In Madagascar, issues surrounding young people’s sexual and reproductive health are critical. The country has one of the highest rates of early pregnancies globally (ranked 13th), and nearly two out of five girls marry before the age of 18, especially in rural areas. Complications from early pregnancies are the second leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19, highlighting the urgent need for prevention and tailored education.
IYAFP Madagascar began an initiative in partnership with Colas Foundation Madagascar, to promote comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) in rural Madagascar. The CSE initiative aims to provide essential information to young people, going beyond the limited guidance from the Ministry of Education, which mainly promotes abstinence.
The interventions use a participatory approach with interactive games, followed by discussions and Q&A sessions. Through these methods, young people have been greatly involved, with a better understanding of each essential information.
The project’s primary goal is to deliver a comprehensive sexuality education program that covers essential topics like puberty, contraceptive methods, prevention of gender-based violence, and local sexual health laws. The project also raises awareness among youth about their sexual and reproductive health, promoting a safe and equal environment, reducing early pregnancy risks, and enhancing the well-being of young people in Madagascar. This initiative involves communities to foster sustainable change and the potential to build a healthier future for Madagascar’s youth.
Project Achievements So Far
This project, which educates young people about sexual and reproductive health and rights, operates in fokontany (local districts) and Akany (Youth center) across eight regions: Analamanga, Atsinanana, Boeny, Androy, Atsimo Andrefana, Vatovavy, and Haute Matsiatra. Since its launch in June 2024, the CSE initiative led by IYAFP Madagascar has reached more than 500 children and adolescents.
- Access to Vital Information: Over 600 young people have gained knowledge on critical topics such as puberty, menstrual hygiene, gender-based violence, contraceptive options, sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, and SRHR (Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights) laws. This will allow the young people in these communities make informed decisions about their health and rights.
- Training CSE Trainers: Young trainers have also been educated on CSE, ensuring a long-lasting educational influence within targeted communities. These trainers are instrumental in spreading accurate information and creating a positive ripple effect in the regions they serve.
- Support for Menstrual Hygiene: On October 11, in celebration of International Day of the Girl Child, washable sanitary pads were distributed to 400 young girls. This initiative directly benefited adolescents, promoting menstrual hygiene and raising community awareness.
The project’s success has been significantly supported by the Colas Foundation Madagascar. Through their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions, the Colas Foundation has enabled the project to expand its reach, enhancing the dissemination of CSE across the eight target regions. Their resources have encouraged greater involvement from local leaders and Fokontany chiefs, as well as facilitated field activities, which has encouraged strong community support and ensured the project’s long-term impact.
The CSE project is set to continue until December 2024. By December 2024, IYAFP Madagascar aims to reach a total of 800 young people, promoting healthier environments and equal rights for young Malagasy. This ongoing effort is part of our commitment to creating an informed and empowered generation, well-equipped to advocate for their rights and health.