Mali has secured a significant funding injection from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, totalling €102 million in grants. This funding, spanning 2024-2026, aims to fortify Mali's healthcare systems and intensify efforts in the battle against HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria.
Announced on March 15th, the funding comes at a crucial time as Mali grapples with healthcare disparities, particularly in central and northern regions affected by ongoing security threats. Collaborating with the government of Mali, ARCAD Santé PLUS, and Plan International Mali, the Global Fund has inked three new grants to bolster healthcare infrastructure and enhance disease prevention and treatment initiatives.
The allocated grants will primarily target HIV and TB, with plans to treat up to 96,600 individuals by 2026 and prevent new infections, including mother-to-child transmission. Initiatives will include expanding testing coverage, promoting viral load suppression, and improving TB treatment success rates. Additionally, efforts will focus on decentralized care for drug-resistant TB and scaled-up prevention activities for key and vulnerable populations.
Moreover, the grants will support critical health system functions, including community health, laboratories, supply chain management, health information systems, and human resources. There will be a particular emphasis on strengthening the capacity of community-based organizations.
In addition to the grants, the Global Fund has allocated €53 million for Mali's COVID-19 Response Mechanism, aiming to bolster health systems and pandemic preparedness until 2025. Investments will cover community systems, health product storage capacity, laboratories, community-based surveillance, and medical oxygen.
The partnership between Mali and the Global Fund underscores a shared commitment to improving health outcomes amidst challenging circumstances. Dr. Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, Mali’s Minister of Health and Social Development, stressed the importance of collaboration in enhancing the resilience of Mali’s health system and combating HIV, TB, and malaria.
Saran Fadiga-Branchi, Senior Fund Portfolio Manager for Mali at the Global Fund, highlighted the significance of this funding cycle in addressing Mali's healthcare needs, particularly in regions with limited access to healthcare services due to security concerns.
Despite facing obstacles, Mali has made strides in combating HIV, TB, and malaria over the past decade. Reductions in new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, alongside improvements in TB treatment coverage and success rates, underscore the effectiveness of ongoing interventions. With continued support from the Global Fund and partners, Mali is poised to build upon these achievements and advance its public health goals.
Article by Jed Mwangi
Photo/Reuters
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