CLEFS Project Partners Celebrate Five Years of Impact in Mali

10 June 2025

In June 2025, national partners of the “Local Learning Communities for Women’s and Girls’ Health (CLEFS)” project gathered to mark the official close of this major initiative. This milestone event was an opportunity to recognize the unwavering commitment of all those involved and to celebrate the achievements of the past five years.

An Innovative and Inclusive Approach to Women’s and Girls’ Health

Launched in 2020, the CLEFS project was implemented by a consortium led by Santé Monde, in collaboration with Cégep de Saint-Jérôme 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 direct and indirect beneficiaries across Mali.

CLEFS’s core mission was to improve primary health care (PHC) and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) for women and girls in Mali.

Building on the achievements of the previous DÉCLIC project (2010–2018), CLEFS developed a unique approach focused on:

Developing a network of seven University-Community Health Centers (CSCom-U), serving as hubs for care, education, and research
Training interdisciplinary teams aligned with community needs, especially those of women and girls
Integrating mental health into frontline services to better support vulnerable populations, including survivors of gender-based violence, displaced persons, and individuals experiencing post-traumatic stress
Promoting transformative practices that empower women and girls, such as supporting Women Users’ Committees (CFUs)
Introducing new technologies to enhance care efficiency, including digital patient records and tele-expertise

Tangible Results

In the regions of Bamako, Kayes, Koulikoro, Ségou, and Sikasso, communities witnessed real change. Many women and girls, particularly in rural areas, now have improved access to sexual and reproductive health services and rights, including family planning and cervical cancer screening.

The project team and partners are proud of the significant progress made. Key outcomes include:

A 28% reduction in violence against women — a major step toward safer, more respectful communities
99% of surveyed women and girls reported satisfaction with PHC/SRHR services, particularly regarding reception, respect, confidentiality, and overall quality
72% of women and girls now say they can freely make decisions about their health—a marked improvement from baseline figures (women: 37%, girls: 44%)
98% of health professionals now feel equipped to provide PHC/SRHR services tailored to the specific needs of women and girls

Collective Resilience in the Face of Challenges
The project unfolded in a complex context, shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security challenges. Thanks to the dedication of teams and partners, CLEFS adapted and maintained essential activities while collaboratively identifying sustainable solutions to strengthen the resilience of health systems.

A Lasting Legacy for the Future

Although the project is coming to an end, its legacy endures. The structures established, professionals trained, and partnerships forged form a strong foundation for continued efforts to improve women’s and girls’ health in Mali.

The CSCom-U centers will continue to serve communities, supported by skilled and committed teams, more inclusive governance bodies, and highly motivated Women Users’ Committees (CFUs).

For Dr. Bayo Coulibali, Technical Director of the CSCom-U in Konobougou, the CLEFS project sparked genuine enthusiasm among partners and catalyzed lasting positive change for Mali’s population:

“What 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.”

The conclusion of the CLEFS project thus marks the end of a chapter, but also the beginning of a new era, where the achievements of these five years of investment will continue to bear fruit in Malian communities.

Remerciements

Santé Monde extends its heartfelt thanks to its team in Mali, Cégep de Saint-Jérôme, the University of Sherbrooke, and Global Affairs Canada for their unwavering support. Special tribute is paid to all Malian partners—ministries, training institutions, health facilities, and local communities—whose steadfast commitment was at the heart of CLEFS’s success.

Learn more about CLEFS, a project funded by the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.