Mali health system: how to enhance access to care for all
Enhancing Mali’s health system: strategies for better access to care
Mali launches a national health month to address critical gaps in healthcare accessibility.
Healthcare challenges in Mali
Unequal access to healthcare remains a persistent challenge in Mali, a situation exacerbated by the 2012 security crisis. Vulnerable groups—including young children, pregnant women, and conflict victims—face significant barriers to medical services.
In response, Malian authorities have prioritized health system reform, despite ongoing security challenges. They launched the inaugural National Health and Social Protection Month in November to expand healthcare access across the country.
“Improving population health is a government priority,” declared Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga, interim Prime Minister of Mali, during the campaign launch. “We commend Minister Diéminatou Sangaré for this initiative, which creates a vital communication platform with healthcare providers and beneficiaries to clarify their roles and responsibilities.”
Related: Similar initiatives in West Africa
Child health: a critical need
The Prime Minister highlighted alarming statistics: “Infant mortality stands at 54 deaths per 1,000 live births, 33% of deliveries occur outside health facilities, and only 45% of children aged 12-23 months receive all basic vaccinations.”
He added: “One in three children under five suffers from stunted growth, and only 40% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed.” The Prime Minister also noted widespread misunderstanding of health and social protection systems, further hindering access to essential services.