In the Konio health area, situated in the Dandougou Fakala municipality, a significant positive change has taken place thanks to the community's effort in financing local healthcare. In the past, the community faced major challenges like infrequent meetings, unrecorded information, and the lack of local financial support. With the assistance of United States Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Keneya Sinsi Wale (Health System Strengthening, Governance and Finance) activity, a collaborative effort between the community health association and the municipality has turned things around.
Before the project's intervention, the health center faced concerning issues. The Konio community health center saw only 150 patients seeking medical care per month, and there were low attendance rates for maternal and prenatal care. Home births were common, the maternity unit faced a shortage of qualified staff, and the community's resources weren't effectively used to support healthcare.
With USAID support, the Konio community group was reinvigorated. The addition of a community development agent and a district officer improved the Konio community health center. Sound advice and well-planned strategies brought life back to the community group. They began holding regular meetings, creating an action plan, and ensuring that everyone involved followed through on their commitments.
The community group significantly enhanced its activities. They started holding monthly and quarterly meetings and general assemblies. They signed an agreement between the municipality and the community health association to acquire necessary equipment. The community members also made financial and technical commitments, organizing events like the Health Week, which benefited 859 people. In November 2022, they conducted a free eye check-up event and provided free cataract surgeries to 210 people, with five individuals receiving free surgical procedures to regain their eyesight and independence.
With USAID's support, the Konio community group successfully mobilized local resources in a sustainable manner. The number of patients seeking medical care increased from 150 to 250 per month, maternal care attendance rates rose from 30% to 90%, and prenatal care attendance increased from 24% to 46%. Home births became less common, and now the municipality and the community health association contribute to paying the maternity staff's salaries.
The USAID Keneya Sinsi Wale’s invaluable guidance helped resolve difficulties, improve health outcomes, maintain a commitment to the success of our activities, and mobilize local resources”, Dr. Alou Koné – Technical Director of the Konio community health center.
Thanks to the project, we have achieved our goals and received recognition and funding from other projects for the quality of our work and the improvement of our health outcomes", adds Hassana Bocoum, first Deputy Mayor of the municipality.
The USAID Keneya Sinsi Wale extended its support to more than 680 community health centers in the regions of Ségou, Sikasso, and Mopti. Local resource mobilization reached an impressive amount of U.S. Dollar 2,156,133 (equal to FCFA 1,331,460,449) in 2023. This funding contributed to resolving salary delays, motivating healthcare personnel, improving infrastructure, bolstering medication stocks, and supporting various community health activities.
USAID Keneya Sinsi Wale