BANGUI, Central African Republic – During his mission to the Central African Republic, Pio Smith, Deputy Executive Director for Programme ai, visited several UNFPA-supported facilities and programmes focused on youth empowerment, maternal health and the protection of women and girls.
The field visits provided an opportunity to engage directly with beneficiaries and frontline workers, highlighting the importance of sustained investment in health, protection and opportunities for young people in contexts affected by fragility and humanitarian challenges.
At the Malimaka Youth Centre, Mr. Smith met with young beneficiaries participating in programmes implemented by UNFPA in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and the NGO AUDEC, with support from the Korea International Cooperation Agency and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.
The centre provides adolescents and young people with access to information on sexual and reproductive health, life skills education and vocational training aimed at strengthening their economic empowerment and social inclusion. Young people with disabilities also participate in the programme.
With 63.3% of the population under the age of 25, the CAR’s youth bulge represents both a significant challenge and a major opportunity to harness the demographic dividend.
During an open discussion with participants, young beneficiaries shared their experiences and aspirations, emphasizing the importance of safe spaces and access to opportunities for personal growth and development.
Mr. Smith reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to supporting the health, protection and development needs of young people in the Central African Republic.
Supporting survivors of gender-based violence
Mr. Smith also visited the Safe Space for Women and Girls in Liton, supported by KOICA and implemented by UNFPA in partnership with INTERSOS.
The centre provides shelter and comprehensive support services for survivors of gender-based violence, including psychosocial care, psychological support and legal assistance.
Through discussions with women and girls receiving services at the centre, Mr. Smith observed the impact of vocational and skills training programmes designed to help survivors rebuild their lives and regain economic independence.
He reiterated UNFPA’s commitment to ensuring that women and girls affected by violence have access to protection services and opportunities for empowerment and social reintegration.
Strengthening maternal health services
At the Liton maternity centre, rehabilitated with UNFPA support, Mr. Smith met with midwives and health workers providing maternal and newborn health services to women in the community.
The facility has benefited from investments in equipment and the deployment of skilled health personnel, particularly midwives and nurses, to improve access to quality maternal healthcare.
During the visit, midwives shared their experiences providing care to mothers and newborns, including assisting several deliveries during the previous night. Mr. Smith also met with mothers recovering at the facility and listened to their experiences during childbirth.
The visit underscored UNFPA’s continued efforts to prevent maternal deaths and expand access to quality reproductive, maternal and newborn health services, particularly for women and girls in vulnerable settings.
