Launched in 2020, the CLEFS project was led by a consortium headed by Sant\u00e9 Monde, in collaboration with C\u00e9gep de Saint-J\u00e9r\u00f4me and the University of Sherbrooke. Funded by the Government of Canada with a contribution of CAD 21.2 million, the project aimed to reach 1.5 million people across Mali.<\/p>\n
At its core, CLEFS sought to improve primary health care (PHC) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women and girls in Mali.<\/p>\n
Building on the success of the previous D\u00c9CLIC project<\/a> (2010\u20132018), CLEFS developed a unique approach focused on:<\/p>\n Tangible Results<\/strong><\/p>\n In the regions of Bamako, Kayes, Koulikoro, S\u00e9gou, and Sikasso, communities experienced real change. Many women and girls, particularly in rural areas, now have better access to sexual and reproductive health and rights services, including family planning and cervical cancer screening.<\/p>\n The project team and its partners are proud of the significant progress made. Key outcomes include:<\/p>\n Collective Resilience in the Face of Challenges<\/strong> A Lasting Legacy\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n Although the project has come to an end, its legacy lives on. The structures established, professionals trained, and partnerships built provide a strong foundation for continued progress in women\u2019s and girls\u2019 health in Mali.<\/p>\n The CSCom-Us\u00a0 will continue to serve their communities, supported by skilled and committed teams, more inclusive governance structures, and highly motivated Women Users\u2019 Committees (CFUs).<\/p>\n For Dr. Bayo Coulibaly, Technical Director of the CSCom-U in Konobougou, the CLEFS project sparked genuine enthusiasm among partners and catalyzed lasting, positive change for Mali\u2019s population:<\/p>\n \u201cWhat I take away from the CLEFS project is a win-win partnership. It gives us hope that progress in health services will continue, with all stakeholders engaged and mobilized to meet community needs.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n The conclusion of the CLEFS project thus marks the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a new era, one in which the achievements of the past five years will continue to bear fruit in Malian communities.<\/p>\n Acknowledgment<\/strong><\/p>\n Sant\u00e9 Monde extends its heartfelt thanks to its team in Mali<\/a>, C\u00e9gep de Saint-J\u00e9r\u00f4me<\/a>, the University of Sherbrooke<\/a>, and Global Affairs Canada<\/a> for their unwavering support. Special thanks to our Malian partners\u2014ministries, training institutions, health facilities, and local communities\u2014whose steadfast commitment was at the heart of CLEFS\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n
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\nThe project unfolded in a complex environment, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security challenges. Thanks to the dedication of its team and partners, CLEFS adapted and maintained essential activities while working collaboratively to identify sustainable solutions that strengthen the resilience of the health system.<\/p>\n
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