Progress has been slow in the fight against the pandemic in West Africa. While the government of Mali set an ambitious target to immunize 70% of its citizens aged 12 and older, the current vaccination rate is struggling to exceed 8%. To address this shortfall, a delegation from the United Nations visited the country in early October to assist local authorities in fulfilling the objectives outlined in the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (PNDV).

“A variety of initiatives are currently in motion. Our mission is to collaborate with the government and its various partners to reinforce current strategies and ensure the Malian population is safe from Covid,” stated Ted Chaiban, the UN’s lead coordinator for global Covid-19 vaccination readiness.

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The challenge of public engagement

During his time in Bamako, the UN representative highlighted the vital contributions of the Malian Red Cross. The organization has established a robust logistical framework to combat the pandemic, bringing together various groups to train volunteers and raise awareness among the public. These teams are also active in distributing essential protective equipment, despite the fact that the virus’s impact has lessened across the region in recent months.

Nevertheless, changing the minds of certain Malians remains a difficult endeavor. With a notable decrease in Covid-19 cases, many citizens are increasingly hesitant to accept the vaccine, making the goal of widespread immunization a complex task for health officials.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter