Suriname’s pioneering sexual and reproductive health institution, Stichting Lobi Health Center (SLHC), celebrates 58 years of service while announcing significant expansions to its preventive healthcare offerings. The organization revealed during its anniversary commemorations that it will introduce Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV prevention and launch innovative HPV self-testing kits for cervical cancer screening.
Established on February 29, 1968, as a family planning initiative, Lobi has evolved into a multidisciplinary public health center that now serves tens of thousands of clients annually through preventive care, testing, counseling, health education, and training programs. The institution has maintained its pioneering role in providing accessible Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) services, ranging from contraception and HIV testing to comprehensive cervical cancer screening.
The organization’s impact extends beyond clinical services to include youth education, women’s empowerment programs, and support for vulnerable populations. Lobi also contributes significantly to national policy development in the SRHR sector, aligning its mission with both Sustainable Development Goals and Suriname’s national health priorities.
Currently operating outreach services across nine of Suriname’s ten districts, Lobi is intensifying its focus on prevention and early detection. The introduction of qualitative HPV self-collection tests aims to increase screening participation by reducing accessibility barriers. Meanwhile, the PrEP initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to HIV prevention in the region.
General Director Nensy Bandhoe characterized the anniversary as both a reflective moment and a renewal of commitment. “We continue building toward a Suriname where every individual has access to respectful, quality sexual and reproductive healthcare, with emphasis on privacy and confidentiality,” Bandhoe stated.
The organization acknowledged its collaborative partners, including the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Labor, PAHO, UNFPA, and other cooperating organizations. Demonstrating its operational effectiveness, Lobi’s team screened nearly 700 women for high-risk HPV types within just three days in late January—a achievement that underscores the critical importance of preventive healthcare initiatives.