AQCESS

In the past decade, Mali has made progress in addressing maternal and child mortality. Yet, mortality rates remain high, with malaria being the largest contributor to under five mortality. The rates are worse in rural areas, where populations have limited access to basic health services.

The Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) together with Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) and with financial support from Global Affairs Canada, undertook a qualitative research project in the Mopti region of Mali to understand gaps in the management of malaria for women and children under five. The research findings will serve to strengthen malaria prevention and treatment practices in the region informed by WHO policies and with the goal of reducing malaria mortality among women of reproductive age and children under five.

The research, which commenced in 2017 and was completed in 2019, specifically looked at pre-referral management and treatment of severe malaria in children under five, as well as the use of protective medicines for pregnant mothers (Intermittent Preventive Treatment during pregnancy - IPTp) and children (Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention - SMC). Findings and recommendations will be shared with a broad range of stakeholders with the aim to influence policy and practice in the Mopti region.

Working closely with Aga Khan Foundation Mali and the National Malaria Control Programme in Mali, this malaria-focused initiative will contribute to AKFC’s broader, four-country ‘Access to Quality Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems’ (AQCESS) project.