By Jalene Jacob
Mali has embarked on an ambitious journey to rebuild its healthcare system, unveiling a comprehensive plan that includes 973 recommendations across 68 strategic areas. This initiative aims to address critical challenges such as the shortage of medical personnel, inadequate funding, and limited access to healthcare services, particularly in rural regions.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the integration of digital technologies. The government has launched a $35 million National Strategic Digital Health Plan (2024 – 2028) to modernize health infrastructure, implement telemedicine solutions, and create a national health database. Additionally, the DISC-MALI initiative aims to equip over 25,000 community health workers with digital tools that will enhance planning, implementation, and monitoring of health services at the community level.
However, the success of these healthcare reforms is intrinsically linked to the availability of clean water. Access to safe drinking water is fundamental for effective healthcare delivery, influencing everything from infection control in medical facilities to the overall health and well-being of communities. Clean water reduces the prevalence of waterborne diseases, decreases child mortality rates, and enables better hygiene practices—all essential for a robust healthcare system.
Building Wells Supports Health Reforms
Recognizing this, both Wells Bring Hope and the USAID Anka Jiko Activity have worked in Mali to build much needed infrastructure. In Mali, approximately 61% of rural villagers lack access to safe water, and 63% have no access to basic sanitation facilities. By drilling deep wells and implementing sustainable water systems, both organizations seek to transform the lives of these communities.
Since Wells Bring Hope’s strategic move into Mali in late 2024, we have funded 24 water projects across rural Malian communities. The USAID Anka Jiko Activity also inaugurated new water systems in four villages, providing clean drinking water to over 190,000 people and irrigation access to at least 1,800 community garden users. Wells Bring Hope and USAID use the same technology, that is, solar-powered pumps and gravity-fed tap stands, ensuring sustainable and reliable water supply.
Now the Need Is Even More Critical
Because USAID’s funds have been eliminated and it is being dismantled, the work of Wells Bring Hope is even more critical.
As Mali strives to enhance its healthcare infrastructure, the importance of clean water cannot be overstated. It is the lifeblood of health and development, and efforts to provide it are crucial for the success of healthcare reforms. The impact of clean water extends beyond health. It enables girls to attend school instead of spending hours fetching water; it empowers women to engage in income-generating activities and it fosters overall community development. These outcomes align with Mali’s broader goals of rebuilding its healthcare system and improving the well-being of its citizens.
Wells Bring Hope’s initiatives provide the essential infrastructure that supports Malian reforms, ensuring that communities have the resources needed for a healthier and more prosperous future.
With the demise of USAID, the need has never been greater.
Learn more about Mali’s Healthcare Initiatives
Mali unveils ambitious plan to rebuild its healthcare system – APA News
https://apanews.net/mali-unveils-ambitious-plan-to-rebuild-its-healthcare-system/
Mali Ministry of Health Launches CHT-based DISC-MALI in a Milestone Moment toward Universal Health Coverage – Medic.org
https://medic.org/stories/mali-ministry-of-health-launches-cht-based-disc-mali/#:~:text=In%20a%20milestone%20moment%20on,aims%20to%20reach%20full%20national
Mali Launches $35 Mln Plan to Overhaul Digital Health – We are tech Africa
https://www.wearetech.africa/en/fils-uk/news/public-management/mali-launches-35-mln-plan-to-overhaul-digital-health
Between Poverty and Fragility: Affordable and Accessible Health Centers in Mali – World Bank Group
https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2024/07/11/between-poverty-and-fragility-affordable-and-accessible-health-centers-in-mali
Flowing into 2025: New water systems bring promise for the new year to rural Mali – Globalwaters.org
