access to healthcare in Mali remains uneven, with vulnerable populations—especially young children, pregnant women, and conflict victims—facing significant barriers. the 2012 security crisis further strained an already fragile healthcare infrastructure, leaving many without essential medical services.

in response, malian authorities are prioritizing health sector reforms despite ongoing security challenges. to bridge gaps in care, they launched the inaugural health month in november, paired with a national social protection initiative aimed at expanding healthcare access nationwide.

“improving population health is a government priority,” remarked colonel abdoulaye maïga, interim prime minister of Mali, during the initiative’s kickoff. “i commend minister diéminatou sangaré for this effort, which will foster dialogue between health stakeholders and beneficiaries, clarifying their roles and responsibilities.”

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prioritizing child health: alarming statistics

the prime minister highlighted critical gaps in child health outcomes. key challenges include:

• high infant mortality: 54 deaths per 1,000 live births
• low facility deliveries: 33% of births occur outside healthcare facilities
• incomplete vaccinations: only 45% of children aged 12–23 months receive all basic vaccines
• malnutrition: 1 in 3 children under 5 suffers from stunted growth
• breastfeeding rates: only 40% of infants under 6 months are exclusively breastfed

colonel maïga also noted widespread misunderstanding of health and social protection systems, which exacerbates access issues for families across Mali.