From July 25 to 26, 2024, Muso participated in the “Journées Nationales des Soins Essentiels dans la Communauté (JNSEC)” (National Days of Essential Community Care), held at the Maison des Aînés, ACI 2000, Bamako. Organized by the Ministry of Health and Social Development, this event brought together key players in community health, including CHWs, Government Officials and NGOs working in the sector.
Picture of Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, Minister of Health and Social Development of Mali with D. Mariam Cissé, Urban areas Coordinator
This was the second edition of JNSEC, and the theme was: “Ensuring the Salaries of Community Health Workers (CHWs) is Essential for Sustaining the Essential Care Strategy in Mali.” 2024 edition highlighted the vital role of CHWs in implementing healthcare at the local level. Debate was engaged on the government’s contribution into the remuneration of CHWs which is crucial for the sustainability of community health. CHWs’ remuneration has been Muso’s advocacy priority in Mali for over 5 years. Their remuneration is being fully covered by the partners, such as Global Fund, Muso and GAVI.
JNSEC event registered the presence of key Government Officials, including Colonel Abdoulaye Maïga, Minister of State and Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralization of Mali, and Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, Minister of Health and Social Development of Mali. The event was a space for civil society and Technical and Financial Partners like Muso, to address the issue of community health sustainability and the Government’s contribution into CHWs’ remuneration. The President of FENASCOM (the national network for community health) advocated for establishing a sustainable salary mechanism for CHWs, addressing the present authorities, including the Minister of Health and local governments.
In his speech, Colonel Maïga stated : “The Transition President is committed to advancing the achievements of decentralization and recognises the important role of ASACOs and communities.” Mr. Maiga also urged local governments to commit in sustainable support for CHWs, when stating that “to sustain community health, I request the Ministries of Finance and Health to engage in the possibility of covering the salaries of CHWs.”
In addition, panels were organized, during which, Muso’s Country Manager, Dr. Djoumé Diakité, and Dr. Youssouf Keïta, Muso’s Regional Director of Learning and Innovation, engaged in analysis on “Essential Care in a Conflict Context” and the digitalization of community care. Muso also showcased its successes in the communities of Bankass, Yirimadio, and Bakorobabougou through a dedicated stand.
This edition of the JNSEC was marked by the recognition many CHWs, among which, three Community Health Workers from Muso sites. Dr. Djoumé Diakité, along with CHWs Fatoumata Guindo, Fanta Diawara, and Aïchata Abdoulaye Cissé from Yirimadio, were honored for their exceptional contributions to promoting equitable healthcare access. Fatoumata Guindo expressed her pride, saying : “I am very happy to receive this award, which reflects the hard work we have done in community health. I encourage other CHWs to continue striving for excellence to win awards at future events.”
Picture of Dr. Djoumé Diakité Country Manager, along with CHWs Fatoumata Guindo, Fanta Diawara, and Aïchata Abdoulaye Cissé from Yirimadio and D. Ibrahim Cissé, Health Center Technical Manager
Another CHW, Salimatou Kanté, (who received the award) from the rural area of Doumba in the Kita district, emphasized the importance of collective effort. She : “It is through a joint effort that we were able to receive these awards. During our home visits, we collaborate with the mayor’s office, ASACOs, and Technical Directors of Center to obtain necessary materials and medications. It is through this cooperation that we were rewarded, and I thank them sincerely.”
This event, made possible through the support of Muso’s Technical Assistance, illustrates the importance of collaboration in strengthening healthcare in communities.
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