Dr. Sennen Hounton, the Regional Director for West and Central Africa of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has concluded an official visit to Mali. The visit, which ended with a press conference at the UNFPA office in Bamako, aimed to assess the humanitarian situation and the organization's cooperation with the Malian government. Dr. Hounton highlighted that the visit took place amidst a challenging context marked by humanitarian and security crises affecting women, girls, and young people.
The UNFPA Regional Director engaged with various stakeholders, including government officials, to discuss the organization's support for Mali. He met with Foreign Minister Abdoulaye Diop, Health Minister Colonel-major Assa Badiallo Touré, and Women's Promotion Minister Diarra Djénéba Sanogo. These meetings focused on enhancing cooperation and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable populations. Dr. Hounton also visited the Mopti region, where he delivered reproductive health kits and medical supplies to the regional health directorate.
During his visit, Dr. Hounton assessed the effectiveness of UNFPA's programs in Mali, including the provision of reproductive health services and prevention of violence against women and girls. He visited the Sarema displaced persons' site to witness firsthand the organization's interventions. The UNFPA Regional Director emphasized that the organization's efforts aim to support the government's development and humanitarian response, aligning with the "Mali Kura" vision.
Dr. Hounton expressed satisfaction with the resilience of Mali's health system, which he described as an example for the entire sub-region. He announced that a new cooperation program between UNFPA and Mali will be launched in early 2027. This program aims to address the country's pressing health and demographic challenges. The UNFPA Regional Director praised the government's commitment to improving the health and well-being of its citizens.
The visit also provided an opportunity for Dr. Hounton to engage with other stakeholders and partners working in the humanitarian and development sectors. He emphasized the importance of collaboration and coordination to address the complex challenges facing Mali. The UNFPA Regional Director highlighted the organization's commitment to supporting Mali's efforts to build resilience and promote sustainable development.
As part of his visit, Dr. Hounton witnessed the impact of UNFPA's interventions in the field. He saw firsthand the organization's efforts to provide essential health services, including reproductive health and prevention of violence against women and girls. The UNFPA Regional Director expressed his appreciation for the dedication and hard work of UNFPA staff and partners in Mali.
The conclusion of Dr. Hounton's visit marks a significant step in strengthening UNFPA's cooperation with Mali. The organization is expected to continue its support for the country's development and humanitarian response efforts. Key areas of focus will include improving reproductive health services, preventing violence against women and girls, and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- Dr. Sennen Hounton concludes visit to Mali, announces new cooperation program
- UNFPA supports Mali's health sector, humanitarian response
- New program aims to address health and demographic challenges in Mali
