Mali Clinic Supplies to Protect Against COVID-19

Since 2012 Mali has been troubled by separatist and jihadist insurgencies, intercommunal violence, displaced persons. The most recent issues perturbing the West African country include a political coup and the COVID-19 pandemic; Mali is undoubtedly going through an unprecedented multidimensional crisis. 

On March 25, 2020, Mali officially recorded its first  positive case of Coronavirus. Since then, the virus has unfortunately managed to claim dozens of other victims, so much so that as this August 18th, Mali has 2,522 confirmed cases and 224 deaths on its record (mortality of 4.9%). The most affected region has been Bamako (claims 47.6% of the total confirmed cases), however, the regions of Timbuktu (22.5%) Mopti (9.8%) and Koulikoro (7%) have seen an outburst of cases in recent weeks.

Compared to other Africa countries, the COVID-19 situation in Mali seems less alarming, however, aware of the very high level of contamination of this virus, the Malian country must remain vigilant and be proactive in its preventative efforts in order to avoid a nationwide surge in contagion. As previously mentioned, the particularity of Mali in this health crisis lies in its unstable security, political and social context. Many experts attribute the rapid increase in confirmed cases to the holding of an election on March 29, just little time after the Coronavirus was confirmed present in Mali, as well as the multiple manifestations since then.

During a press conference in early August, the Minister of Health and Social Affairs, Michel H. Sidibé, discussed Malian efforts on the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic and stated that the future establishment of a systematic test operation of all contact persons, estimated to date at more than 2021 people. "This will make it possible to detect infected people in advance in order to be placed in isolation accompanied by early treatment," he said, undeniably greatest news for the country which currently lack proper contact tracing systems. On the other hand, the question of Mali’s endowment of supplies against COVID-19  (masks, disinfectant, personal protective equipment, tests, etc.) was a bit less reassuring. The Minister revealed that Mali has had difficulties accessing products necessary to implement nationwide prevention and treatment measures. Sidibé added that Mali has managed to establish select testing facilities and provision of personal protective equipment to hardest hit regions thanks to the support of international and national organizations. 

COVID-19 has undoubtedly exacerbated Mali’s humanitarian crisis. GAIA VF is committed to supporting Mali’s COVID-19 response in numerous ways including prevention messaging, COVID-19 education, providing clinic supplies to community health facilities, and enhancing Mali’s ability to prevent and control infections via testing, tracing, and vaccination when available. The battle against COVID-19 has emphasized the critical role of community—we must look out for our communities, whether local or international—to make sure that everyone, everywhere, has access to existing biomedical technology and the social support to lead a healthy life. In the context of a global pandemic, health preservation and security demands global solidarity; no community is truly safe if others are struggling with the management of a highly contagious coronavirus. Just as a viral disease like COVID-19 has no borders, neither should solidarity. This issue is a global challenge and it demands a proper global response because no country or community will be safe until all of us are. Your donation to GAIA VF’s anti-COVID-19 efforts can help makes this a reality, join us in securing our health.

According to press release 156, published on August 5th by the Malian Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, there had been a total of 2,546 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the country. As of August 7th, there have been an additional 15 confirmed cases, bringing the total to 2,561. Less than 500 of these confirmed cases are currently active. 

These updates are promising, as we see that many countries around the world are dealing with much higher rates of infection. However, access to testing has been an issue. As previously stated in a report, only certain community health centers are able to actually provide testing. Nonetheless, we must continue to take COVID-19 seriously, educate the public, and provide supplies to the clinic to protect against COVID-19. 

A recent article published by UNICEF tells the story of Samba (a pseudonym given to maintain anonymity), a 13 year old child experiencing homelessness in Bamako. It is estimated that there are at least several thousand children experiencing homelessness in Bamako and therefore living on the streets. UNICEF and Samusocial Mali, in collaboration with the Central Emergency Response Fund, have been able to provide handwashing stations that are easily accessible around the city. However, this is just one example of groups at risk for COVID-19, and one of many reasons to continue taking the pandemic seriously.

It is also important to note that commercial air travel has resumed as of July 25th, and land borders reopened last Friday (July 31st). Social distancing measures, mask-wearing, and testing are all part of the procedures. However, it is too early to know how this may impact the number of COVID-19 cases in the country. 

Your donation will help us to provide gloves, masks, disinfectant, testing, and more for people in Mali. Working together, we can continue to combat this virus. Thank you for your support.