On October 30, 2026, the National Family and Population Office and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development signed a joint action plan that will run from 2026 to 2029. The plan aims to enhance bilateral cooperation to support and develop reproductive health services, including the integration of psychological care and social support for vulnerable groups, particularly women victims of violence.
The plan is part of a project that seeks to improve access to available and inclusive reproductive health services, including mental health services, for vulnerable groups, especially women victims of violence in priority areas. The project will focus on four model states: Kasserine, Sfax, Tataouine, and Jendouba. The plan was signed by Alifa Shlouf, the Delegate Commissioner of the National Family Office, and Consuelo Tome Virseda, the General Coordinator of the Spanish Agency.
The joint action plan is based on four specific and integrated objectives. The first objective is to strengthen health services in the four model states by integrating mental health into the care system, with the establishment and development of fixed and mobile care units in Kasserine. This will help improve the quality of care and provide better services to vulnerable groups.
The second objective is to develop the competencies of medical and paramedical staff, as well as media and communication professionals, in the areas of mental health, psychological support, and social support, using a gender-based and human rights approach. This will help ensure that healthcare providers have the necessary skills to provide high-quality care to vulnerable groups.
The third objective is to organize awareness-raising campaigns to combat social stigma and facilitate access to healthcare among local communities, particularly young people, adolescents, rural women, people with disabilities, and migrants. This will help reduce social stigma and promote access to healthcare services for vulnerable groups.
The fourth objective is to improve monitoring tools and the information system by establishing an advanced digital system for data collection and analysis. This will help track progress and make informed decisions to improve reproductive health services.
The joint action plan is a significant step towards improving reproductive health services in Tunisia, particularly for vulnerable groups. The plan will help strengthen healthcare systems, develop competencies, and promote access to healthcare services, ultimately contributing to the well-being of Tunisian citizens.
Key points
- The joint action plan will focus on four model states: Kasserine, Sfax, Tataouine, and Jendouba.
- The plan aims to integrate mental health into the care system and provide psychological support and social support for vulnerable groups.
- The plan will help improve access to available and inclusive reproductive health services, particularly for women victims of violence.
