Mali Launches Drive to Improve WASH Services in Health Centers

Mali has launched a national resource mobilization initiative aimed at improving access to water, hygiene and sanitation services in health facilities across the country, as authorities push to meet development targets ahead of the 2030 deadline.

Officials say the initiative is designed not only to raise funding but also to strengthen advocacy for improved water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions in healthcare settings.

Boureima Tabalaba, Executive Director of the National Coordination Committee for Water, Hygiene and Sanitation in Health Facilities (CN-CIEPA), said the effort represents both a financial and policy tool to accelerate progress.

“This initiative is not only about mobilizing resources. It is also an advocacy mechanism to ensure better access to water, hygiene and sanitation in health centers,” he said.

The roadmap was developed following a nationwide needs assessment conducted with the support of the international organization WaterAid and several technical and financial partners.

According to officials, the strategy outlines priority investments required to significantly improve sanitation infrastructure and water access in healthcare facilities across Mali.

Authorities acknowledge that the country’s security situation and economic constraints present significant challenges for implementing the plan. Despite these difficulties, government officials say progress remains achievable.

Moussa Ag Hamma, Deputy Director of Public Hygiene and Sanitation at Mali’s General Directorate of Health, said the government remains optimistic about the program’s impact.

The Malian government says it is already pursuing several approaches to strengthen hygiene and sanitation services in health facilities. These include direct financial allocations to support routine sanitation activities in healthcare institutions, investments in major drinking water infrastructure projects, and increased coordination between ministries responsible for health, water resources and environmental management.

Access to reliable water and sanitation services is widely regarded as a key factor in preventing hospital-acquired infections and improving the overall quality of healthcare delivery.

However, officials say major gaps remain, including limited infrastructure and shortages of trained personnel capable of maintaining WASH systems in health facilities.

The government estimates that implementing the roadmap will require approximately 38.6 billion CFA francs to ensure universal access to water, hygiene and sanitation in healthcare settings nationwide by 2030. They also stressed that mobilizing the necessary funding will require stronger collaboration between the government and international development partners.

Officials also warned that progress has been slow so far in securing the resources needed to implement the plan, calling for greater urgency from both national authorities and technical and financial partners to achieve the 2030 target.