Aiming to strengthen the delivery of inclusive and quality healthcare services across Sierra Leone, the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) has entered into a formal partnership with the Rainbow Initiative (RI). The two organizations signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Monday, 28th July 2025, during a brief ceremony held at the Rainbow Initiative’s office on Williams Drive, SS Camp in Freetown.

The new partnership seeks to enhance service provision for Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) survivors and improve access to Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services, particularly among marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Speaking at the event, representatives from both PPASL and Rainbow Initiative reaffirmed their joint commitment to collaborative programming, resource and information sharing and the creation of safe and confidential referral pathways. These efforts aim to ensure that all beneficiaries receive timely, survivor-centered and non-discriminatory care.

According to the leadership of both institutions, the collaboration is a direct response to the alarming impact of SGBV on the health and well-being of individuals and communities throughout Sierra Leone. It also underscores a shared vision of delivering rights-based healthcare services that are accessible to all.

Under the terms of the MOU, the two organizations will work together to offer a range of essential services, including psychosocial counseling, HIV testing, STI screening, family planning and broader sexual and reproductive health care. Capacity-building initiatives and public awareness campaigns will also be rolled out to reduce stigma surrounding SGBV and SRH issues.

“This partnership represents a major step forward in our collective mission to leave no one behind,” said a PPASL official at the signing. “Together with Rainbow Initiative, we are better positioned to address the needs of survivors and advance human rights through healthcare.”

A representative from Rainbow Initiative echoed similar sentiments, adding that the partnership will not only benefit service users but also strengthen the national response to SGBV through a coordinated and holistic approach.

The MOU is expected to deepen the impact of both organizations’ work, laying a foundation for a more responsive, inclusive and survivor-focused healthcare system in Sierra Leone.

  https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ppasl-rainbow-initiative-sign-mou-to-expand-access-to-sexual-and-reproductive-health-services/