A la Une

Advancing health systems in Sahel’s vulnerable regions: key achievements

By sahel-express / January 26, 2026

significant progress in Sahel health systems

Between 2018 and 2024, substantial achievements were recorded, impacting health systems across the Sahel region. Key highlights include:

  • Expanded and Enhanced Health Services: In both Mali and Mauritania, over 5 million individuals, with women constituting half of the beneficiaries, gained access to essential healthcare provisions. This figure considerably surpassed the initial target of 3.65 million. Health facilities within the targeted areas of these nations saw a marked improvement in the standard of care, attributed to upgraded equipment, comprehensive staff training, and more effective patient management. 

  • Maternal Health Support: For expectant mothers in Mali’s conflict-affected regions, the percentage attending vital prenatal check-ups nearly tripled, rising from 13% to 38%. Meanwhile, in Mauritania, skilled healthcare professionals assisted in 160,000 deliveries, exceeding the set goal by 20%.  

  • Pediatric Care Advancements: Mali delivered 1.17 million health consultations for children under five, addressing prevalent conditions like malaria, respiratory infections, and diarrhea. Mauritania achieved remarkable progress, vaccinating over 200,000 children – three times the original target – and providing almost 5 million medical consultations for young children. 

  • Nutritional Initiatives: In Mauritania, dedicated nutritional assistance reached 750,000 women and children, playing a crucial role in the fight against malnutrition. 

  • Enhanced Healthcare Access: By the project’s conclusion, 460,000 vulnerable individuals in Mali had gained free access to fundamental health services. Mauritania saw over a million free health services extended to its vulnerable populations, including refugees, with 81% of targeted vulnerable households receiving financial aid to facilitate their access to care. 

  • Family Planning and Contraception: In Mali, the adoption rate of contraceptives among adolescent girls nearly tripled, increasing from 5.8% to 15.3%. Mauritania experienced a significant surge, with the number of women utilizing modern contraceptive methods growing from approximately 9,000 to over 240,000, far exceeding the initial projections. 

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