Action For Health : Empowering Communities in Mali

In early 2011, Djeneba, a resident of peri-urban Sikoro, became pregnant. Identified as eligible through a local survey, Djeneba was recruited and enrolled in Mali Health’s Action for Health program. Impoverished and isolated, Djeneba would not have had access to vital health services without the help of our program, but through it, she received counsel, education and monitoring by one of Mali Health’s Community Health Workers, Fanta.

That November, Djeneba gave birth to a healthy boy, Ali. Mali Health continued to monitor and aid Djeneba and Ali after birth – Fanta made frequent home visits and ensured Ali was immunized against the preventable diseases that all too often keep Malian children from reaching their fifth birthday.

Six months after Ali’s birth, Djeneba left Sikoro to spend several months in her family’s rural village. Immediately after she returned, Fanta made a visit to their house to check on mother and child and was met with an alarming sight: Ali had lost significant weight during his time away and exhibited signs of severe malnutrition. Fanta took action immediately, rushing Djeneba and Ali to the closest health center.

Through Action for Health, Ali received lifesaving medical care and access to qualified health workers. He remained in the hospital for 10 days, during which time he regained enough weight to be returned to his mother’s care. Though Ali was no longer in immediate danger, Mali Health’s work was far from over, knowing Ali would continue to require close monitoring to ensure his complete recovery.

Even after his release, Fanta observed that “Ali was so weak initially that he could no longer support the weight of his head.” Neither Djeneba nor her husband had jobs at the time, however, so Ali’s recuperation was in jeopardy. In response, Mali Health provided Djeneba with milk, grains enhanced with vitamins, fish, fruits, and legumes for Ali for the next two months. Fanta continued her close care, sometimes visiting Djeneba every day to check on Ali’s progress.

Today, Ali is 3 years old. He is no longer malnourished and lives a happy and healthy life with his mother in Sikoro. Djeneba is enrolled in our Health Savings program, where she can borrow pooled money for future health expenses or to earn a small income. Mali Health’s Action for Health program has helped 2,000 children like Ali, employing community-based solutions that not only provide for short-term health successes but also long-term improvements in education and care. Mali Health believes that everyone has the right to experience childhood without the looming threat of illness or death. Ali’s mother thanked Mali Health, stating, “I think God has sent Mali Health to help poor persons like us… May God accompany those who fund Mali Health’s activities.” 

Links:

• Mali Health Receives Grand Challenges Explorations Award
• Watch our new video!