FLAS

Yesterday and today I had a privilege to join Family Life Assosiation of Swaziland, non-governmental Sexual and Reproductive Health organization, which has operated in the country since 1979. FLAS started solely as a family planning institution, focusing on provision of information and services on contraceptives and general family planning, but grown to encompass a variety of SRH services targeting mainly 10-24 years youth. Since few years back FLAS has not only operated in Manzini and Mbabane clinic, but also through 4 youth centers and 15 outreach sites, which provide services in mobile clinics. http://www.flas.org.sz/

Yesterday I jumped to one of the 3 FLAS mobile vehicles, which headed to Hluthi, city near border in Southern Swaziland, where more than 50 clients organized themselves to a queue and one by one stepped in the car to be counceled and treated. Most popular desired contraceptive was injection for either 2 or 3 months, since it is unvisible and many husbands do not accept the use of contraceptives, but also few pills and condoms were delivered. HIV tests and simple STI screenings were provided. Few mothers came for antenatal check-ups and few pregnancy tests were made. With this amount of clients it makes sense to drive that far to rural area.

On the second day in Manzini clinic I joined provision of contraception and family planning services, STI screening and treatment, Cervical and Breast cancer screening, antenatal and post-natal visit check-ups and counceling services. In Manzini FLAS has also youth center, where youth friendly programs operate in cooperation with schools and communities providing education and health services but also activities and leisure events.

With the experience and vision for providing high quality services FLAS made an unforgettable impression. I hope their work will fleurish and be able to reach more and more citizens of Swaziland.