Nearly seven decades of reshaping Mauritius — one right, one choice, one life at a time.
The Mauritius Family Planning and Welfare Association was founded in 1957 to deliver birth control services across an island facing rapid population growth. From day one, the Association worked hand-in-hand with Government, which began funding its work the same year it was established.
Two years later, MFPWA affiliated with the International Planned Parenthood Federation — anchoring its mission in advocacy, education, and quality family planning for every Mauritian.
From the first oral contraceptive pill issued in Mauritius to a 1.3 million Euro Global Fund grant — a chronological record of a movement.
MFPWA is established to deliver birth control services in Mauritius, with Government financing from day one.
The Association joins the International Planned Parenthood Federation, linking Mauritius to a global reproductive health movement.
Aggressive family planning outreach rolls out through film shows, posters, press conferences, quizzes, mobile cinema, and mass media.
Foaming tablets, sheaths, diaphragms, and jellies are distributed to clients nationwide for the first time.
MFPWA issues the very first oral contraceptive pills in Mauritius — a medical and social turning point.
Population growth drops from 3% to 1.3% and the birth rate falls from 47.4 to 26, reflecting the Association's impact.
Family Planning Clinics are integrated into Government Health Services, leaving only two private clinics in operation.
MFPWA expands its footprint with the opening of a new branch, extending service reach across the island.
Programmes launch for working women, worksite delivery, school sex education, hotlines, Pap smear screening, condom vending, voluntary surgical contraception, and marriage counselling.
MFPWA is honoured with the prestigious United Nations Population Award — global recognition for a Mauritian NGO.
MFPWA is named the Most Outstanding NGO in Mauritius, a national acknowledgement of its civil-society leadership.
The Association shifts toward a wider Sexual and Reproductive Health agenda, emphasising equality and adolescent health.
The Ministry of Gender Equality entrusts MFPWA with running a Drop-In-Centre for sexually abused children and victims of commercial sexual exploitation.
MFPWA earns the Most Outstanding NGO distinction for a second time, cementing its status as a model for replication.
Birth rate falls to 12.7, fertility rate to 1.56, and population growth to 0.57% — a historic reversal from 1957 levels.
MFPWA is selected as NGO Principal Recipient and signs a two-year, 1.3 million Euro Global Fund grant on 16 October 2009.
Global and national recognition spanning four decades — proof that a small-island NGO can shape global policy conversations.
Global recognition of MFPWA's contribution to population and reproductive health.
Awarded by the UN Secretary-General to individuals and institutions for outstanding contribution to population and reproductive health. MFPWA was the first Mauritian NGO to earn this distinction, placing the island on the global family-planning map.
Historic first for MauritiusNational acknowledgement of leadership in the civil society sector of Mauritius.
Conferred nationally to recognise the NGO judged most effective in shaping social policy, service delivery and civil-society advocacy. MFPWA was honoured for sustaining a multi-decade national reproductive-health programme.
Civil-society leadershipEntrusted with managing the Drop-In-Centre for abused and exploited children.
The Ministry of Gender Equality selected MFPWA to operate a Drop-In-Centre supporting sexually abused children and victims of commercial sexual exploitation — a landmark expansion from family planning into child protection.
Child protection milestoneA second national award, cementing MFPWA as a model NGO for regional replication.
Five years after the first honour, MFPWA was named Most Outstanding NGO a second time — an unusual double distinction that established the Association as a benchmark for regional NGOs in SRHR.
Benchmark for the region1.3 million Euro, two-year grant as NGO Principal Recipient for the Global Fund Project.
Signed on 16 October 2009, this 1.3 million Euro, two-year grant designated MFPWA as NGO Principal Recipient for the Global Fund — a rare honour entrusting a small-island NGO with a major international HIV/AIDS funding mandate.
International trust at scaleRecognised across regions as a reference NGO in sexual and reproductive health.
Over sixty-seven years, MFPWA has shared curriculum, clinical protocols and advocacy frameworks with partner NGOs across the Indian Ocean and Africa — turning a national programme into a replicable model for family planning and SRHR.
From Mauritius, for the regionAcross nearly seven decades, MFPWA has reshaped the demographic and social landscape of Mauritius.
From introducing the first oral contraceptives in 1963 to integrating family planning into national health services, the Association turned reproductive health from a taboo into a public good.
Cut by roughly two-thirds between 1957 and 2008.
Reduced to a quarter of its 1957 level.
Brought firmly under control over five decades.
Continuous reproductive health work since 1957.
Million Euro, signed as NGO Principal Recipient in 2009.
First Mauritian NGO to receive the distinction.
MFPWA is the leading Non-Governmental Organisation in Mauritius in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, operating as a body corporate and an IPPF member associate. It delivers information, education, advocacy, and clinical services to all segments of society — with particular focus on youths, women, vulnerable groups, and people living with HIV/AIDS — guided by human rights, gender equality, diversity, partnership, accountability, and service to the poor.
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