Supporting young, marginalised people in Madagascar to improve their sexual and reproductive health
24 April 2008
“We meet twice a week to discuss our personal problems. We also play sport,” says 14-year-old Rodin, one of the beneficiaries of an Alliance Madagascar programme working with marginalised young people.
Since 2006, Alliance Madagascar has been collaborating with and providing support to local community organisations in Tamatave to work with young marginalised people aged 10 to 24.
In Tanambao district, AJEE association carries out sport and dance activities with young people, alongside participatory discussions on sexual and reproductive health. The interventions have reached 853 people in the district in just three months.
“I now drink less alcohol so I don’t get involved in risky sexual adventures,” added Rodin. “Therefore we are able to improve our sexual health.”
Alliance Madagascar has also been supporting these young people to access health care services, with services reporting a 5% increase in youth consultations.
“We now have free access to health care services,” said 16-year-old Prisca. “When I was ill last month, the centre treated me for free, and the drugs were a reasonable price. I really benefited from taking part in the discussions too. I learnt to manage my sexual behaviour by using condoms, which are distributed to us.”
