The world bank bolsters Mali’s inclusive health system resilience

WASHINGTON, June 28, 2024 – The World Bank has given its seal of approval to a significant 100 million dollar credit from the International Development Association (IDA)*. This funding is specifically allocated to Mali, aiming to boost access to and utilization of vital reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child, adolescent health, and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services, while simultaneously strengthening preparedness for health emergencies in designated regions.

Implementing a Results-Based Financing (RBF) methodology, the initiative, aptly named “Promoting Inclusive Health System Resilience for All in Mali,” or Keneya Yiriwali (meaning ‘health is wealth’ in Bambara), seeks to elevate the overall quality of essential health services. A particular emphasis is placed on RMNCAH+N services, with plans to expand coverage across a broader range of areas and higher tiers of the health system’s structure. The project will finance necessary resources and performance-linked payments in targeted regions and schools, contingent on available funds, to enhance service delivery effectiveness and availability. This expansion encompasses climate-vulnerable areas and communities, regional hospitals, and school infirmaries, with a distinct focus on adolescent health, climate-related emergencies, and robust pandemic preparedness and response. Furthermore, Keneya Yiriwali is designed to optimize the efficiency of health sector expenditures through improved budgetary resource management, the consolidation of health financing, and information systems that effectively link budgets with performance outcomes.

“The expansion of Results-Based Financing, which now incorporates climate risks related to both energy and emergency management, is a key driver for enhancing the provision of quality healthcare services to communities through the Keneya Yiriwali project. It builds upon the successes of the Accelerating Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage (PACSU) project, which significantly improved healthcare utilization, quality metrics, medicine availability, and patient satisfaction across nine administrative regions,” explained Clara de Sousa, the World Bank’s Country Director for Mali. “RBF has proven to be a transformative instrument, empowering health facilities, fostering local recruitment, driving infrastructure development, and equipping laboratories throughout Mali.”

The total financial commitment for this IDA operation amounts to 125 million dollars. This comprises the 100 million dollar IDA credit and an additional 25 million dollar grant from the Global Financing Facility (GFF), with 15 million dollars of the latter contributed by the Government of the Netherlands through a co-financing arrangement with the GFF. This collaborative partnership was instrumental in the successful implementation of the RBF approach from 2020 to 2024 via the PACSU project in Mali.

“Building on previous support, the GFF grant and co-financing from the Government of the Netherlands will foster strong alignment in Mali to improve health services for women, children, and adolescents,” stated Luc Laviolette, Head of the GFF Secretariat. “Investing in a more resilient and inclusive health system can help ensure that the needs of the most remote and climate-vulnerable communities are met.”

Keneya Yiriwali is set to primarily benefit women, adolescents, and children, impacting a total population of 15.4 million inhabitants. This includes 3 million children under the age of five and 3.4 million women aged 15 to 49. Its coverage area will extend beyond the regions initially supported by PACSU—Gao, Mopti, Douentza, Bandiagara, San, Segou, Koulikoro, Dioila, and Nara—to encompass new regions with the highest poverty rates, such as Tombouctou, Bougouni, Koutiala, and Sikasso, alongside Commune VI of the Bamako district.

*The International Development Association (IDA) is a crucial arm of the World Bank, dedicated to assisting the world’s poorest nations. Established in 1960, IDA provides grants and low- or zero-interest loans to fund projects and programs designed to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty, and enhance the lives of the most disadvantaged. IDA stands as a leading financier for 76 of the globe’s poorest countries, with 39 of them located in Africa. IDA’s resources bring about positive change for 1.6 billion people. Since its inception, IDA has backed development activities in 113 countries. Over the past three years, its annual commitments have averaged 21 billion dollars, with approximately 61% directed towards Africa.