The Malian Red Cross (CRM) in partnership with the Canadian Red Cross (CRC) and CPHDA collaborate in the implementation of the project “Adolescent Health in Mali” (SAM), in support of the Ministry of Health and Social Development (MSDS) Mali, funded by the Government of Canada (Global Affairs Canada).

This project focuses on different strategies and interventions to promote sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of adolescents and young people, the reduction of maternal and child morbidity and mortality but also the activation of the power of communities to manage their health problems in the project intervention areas (Fana, Ouélessebougou and Kati).

It aims to remove three barriers faced by adolescent girls in rural areas:

1) lack of access to health services adapted to their needs;

2) lack of access to contraceptives;

3) the negative attitude of service providers.

The project also contributes to the implementation of Mali’s National Gender Policy and is part of the implementation of Mali’s roadmap for the reduction of maternal and child mortality, the National Strategy for Essential Care of the Ministry of Health and Social Development (MSDS) which aims to provide health care to the most vulnerable communities located more than 5 km from a community health center. It also addresses one of the sub-adjacent causes that increases the risk of early pregnancy among these adolescent girls, including early and forced marriage.