Mali: Mobile clinics help overcome barriers to healthcare access

Context

The prevailing security instability in the Ansongo and Bandiagara cercles accentuates the vulnerability of populations, particularly internally displaced persons and host communities. In this context, populations have limited access to essential health services, jeopardizing their well-being and survival. 

Faced with these challenges, Première Urgence Internationale, in collaboration with local health authorities, has set up mobile clinics. Staffed by local health workers, these mobile clinics deliver primary healthcare to isolated communities, even in the most inaccessible areas. This innovative approach ensures free medical care tailored to local needs. 

A global approach

Working closely with the Bandiagara and Ansongo health districts, these mobile clinics have been deployed in 12 targeted health areas. They offer a package of essential care, including curative consultations, screening and management of child malnutrition, as well as reproductive health services. 

Each clinic is staffed by a multi-disciplinary team: a health technician in charge of consultations, a drug dispensing nurse, an obstetric nurse and a community mobilizer. An agent from the health district manages nutritional inputs and vaccinates children. 

Concrete impact

Between December 2024 and January 2025, the recomposed mobile clinics achieved significant results: 

• Curative consultations: 8,310 patients treated, including 4,914 women and 3,396 men;
• Malnutrition screening: 2,500 children aged 6 to 59 months screened, with 446 cases of moderate acute malnutrition and 275 cases of severe acute malnutrition treated and referred to health centers for appropriate follow-up;
• Child immunization: 1,396 children aged 6 to 59 months immunized;
• Reproductive health: 745 women supported in their prenatal and postnatal care, including 15 assisted deliveries;
• Community awareness-raising: 5,477 people (3,702 women and 1,775 men) sensitized to key themes such as prenatal care, the fight against malnutrition, assisted childbirth, vaccination, hygiene and sanitation, malaria prevention and gender-based violence.