive Health and a great ally of WVD, presented Mexico’s experience in the implementation of vasectomy in the public health system, highlighting strengths and challenges. .
We were also accompanied by Marcela Hernández, from the Ministry of Health of El Salvador, and Mercedes Contreras, from the San Martín de La Plata Hospital, in Argentina; with whom we have been working to improve men’s access to vasectomies in each country.
As mentioned by Silvana Resendy Birhuett, Regional Director of WVD for Latin America and the Caribbean, this webinar has been the first step in a regional process where we intend to strengthen ties to exchange experiences, strengthen strategies and show the world what Latin America is achieving in matters of vasectomy and male participation in family planning.
WVD Celebrates Father's Day in Mexico
Written By Lorena Setien,
With great success, on 11th June 2024, we developed the webinar ‘World Vasectomy Day and the new challenges in Latin America and the Caribbean,’ organized by our allies at ForoLAC.
‘Vasectomy is a gateway to inspiring men to participate positively,’ said Jonathan Stack, Executive Director of World Vasectomy Day, to begin the meeting that hosted more than 280 people from all over Latin America.
The event occurred at the Women’s Clinic, where 90 men from the city council had access to vasectomies for free. The health authorities of Amecameca organized these sexual and reproductive health sessions aimed at promoting male contraception with the support of the National Center for Gender Equity and ReproductiveHealth (CNEGSR).
In this way, we seek to expand access to vasectomies in every corner of Mexico so that all men have the opportunity to take care of their sexual health, make decisions about their reproduction, and exercise desired and responsible parenthood.
Opening of the sessions at the women’s clinic of Amecameca.
WVD in Zambia
WVD’s Responsible Men’s Club makes an impact with blood donation drive
Written By Christopher Njobvu,
The Responsible Men’s Club of WVD held a successful blood donation drive at PHI in Lusaka Zambia , attracting around 100 members to support local hospitals and patients.
Our event saw enthusiastic participation from club members, whose donations will provide a vital resource for saving lives. Medical professionals were present to educate attendees about the importance and process of blood donation, encouraging more frequent contributions in the future.
Blood donation is a critical community service, ensuring hospitals have the necessary supplies to treat needy patients. WVD, through the Responsible Men’s Club, is dedicated to fostering responsibility and care among men, and this drive exemplifies our commitment to these values. Our club continues to inspire with its dedication to community service, setting a benchmark for civic responsibility. The efforts highlight the power of collective action and the profound difference that can be made through small acts of kindness.
WVD’s Responsible Men’s Club blood donation drive.
WVD’s Responsible Men’s Club commemorates World Menstrual Hygiene Day
Written By Christopher Njobvu,
On May 28, 2024, World Menstrual Hygiene Day, the Responsible Men’s Club (RMC) of WVD celebrated under the theme “Together for a Period Friendly World.” The event empowered over 500 girls in Ngombe township through the ‘Empower Her Flow’ campaign, providing sanitary towels and education on menstrual health and hygiene.
Held at the Pentecostal Holiness Church in Lusaka, Zambia, the event brought together girls from 14 community schools. Our campaign highlighted the importance of addressing societal norms and stigma surrounding menstruation. Through the Responsible Men’s Club, WVD launched the Empower Her Flow program to combat the issues faced by thousands of girls who miss school due to lack of menstrual hygiene products. A key initiative is encouraging men to participate in conversations about menstrual health.
WVD Responsible Men’s Club member handing out sanitary towels to school girls.
Girls from various community schools in Ngombe area receive sanitary towels from the RMC.
Menstrual health is a significant issue in many parts of the world, including Zambia, where many girls lack access to necessary hygiene products. This often results in absenteeism from school, affecting their education and future prospects. Empower Her Flow aims to create a supportive environment for girls and women by involving men and breaking societal taboos.
Our campaign has the potential to significantly reduce school absenteeism among girls, improve their academic performance, and boost their self-esteem. The initiative fosters a more inclusive and understanding community by destigmatizing menstrual health and involving men in the dialogue.
Empower Her Flow is a crucial step towards creating a period-friendly world where every girl can thrive regardless of her menstrual cycle. Through the Responsible Men’s Club, we are urging everyone to join the conversation and support efforts to ensure menstrual health is recognized and addressed as a critical aspect of gender equality.
WVD gave a health talk at Unik Construction Company
Written By Christopher Njobvu,
WVD in Zambia at Unik construction company health talk.
Unik Construction Company, a leading name in the construction industry, recently took a significant step towards fostering a culture of health and well-being among its workforce by hosting WVD for a health talk at their offices.
On Friday, 3rd May 2024, from 14:00 to 15:00, WVD in Zambia held a groundbreaking event focused on “Men’s Sexual Reproductive Health and Hygiene” at Unik construction company offices.
During the health talk, we discussed male family planning and vasectomy and advocated for family health. We further discussed the significance of reproductive choices and men’s role in family health.
We then delved into the importance of men’s sexual health and hygiene. Through this, attendees gained valuable insights into various aspects of sexual health, including hygiene practices and reproductive awareness. Stressing the importance of regular check-ups and preventive measures, we emphasized proactive steps individuals can take to maintain optimal sexual health.
The event was a platform for open dialogue and engagement. Attendees actively participated, raising concerns and seeking information on available resources for sexual health support. This interactive exchange fostered a sense of empowerment and encouraged individuals to take ownership of their health journey.
The event marked a significant milestone to our commitment to encouraging men to take equal responsibility for family health and have access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. With approximately 52 workers in attendance, the company also demonstrated its dedication to addressing critical health issues affecting its workforce. The positive feedback and enthusiasm from participants underscored the importance of such initiatives.
Through ongoing education, awareness, and support, our organization aims to empower its workforce to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives both on and off the job site.
WVD hosts an “Insaka” in Chaisa community
Written By Christopher Njobvu,
On May 10th, 2024, the Chaisa Community Hall was abuzz with purpose and unity as community members gathered for a transformative Insaka aimed at breaking the silence and stigma surrounding mental health issues.
The Insaka emphasized the importance of addressing mental health concerns within the community, highlighting the significance of collective action in fostering a supportive environment. Key topics included personal hygiene, gender-based violence, alcohol abuse, and the role of men in making vasectomy choices. Attendees actively engaged in dialogue, sharing their stories and perspectives, creating an atmosphere of solidarity and empathy.
The event was organized in response to the growing need for mental health awareness and support in the community. By addressing various interconnected societal issues, the Insaka aimed to promote overall wellness and challenge traditional norms that impact mental health. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to enhance community well-being and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health.
The campaign empowered the community with knowledge and inspired collective action, fostering a renewed sense of purpose and determination to prioritize mental health and well-being. The discussions on gender norms and reproductive health added crucial dimensions to the conversation, advocating for inclusive approaches to mental health promotion.
The Mental Health Awareness Campaign at Chaisa Community Hall served as a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of community-driven initiatives. By fostering open dialogue, promoting education, and nurturing a culture of empathy and support, the campaign ignited a spark of hope for a healthier, more resilient future. As the community reflects on the insights shared and connections made, it is essential to carry forward the spirit of empowerment and transformation, knowing that together, we can truly make a difference in the lives of individuals and communities alike.
Celebrating Fathers Day Event With Purpose: 25 vasectomies performed in Zambia
Written By Christopher Njobvu,
Vasectomy Patient, UTH Clinic, Lusaka, Zambia
In honor of Father’s Day, WVD in Zambia conducted a vasectomy event to promote family health and reproductive health, resulting in 25 men choosing to undergo the procedure. The initiative, spanning two weeks, was marked by robust demand generation efforts, blending traditional outreach with innovative social media strategies. Community-based mobilizers held informational sessions to address misconceptions and emphasize the benefits of vasectomies, which played a crucial role in building trust and encouraging participation.
The first week saw an enthusiastic response, with 15 men opting for vasectomies due to effective engagement efforts. The momentum continued into the second week, with an additional 10 men participating. This sustained interest was driven by an ongoing social media campaign, community mobilization, and word-of-mouth referrals from those who had undergone the procedure in the first week.
In the lead-up to Father’s Day, WVD launched a social media campaign to raise awareness and generate interest in the event. A key element was a short video as a Father’s Day tribute . The video highlighted the relevance of fathers in family safety and efficacy of vasectomies and their positive impact on families and communities.
The video received significant attention, contributing to a surge in inquiries and appointments. Shared widely across various platforms, it demonstrated the power of storytelling and encouraged men to be responsible in society. The event’s success underscores the importance of strategic demand generation and the effective use of social media to reach a diverse audience and inspire action.
The 25 vasectomies performed represent 25 families making a conscious choice toward better family health and health reproductive health. Each procedure is a testament to the courage of the men who participated and the dedication of our healthcare providers who supported them. The success of this Father’s Day event in Zambia serves as a model for future initiatives, showing the impact achievable through coordinated efforts and community engagement.
WVD in Uganda
Expanding Our Reach To Western Uganda
Written By Kizza Blair,
WVD in Uganda has recently extended its demand generation program to Bushenyi, a district in Western Uganda known for its high fertility by y rate. Bushenyi ranks third in Uganda with an average of 4.8 children per woman, significantly higher than Kampala’s rate of 3.5 children per woman. Recognizing the need for enhanced family planning services in the region, WVD in Uganda has focused on providing vasectomy procedures as a reliable method of contraception. Over the past four weeks, this initiative has achieved remarkable success, with more than 40 vasectomies performed. This milestone demonstrates the growing acceptance and demand for male-oriented reproductive health services in Bushenyi.
In conjunction with our outreach efforts, WVD Uganda took an active role in the nationwide celebration of International Father’s Day. This year’s theme emphasized men as essential partners in health, underscoring their critical role in family planning and reproductive health. Through a series of online engagements, WVD in Uganda shared key information and resources aimed at encouraging men to take an active role in these areas. The campaign included social media posts and discussions that reached a wide audience, promoting the idea that men can be champions of health within their families and communities.
Educational Initiatives and Webinars
Written By Kizza Blair,
As part of our commitment to education and capacity building, WVD in Uganda has established streaming classes for medical schools across several countries. These include four medical schools in Uganda, one in Rwanda, one in Kenya, and one in Zambia. These educational initiatives are designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of future healthcare providers regarding vasectomy procedures and post-operative care. The flagship event of these efforts was the WVD Webinar Series, which kicked off with a session titled “Recipes of Pain Management.”
This webinar was led by Dr. Michel and Dr. John Curington, both esteemed experts in the field. It attracted over 408 students, providing them with comprehensive insights into effective pain management techniques following vasectomy procedures. The session covered various aspects, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods, patient counseling, and best practices in post-operative care. The interactive format allowed students to engage with the presenters, ask questions, and discuss real-world scenarios, enriching their learning experience.
Through these multifaceted engagements, WVD in Uganda continues to lead the charge in promoting men’s health and family planning. Our efforts in Bushenyi, the nationwide Father’s Day campaign, and the educational initiatives underscore our commitment to fostering a community of informed and proactive individuals. By addressing the unique needs of different regions and providing valuable educational resources, WVD Uganda is making significant strides in improving reproductive health outcomes across the region.