Sphirha (Strengthening Public Health Institutes’ Activities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights)
Sphirha, funded by Sida, strengthens SRHR in Botswana, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.
Sphirha (Strengthening Public Health Institutes’ Activities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) is a development cooperation project funded by Sida. Starting in November 2024 and running through 2028, the project aims to improve public health outcomes by strengthening institutional capacities to address sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) challenges in Botswana, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe.
Sphirha is currently a partnership between three African public health institutes – the Zimbabwe Ministry of Health and Child Care (MOHCC), the Instituto Nacional de Saúde (INS) in Mozambique, and the Botswana Public Health Institute (BPHI) – as well as the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the Public Health Agency of Sweden (PHAS).
The project focuses on strengthening governance, data management, communication, and public health actions at the participating institutes. It also promotes collaboration and knowledge sharing among public health institutions in the region, contributing to long-term improvements in SRHR policy and practice.
A key objective is to enhance leadership and governance in SRHR programmes within the public health institutes. Sphirha supports the development of standardised systems for data collection, analysis, and reporting on SRHR issues. Reliable data is essential for informed decision-making, and the project works to strengthen the institutes’ capacity to use data for policy development, progress monitoring, and intervention adjustments. Public health communication also plays a crucial role in achieving the project’s goals.
In addition to strengthening governance and technical capacities, Sphirha integrates SRHR into broader public health efforts, including the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
The project places a strong emphasis on reaching vulnerable populations – such as women, adolescents, and marginalised groups – ensuring that SRHR is embedded within comprehensive public health strategies.