Healthcare systems strengthening in Sahel communities
Key achievements in Sahel health systems
Between 2018 and 2024, remarkable progress was made in strengthening health systems across vulnerable Sahel communities. Here are the most significant milestones:
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Expanding and enhancing primary healthcare services: In Mali and Mauritania, over 5 million people—half of them women—gained access to essential health services, surpassing the initial target of 3.65 million. Health centers in targeted regions saw marked improvements in service quality through upgraded equipment, staff training, and patient care protocols.
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Maternal health services: In conflict-affected areas of Mali, the percentage of pregnant women attending critical prenatal visits tripled from 13% to 38%. In Mauritania, 160,000 deliveries were supported by skilled birth attendants, exceeding the goal by 20%.
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Pediatric care initiatives: Mali delivered 1.17 million consultations for children under five, addressing common illnesses such as malaria, respiratory infections, and diarrhea. In Mauritania, over 200,000 children were vaccinated—three times the initial target—and nearly 5 million medical consultations were provided to young children.
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Nutrition support programs: Mauritania’s efforts reached 750,000 women and children with vital nutritional assistance, significantly reducing malnutrition rates.
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Equitable access to care: By project completion, 460,000 vulnerable individuals in Mali received free essential healthcare. In Mauritania, over a million free health services were delivered to at-risk groups, including refugees. Additionally, 81% of targeted vulnerable households received financial aid to cover medical expenses.
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Family planning advancements: Mali saw a near tripling of contraceptive use among adolescents, rising from 5.8% to 15.3%. In Mauritania, the number of women using modern contraception surged from roughly 9,000 to over 240,000—far exceeding projections.
