The national caravan “Healthy Youth, Protect Yourself” made a significant stop in Yamoussoukro on July 20 and 21, 2025, delivering crucial sexual and reproductive health awareness to young people aged 10 to 24 at Héléïs College.
This initiative, driven by the Ministry of Youth Promotion, Professional Integration and Civic Service alongside the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene, aims to promote responsible behaviour, prevent early and unwanted pregnancies, and intensify the fight against sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV/AIDS.
Supported technically and financially by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and bolstered by local NGOs and institutional partners, the caravan is part of a nationwide effort under the banner “Healthy Youth, Protect Yourself 2025.”
Atsin Coulibaly Blanche, the caravan’s national coordinator, described the initiative as “an awareness-raising caravan, but also a free service caravan.” She detailed the range of services offered: “We provide voluntary HIV testing, family planning consultations, the distribution of contraceptives, and hygiene kits.” The campaign reached the 220 Housing and Habitat districts, with sessions held in public spaces and free medical consultations available.
“Young people are present. They inform themselves, ask questions, and actively participate when they receive the information in time,” Ms. Coulibaly added, while underscoring the need for enhanced upstream communication to boost the initiative’s impact.
Despite the collaboration between health, education, and civil society stakeholders, organisers highlighted a pressing demand for increased medical supplies, especially testing kits.
The caravan’s impact was lauded by local residents, who voiced hopes for the programme’s continuation and expansion, particularly in youth-dense areas. As the school holidays continue, the caravan plans to visit more locations across Ivory Coast, aiming to reach as many young people as possible with its life-changing message.
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