Malians urge universal healthcare amid persistent challenges

Despite notable improvements in key health indicators such as child mortality rates, under-five mortality, maternal health outcomes, and life expectancy, Mali continues to face significant hurdles in ensuring universal health coverage. The World Health Organization and UNICEF highlight progress since 2018, when Mali launched an ambitious universal health insurance scheme. Yet, access to affordable, quality healthcare remains uneven, particularly in rural regions where medical staff shortages and inadequate funding persist.

The challenges are compounded by years of political instability, which has diverted resources and strained healthcare infrastructure. A staggering 70% of doctors practice in Bamako, the capital, leaving vast swathes of the population without essential medical services. This imbalance is reflected in Mali’s Universal Health Coverage Service Coverage Index score of 41/100—below both the African average (44) and the global standard (68).

The findings from Afrobarometer’s Round 10 survey reveal that healthcare is the top priority for Malians. Only about one in seven adults currently has access to medical coverage, and public concerns about healthcare affordability are widespread. A significant majority believe the government must prioritize universal healthcare access, even if it means higher taxes.

While many who visited public clinics or hospitals in the past year reported receiving necessary care, common complaints included unaffordable treatments, long wait times, and frequent shortages of medicines and equipment. Nearly half of respondents stated that a family member did not receive required medical attention in the past year.

Despite these frustrations, public approval for the government’s healthcare efforts remains strong. Approximately two-thirds of citizens express confidence in the Ministry of Health and acknowledge improvements in basic healthcare services.