Apart from regular droughts, Mali is a country that has recently been weakened by civil unrest. Since April 2012, the country has received a considerable humanitarian response. However, none of the organisations have included diabetes in their agenda. Within a few days of the conflict, patients found themselves without access to healthcare professionals and drugs. To address this situation, the NGO Santé Diabète Mali (SDM) - in collaboration with the Malian Ministry of Health and WHO - launched a humanitarian response for people suffering from diabetes.SDM has greatly improved diabetes care in Mali by decentralising services and increasing access to treatment. As part of this action, WDF has supported four projects from 2004 to 2012 (WDF 04-074 and WDF 05-114, WDF07-251, WDF 10-497). Unfortunately, the conflict has totally changed the situation in the country .The health care system in the north was ruined, and in the south it was destabilised due to the increasing number of patients migrating from the north. The supply of diabetes medication from the national hospital was disrupted by the cash shortages following the embargo. With the displacements and stress due to the crisis, an increase in frequency of diabetic complications has taken place.The aim is to improve diabetes prevention and care by strengthening the health system in the north of Mali and re-establishing it in the south.
This project is vital for Mali because it builds upon the structures created since 2004, while participating in the recovery and reconstruction of the areas affected by the conflict. It will be part of the actions identified in the national recovery plan by the Malian government.In the southern part of the country, the health system will be strengthened, with focus on prevention and management of diabetes (in adults, children and pregnant women) and its complications. The following activities will be conducted in order to reach this objective:1. Statistical data on diabetes related morbidity will be available and awareness about diabetes and its risk factors will be spread to the general population.2. Health professionals will be trained in detection and management of diabetes (type 1, type 2 and gestational Diabetes), as well as related complications (retinopathy and neuropathy with foot problems). The curriculum of nursing schools will be reinforced. Health care facilities and private companies in the target areas will become diabetes focal points to ensure diabetes prevention and care.3. A diabetes medicine supply mechanism will be established in collaboration with the national central pharmacy. People living with diabetes will have easy access to medicine.In the northern part of the country, the diabetes prevention and management health care will be rebuilt. Diabetes consultations will be re-established, doctors and paramedics will be trained and clinics will receive medical equipment. The specific problems of the vulnerable nomadic population with diabetes will be addressed.
- National database created - An antidiabetic drugs supply mechanism established - 300 nursing students were trained - Nursing school curriculum strengthen - 38 health care providers trained