Mali, an inland sub-Saharan country in West Africa, ranks among the poorest in the world. The country has suffered from ongoing conflicts, notably the 2012 Tuareg rebellion and the subsequent Mali war, alongside challenges such as unemployment, food insecurity and extreme climate variability. As a result, Mali’s health care system has also been severely compromised.

Current Health Crisis in Mali and Barriers

A 2024 UNICEF Health Crisis in Mali report states that 5.4 million people require health assistance and 2.5 million need nutritional support. In a special interview with The Borgen Project recently, an International Medical Corps field operator discussed several challenges in providing health care in Mali. These include a lack of quality infrastructure and medical equipment, insufficient electricity and difficulties accessing remote areas.

UNICEF’s Response

Amid the conflict, UNICEF stepped in to assist, particularly during roadblocks, by deploying community health agents who acted as frontline responders, equipped to combat diseases such as diarrhea, pneumonia and malaria. In 2018, UNICEF achieved significant milestones, including eliminating maternal and newborn tetanus in six regions. Throughout the year, Mali also maintained its polio-free status. It continued to strengthen the national health system’s capacity to deliver life-saving emergency health interventions and services, including vaccination services in the northern conflict-affected regions.

Health Mobile Clinics in Mopti

In the Mopti region, the European Union (EU) and its humanitarian partner Save the Children provide free health care to vulnerable individuals through mobile clinics. Each month, more than 1,500 people benefit from services that include consultations, prenatal check-ups and immunizations tailored for displaced individuals. These clinics treat various diseases and malnutrition and educate patients through sessions that raise awareness about good health practices. These sessions cover COVID-19 prevention, sanitation, vaccinations and more.

Novartis Foundation’s Contribution

Consulting a doctor typically costs around 1,000 CFA, valid for a week, while a prenatal consultation might cost about 2,500 CFA, which is quite expensive. The comprehensive survey on household living conditions (EICVM 2018 – 2019) reveals that 51% of Malians skip health care due to financial reasons.

The Novartis Foundation has significantly transformed health care in the region of Ségou. Covering 13 health areas and reaching a population of 200,000 people across 210 villages, the foundation’s commendable efforts include strengthening health insurance schemes, providing microcredit to women’s saving groups, investing in small businesses, diversifying farmers’ incomes and more.

Strengthening Health Care in Mali: The PACSU Initiative

The government of Mali, with funding from the World Bank, launched a four-year initiative called the Accelerating Progress toward Universal Health Coverage Project (PACSU). This project not only strengthens community health services but also establishes a robust emergency fund allocation system for responding to disasters and crises. Strengthening health infrastructure, ensuring accessibility and promoting economic stability are crucial for Mali’s future. As the world focuses on this nation, a collective effort is necessary to address the health crisis in Mali and solidify its health care system.

– Malaikah Niyazi

Malaikah is based in New Delhi, India and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr