Malians prioritize universal healthcare amid access challenges
The Mali has made notable strides in health metrics over recent years, including reductions in child mortality, under-5 mortality, maternal mortality, and improved life expectancy. In 2018, the nation launched an ambitious universal health coverage initiative. However, despite these efforts, securing quality healthcare remains a significant hurdle for many citizens.
Persistent challenges such as a shortage of qualified healthcare workers and inadequate funding continue to strain the system, worsened by prolonged political instability. The situation is particularly acute in rural areas, where over half of the country’s doctors are concentrated in the capital, Bamako.
According to the World Health Organization’s 2024 universal health coverage service index, Mali scored just 41 out of 100, falling below both the African average (44) and the global benchmark (68). This underscores the urgent need for systemic improvements in healthcare delivery.
Findings from the Afrobarometer Round 10 survey reveal that healthcare is the top priority for Malians, with only about one in seven adults currently benefiting from medical coverage. Many citizens express concerns over the affordability of essential medical services and the ability to access timely treatment. A strong majority believe the government must prioritize universal healthcare, even if it requires higher taxation.
Among those who visited public clinics or hospitals in the year before the survey, experiences were mixed. While many reported receiving necessary care, others cited high costs, long wait times, and medication shortages as major barriers. Nearly half of the respondents stated that a family member went without needed medical attention in the past year.
Despite these challenges, two-thirds of Malians express approval for the government’s efforts to enhance basic healthcare services and trust the Ministry of Health to drive progress.
