Mali : bring healthcare to vulnerable populations

In Mali’s Bankass cercle, access to healthcare remains a major challenge for populations affected by more than ten years of crisis. Première Urgence Internationale is deploying mobile clinics to meet the urgent needs of isolated communities, particularly in the fields of health, nutrition, water, hygiene and sanitation, and to provide psychosocial support.

A mobile clinic close to communities

In the Bandiagara region, Première Urgence Internationale’s mobile clinic travels to villages farthest from health centers to treat vulnerable populations and internally displaced persons. Comprising a doctor, a nurse, a midwife, a community mobilizer and a psychosocial team, the clinic offers a complete package of medical and support services.

For residents like Madame Aminata Barry, a 34-year-old housewife from Ogossagou Peulh, these interventions are essential. Located 16 kilometers from Bankass, the village has been heavily impacted by past violence and today remains an area where access to healthcare remains limited despite security efforts.

“I was hospitalized for two months, first at the Centre de Santé de Référence in Bankass, then at the hospital in Sevaré. We had no money and my condition wasn’t improving. Back in Ogossagou, my husband met the Première Urgence Internationale team who had come to our village. The doctor organized my free evacuation to the Bankass Health Center, where I was diagnosed with severe anemia requiring a blood transfusion, and surgery for an open wound on my thigh.”

Thanks to the intervention of the mobile clinic, Madame Barry received free care, including a blood transfusion, surgery and post-operative follow-up by the Première Urgence Internationale medical team.

“All care and medicines were free. My husband and I also received help with food and transport after my hospitalization. Since I was born, this is the first time I’ve received such help”, she adds.

An integrated response to strengthen physical and mental health

Support didn’t stop at medical care. After her return to the village, Ms Barry took part in psychosocial support sessions led by Première Urgence Internationale psychologists. These group discussions aim to reduce stress, build community resilience and raise awareness of the importance of mental well-being.

Local support in a crisis context

The various crises in central Mali are complicating access to essential services for the most vulnerable populations. Première Urgence Internationale’s mobile clinic offers a direct and adapted response by traveling to the heart of the most remote communities, while reinforcing local health structures.

These activities are made possible in Mali thanks to the support of USAID.