Alternative Rites of Passage Project: Voices from the Community

Abstract

Founded in 1957, Amref Health Africa is an international health development organisation whose core mission is to increase sustainable health access to communities in Africa through solutions in human resources for health, innovative health services and solutions and investments in health, all geared towards a Universal Health Coverage (UHC). With a presence in seven African countries and one hub in Western Africa, Amref prides itself as the leading champion of a people-centred UHC that ensures individuals and communities - who are at the centre of our programmatic work – in Africa access the essential and quality health services they need without suffering financial hardship. Amref Health Africa works to bridge gaps between communities, health systems and governments, lead advocacy for health system reforms in Africa and provide leadership in the NGO community in developing and documenting best practices and training on community health systems. AMREF envisions Lasting Health Change in Africa through increased sustainable health access to communities in Africa through solutions in human resources for health, health services delivery and investments in health. The documentation of the Alternative Rite of Passage success stories project was commissioned by the Amref End FGM/C Centre of Excellence (COE) with funds from the Peoples Post Code Lottery -UK and the Dutch Postcode Lottery through Amref UK and Amref flying doctors in the Netherlands. The CoE has the mandate of initiating and catalysing multi-sectoral action, collaboration and building partnerships that help accelerate FGM/C abandonment in Africa.