Healthcare Centre

Healthcare is desperately lacking in Mali. Every fifth newborn dies before reaching the age of 5 years. The health of the general population is so poor that the average life expectancy is only 46 years (WHO, 2008). Healthcare in Mali is generally for those who can afford it, leaving the poorest of the poor to go without.

Malaria, road accidents injuries, childbirth complications (generally caused by female circumcision) and malnutrition are some of the major healthcare issues – most are preventable in today''s world. Somehow, Mali misses out.

The vision of a community healthcare centre was communicated to the Mali Initiative through a general assembly of the Kalabankoro Kulaba community in 2005. They wanted access to healthcare for their family and friends, as well as their neighbours. Their call for help was heard and, through teamwork of the community, plans were drawn of how their centre would look and operate. In 2007, the building of the healthcare centre commenced, overseen by community members.

The opening of the Kalabankoro healthcare centre (CSCOM) in early 2008 was an important step for the people of Kalabankoro Kulaba. While the centre was being built, people would often watch its construction, excited by what it would bring to the community. The chief of the Kalabankoro Kulaba village said "if I died tomorrow, I would be happy man because I know my community will be OK, with access to healthcare through this centre".

The healthcare centre offers a variety of services including general consultations and care, vaccinations, distribution of mosquito nets, minor surgery, child birth deliveries, prenatal and postnatal consultations, malaria treatment, community health education and pharmaceutical services.

The healthcare centre is owned by the community of Kalabankoro Kulaba and is governed by a board consisting of locals. The centre operates on the basis of people paying only what they can afford to pay. This means that the poorest of the poor can access the services offered. What is more, the centre is self-sustainable from the income of people paying for services.

The Mali Initiative values healthcare as a basic human right and an important pillar in the development of Mali. We are very proud to support the Kalabankoro Kulaba community’s vision of this healthcare center.

Thank you to everyone who made this centre possible.

Health care services since January 2008

• Over 3,500 curative consultations
• 2,368 children immunized
• 258 babies delivered

(November 2008)