Reproductive Health in Mali: UNESCO Empowers Youth to Drive Change

From October 8 to 12, 2024, UNESCO, in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Social Development of Mali, organized a training workshop in Fana to strengthen the capacities of 30 young members of civil society organizations (CSOs) in reproductive health, communication, and advocacy.

A Critical Challenge for Youth Health in Mali

Youth and adolescent health remains a major concern in Mali. According to the latest Demographic and Health Survey, only 10% of young people (15 – 24 yo) use reproductive health services. This situation leads to severe consequences, including girls dropping out of school, AIDS, early and unintended pregnancies, and gender-based violence in schools.

UNESCO’s Commitment to Health Education

In response to these challenges, UNESCO is committed to strengthening the capacities of youth within CSOs, equipping them to actively participate in the development and implementation of youth and adolescent health policies. This initiative is part of UNESCO’s Strategy for Health and Well-Being Education (2022-2027) and is operationalized through the O3 - Our Rights, Our Lives, Our Future program, as well as the West and Central Africa Commitment for educated, healthy and thriving adolescents and young people. The program also supports Mali’s Ministry of Health and Social Development in strengthening civil society organizations.

A Workshop to Build Essential Skills

The Fana workshop trained 30 young participants on reproductive health, advocacy, and communication. As a result of the training, the participants gained skills to lead advocacy actions using the National Advocacy Guide for Reproductive Health Education. They are now better equipped to organize educational talks with their peers and raise awareness within their communities about reproductive health issues.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbGy0ZQwBZo 

During the opening ceremony, Mrs. Fadima Kamara, Special Advisor at the Ministry of Health and Social Development, praised UNESCO’s ongoing commitment to youth capacity building. She emphasized the importance of this initiative in keeping girls in school and improving the overall quality of education: “On behalf of the Minister, we thank and congratulate UNESCO for its continuous support in the development and strengthening of youth and adolescent health capacities, an essential element in keeping girls in school and improving the overall quality of education.”

A Lasting Collaboration for Long-Term Impact

UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to working alongside the Malian government in implementing the national strategy for health and well-being education, as well as the Ten-Year Education Development Program (PRODEC 2). Together, they contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to children’s health, learning, and psychosocial well-being. By removing health-related barriers to learning, UNESCO, governments, and school systems enable learners to succeed in school and lead fulfilling lives.