Mali in the world

Mali

Mali is one of the poorest countries in the world with a population dominated by young people: 47 per cent of the entire population of 11.6 million are 15 years old or younger. Pregnancy rates for adolescent girls remain high. Early marriage is common; 72 per cent of girls are married before they reach the age of 18 years. In 1998, 94 per cent of married women aged 15 to 49 had been circumcised. Most procedures are done by non-medical personnel-including traditional birth attendants, midwives, and “old women”-using un-sterilized blades or string, which greatly increases the chances of infection. In most cases post-operative or emergency treatment is not readily available.

In 2001, UNFPA, UNICEF and UNDP joined forces to create a multi-sectoral response to the problems identified. A three-year project, Meeting the Development and Participation Rights of Adolescent Girls was launched in collaboration with the Ministère de la Femme, del'Enfant et de la Famille (Ministry of Women, Children and the Family) and local and national NGOs.

More information and activities on this project >>