Action For Health : Empowering Communities in Mali

Mariam Fofana Diallow is the Programs Director at Mali Health Organizing Project (not Mariam Samessekou, the Community Health Worker profiled in our last report). While she loves her job, it isn’t always easy to face the daunting challenges present in the field of maternal and child health in a developing country. On a day in late August this year, she was reminded of the true importance and meaning of her work.

Mariam was working in her office when a woman stepped into the terrace, looking for someone to talk to. Mariam could see that this woman was brimming with excitement, and invited her inside. The woman, who introduced herself as Djelika Sogore, carried a healthy, smiling baby on her back. As she greeted Mariam, she handed the baby to her, proudly showing off her grandson.

The woman started to talk about the baby, Kassim, an 18-month old boy, her pride visible and contagious. Djelika’s daughter died giving birth to Kassim after a cesarean section, leaving Djelika to care for him in her stead. Djelika, while heartbroken, embraced Kassim as the last remaining link to her daughter and a much-needed inspiration in an otherwise tragic time. Unfortunately, shortly after her daughter’s death, Djelika’s tragedy seemed as if it would soon double as Kassim grew very ill and thin. Djelika said, “I thought that misfortune was still knocking on my door and that I would lose what was left of my daughter.”

Djelika’s luck changed when officials from Mali Health arrived. Kassim was suffering from malnutrition and a severe respiratory disease. He was taken to a hospital where he received intensive care for a month. With the help of Mali Health, Kassim fought for his life and won. When Djelika was able to take Kassim in her arms once again, she was overwhelmed with happiness, telling Mariam, “he looked at me with eyes that remind me of my daughter; that look flooded my heart with joy.” Djelika sought Mariam out in order to share the jubilation she was so thankful for with those who made it possible.

Even though Mali Health faces significant challenges, stories like that of Djelika and Kassim keep Mariam motivated. Looking at the small child, she thought of her own son and late daughter, and began to cry. Kassim’s second chance at life serves as a testament to the power of the fulfillment of Mali Health’s mission. No child’s life should be put in jeopardy by a preventable or curable illness. What motivates Mariam is what motivates Mali Health: “Saving lives, providing dignity and empowerment, and giving hope to people forgotten by the health system.”

Over the last months, Action for Health has achieved impressive numbers. Health Workers conducted nearly 8,000 home visits. 1,217 children completed clinic consultations, made possible by Mali Health’s financial support. At a recent meeting, mothers stood and recounted the progress of their children and their communities with Mali Health’s intervention, met by much applause. As Mariam currently spends two weeks making visits in the US, she is relaying the messages of hope and gratitude from the many like Djelika and Kassim, partners in our progress.

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