In Mali Eureka advises young people on reproductive health

In developing countries young people are most stricken by STDs and risky pregnancy. In Mali Eureka a group supported by Equilibres & Populations decided to work toward the provision of better information to young people and for better recognition of their needs by public authorities. People aged 10-24 years old comprise one-third of the world’s population and 80% of young people reside in developing countries. In many countries it is normal for people aged 15-19 to have premarital sex. However young people tend to have less access than older people to information on sexual and reproductive health concerns. Having sexual relations in societies which avoid discussing sex-related concerns and where youth-oriented services are lacking young people are at considerable risk of having unplanned and undesired pregnancies and contracting STDs including AIDS. Eureka’s program was implemented to enable young Malians to express their reproductive health-related fears and expectations to engage young people as active partners in defining policies to meet their needs and to propose a reference paper for nongovernmental organizations involved in young people’s health and reproduction. Young people more than ever in the current context of rapid urbanization and family and community dissolution must be a priority target for prevention and education interventions. Young people can also spread awareness among their peers.