Mali has taken a major step toward improving maternal and child health by hosting its first-ever Gynecological-Pediatric Congress, held from September 16 to 20, 2025, at the International Conference Center in Bamako. The event coincided with the Scientific Days of the National Office of Reproductive Health and is expected to generate concrete recommendations to strengthen healthcare systems, expand access, and reduce stark regional inequalities across the country.
The congress brought together doctors, researchers, policymakers, and international partners committed to reducing Mali’s persistently high maternal and infant mortality rates. Opening the event, Mali’s Minister of Health and Social Development, Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, emphasized the government’s commitment to accelerating progress. She was joined by senior officials, health experts, and representatives of technical partners including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Organized by the Malian Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Malian Pediatric Association, the meeting focused on the theme: “Contribution of Research and Innovation to Promoting Reproductive Health.” This aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goal of lowering global maternal mortality to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Mali’s figures remain worrying: 367 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, neonatal mortality at 32 per 1,000, infant mortality at 58 per 1,000, and under-five mortality at 91 per 1,000 among the highest in West Africa. Experts say these numbers reflect gaps in healthcare access, particularly in rural areas, where shortages of skilled personnel and medical infrastructure are most severe.
Over the course of the week, participants are engaging in training workshops, panel discussions, and scientific presentations led by Malian and international specialists. Key topics include innovative approaches to obstetric emergencies, pediatric care, and strategies to integrate new technologies into reproductive health services. Organizers hope the congress will not only produce actionable policy recommendations but also lay the foundation for stronger partnerships and long-term reforms to improve outcomes for women and children.
