FHI

FHI is a global health and development organization whose science-based programs bring lasting change to the world's most vulnerable people. Our approach is rigorous and evidence-driven. Among our worldwide staff of 2,500 are leading physicians, scientists, and technical experts in health, development, and management. Our work is global in scale yet country-focused, with international offices staffed by local professionals.

Since 1971, we have worked with 1,400 partners in 125 countries, forging strong relationships with governments, diverse organizations, the private sector and communities. By applying science to programs, FHI is helping countries make measurable progress against disease, poverty, and inequity—improving lives for millions.

History

FHI began at the University of North Carolina in 1971 with a handful of researchers and a small amount of funding from the US Agency for International Development (USAID). The International Fertility Research Program (IFRP), as it was called, built research capacity in developing countries, using the power of science and research to introduce contraceptive technology. By 1973, with nearly 200 studies underway throughout Asia and Latin America, IFRP outgrew its university setting and became an independent organization. Its mission expanded as well, branching into maternal and child health. By 1978, IFRP was working with more than 200 research centers in 47 countries.

It became clear to IFRP and its funders that family planning has many facets. It involves men and women, contraceptive and maternal health services, and cultural and economic factors. So IFRP expanded its scope and, in 1982, changed its name to Family Health International.

In 1986, as the HIV/AIDS epidemic spread, FHI stepped forward to join the fight. In 1987, we were awarded USAID's first five-year HIV/AIDS prevention program, and we have continued to manage some of the world's largest HIV/AIDS programs ever since. By the 1990s, the world began to view education and human rights—especially women's rights—as essential underpinnings of reproductive health. FHI responded by linking programs for maternal health to the prevention of HIV/AIDS.

Today, as international development funders evolve their approach by increasing investment in local ownership and country-led plans, they are looking to organizations like FHI to provide technical assistance. To support the aim of strengthening countries' capacity to achieve their aspirations, FHI will continue to evolve its approaches as well, applying our skills and experience more broadly to address the holistic needs of people and communities.

Areas of Focus

Areas of focus include:

• Family planning^{[1] [2]}
• Child and maternal health^[3]
• Infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis^{[4] [5] [6] [7]}
• Chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease^[8]
• Nutrition^[9]

FHI works with national governments and local communities to strengthen broader health systems and create lasting improvements in the lives of individuals and families.

Global Operations

Country Offices

Headquartered in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, FHI maintains field offices in 32 countries, including management centers in Bangkok, Thailand; Nairobi, Kenya; and Washington, DC. FHI has worked in over 100 countries since 1971 and is currently managing activities in 55 countries^[10].

Haiti Relief Efforts

On Tuesday, January 12, a devastating earthquake struck near Port-au-Prince, the headquarters of FHI’s work in Haiti. Several family members of FHI staff were killed. In response to the great need for humanitarian effort, FHI established a “Fund for Haiti Relief,"^[11] working with the country office in Haiti and a network of local partners throughout Haiti^[12]

External Links

FHI's Site

FHI's Haiti Relief Website

FHI's Orphans and Vulnerable Children site

Circumcision Clearninghouse - an FHI partnership with the World Health Organization, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), the AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition (AVAC)

References

1. ↑ http://investing.businessweek.com/research/stocks/private/snapshot.asp?privcapId=4280797
2. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/RH/FAQs/famplancounsel_faq.htm
3. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/Topics/maternalmort.htm
4. ↑ http://www.gatesfoundation.org/Grants-2004/Pages/Family-Health-International-OPP30080.aspx
5. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/Topics/Malaria.htm
6. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/Topics/Tuberculosis+and+HIV-AIDS+topic+page.htm
7. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/Topics/HIV-AIDS+Care+and+Support.htm
8. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/HIVAIDS/pub/res_managing_chronic_conditions.htm
9. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/CountryProfiles/Malawi/res_nutrition.htm
10. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/en/AboutFHI/CorporateReports/index.htm
11. ↑ http://www.fhi.org/hld/Haiti_relief/Haiti_Needs_Your_Help_Fund_Haiti_Relief.htm
12. ↑ http://www.aidsmap.com/en/news/DB16C9E2-3066-490F-80A4-213F0D38BFAB.asp