strengthening Mali’s healthcare system for better access

Mali’s healthcare landscape faces significant disparities, with vulnerable groups—particularly infants, expectant mothers, and conflict victims—struggling to access essential medical services. the 2012 security crisis further strained an already fragile system, leaving many communities without adequate care.

in response, the malian government has prioritized healthcare reform, despite ongoing security challenges. to address these gaps, authorities launched the inaugural health and social protection month in november, aiming to expand healthcare access and promote social coverage nationwide.

“population health improvement remains a government priority,” declared colonel abdoulaye maïga, interim prime minister of Mali, during the initiative’s launch. “i commend minister diéminatou sangaré for creating a platform for dialogue with healthcare stakeholders and beneficiaries. this will clarify their roles and responsibilities in strengthening our healthcare system.”

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prioritizing child health amid critical statistics

the prime minister emphasized the urgency of these measures, citing alarming health metrics. “infant mortality stands at 54 deaths per 1,000 live births, 33% of births occur outside healthcare facilities, and only 45% of children aged 12-23 months receive all basic vaccines,” maïga noted.

he added that “one in three children under five suffers from stunted growth, and just 40% of infants under six months are exclusively breastfed.” these challenges are compounded by widespread ignorance of health and social protection systems, which further hinders access to critical services.