trained midwives empower women’s health in Mali

Bamako — Kadidia, a 19-year-old student in Bamako, once hesitated to discuss contraception due to deep-rooted taboos in her community. « I was afraid of being judged or talked about behind my back, » she recalls. Her experience reflects the challenges faced by thousands of young women in Mali when accessing sexual and reproductive health services.

statistics reveal persistent challenges

Despite progress, Mali continues to grapple with high maternal mortality rates. In 2024, the country recorded 583 maternal deaths, including 89 among adolescents aged 15 to 19. The risks associated with early and unplanned pregnancies remain significant. While the number of women using modern contraceptive methods rose from 480,682 in 2023 to 559,493 in 2024, the need for accessible and stigma-free healthcare persists. With nearly 4.8 million women of reproductive age in 2024, ensuring their access to quality reproductive health services is critical for their safety, autonomy, and future.

These services go beyond preventing unplanned pregnancies. They play a vital role in reducing sexually transmitted infections, safeguarding mental and physical well-being, and empowering women to make informed choices about their bodies. However, entrenched societal taboos and systemic barriers often hinder progress in this area, making public health interventions a necessity.

global support for local transformation

To address these challenges, the World Health Organization (WHO), with financial backing from a major donor, has partnered with the Malian government to launch a comprehensive program aimed at enhancing sexual and reproductive health rights and access. The initiative encompasses multiple strategies, including:

• strengthening legal frameworks to protect women’s health rights;
• upgrading healthcare providers’ skills through targeted training programs;
• supplying essential medical equipment to clinics and health centers;
• establishing youth-friendly clinics tailored to the needs of adolescents and young adults;
• developing reliable data systems to guide evidence-based policymaking.

The program’s integration into Mali’s national health strategy underscores its long-term commitment to improving maternal and child health. « We’ve trained judges on WHO’s latest guidelines, launched a national health observatory, and strengthened maternal death surveillance systems, » explains Dr. N’Tji Keita, Head of the Department of Maternal and Child Health at the National Office of Reproductive Health. « These efforts ensure that sexual and reproductive health remains a priority at all levels of government. »

The WHO’s role extends beyond technical support. As a coordinator, it facilitates collaboration among health stakeholders, ensuring that initiatives are aligned with national priorities. This coordination led to the publication of Mali’s first national bulletin on sexual and reproductive health indicators and the National Health Accounts for 2022, both of which provide critical insights for strategic decision-making.

innovative healthcare delivery for vulnerable populations

Targeted interventions are bringing services closer to those who need them most. In Sikasso, a new Mother-Child-Adolescent clinic now offers integrated family planning and gender-based violence support services. Additionally, mobile health teams are deployed in humanitarian zones like Macina to reach remote and underserved communities. « Our goal is to make healthcare accessible and inclusive, » says Dr. Sylla Ousmane, WHO’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Program Manager in Mali. « By meeting young people where they are, we can break down barriers and foster trust. »

the power of trained midwives

At the heart of this transformation are skilled midwives, whose continuous training has elevated the quality of care for young women. Aïssata, a midwife at the Kebila community health center, shares her experience: « I’ve received extensive training in prenatal care, family planning, STI/HIV/AIDS management, and medical prescriptions. This has not only improved my clinical skills but also allowed me to provide judgment-free care to young women. »

Assetou, a mentor midwife in Yanfolila—160 kilometers south of Bamako—has witnessed firsthand the impact of these efforts. « The training changed how I approach my work, » she says. « I now focus on active listening, availability, and respecting consent. » Since 2019, the number of adolescents and young adults accessing sexual and reproductive health services in her center has more than doubled, from 2,330 to 5,121.

These improvements extend beyond statistics. Through school campaigns, radio programs on sexual health, and training for healthcare providers in empathetic communication, young women are increasingly seeking care without fear. « I remember my first visit to the health center, » Kadidia reflects. « The midwife welcomed me warmly, listened without judgment, and gave me excellent advice. It made a real difference in my well-being. To other young women, I say: don’t be afraid to seek help—these services are here for you. »