Mali

2004 Campaigns:
Dec. 13-21, 2004
# children targeted: 1,984,500
Deaths prevented: 6,238

December 2001
# children vaccinated: 4,998,490
Deaths prevented: 11,014
Red Cross volunteers: 912
Percent Coverage: 99%

Mali Red Cross (MRC) Volunteers Participate in Mass Measles Campaign

The Mali Red Cross (MRC) participated in immunization campaigns in four hard to reach districts based on previous experiences with Polio National Immunization Days.

To address the feat at hand, MRC hired a project assistant for four months, formed a Task Force, and participated regularly as a full member in the ICC meetings at the Ministry of Health (MoH). The MRC focussed and prepared their social mobilization outreach with the training of volunteers, preparation of IEC materials, and dissemination of public information via radio, posters, and house to house visits.

Over 910 volunteers assisted in this mobilization effort and 63 staff members supervised them. These volunteers were recruited and trained by the respective districts. Equipment and supplies purchased with measles funds included bicycles, motorcycles, megaphones, and other volunteer support supplies. These materials will be utilized in ongoing volunteer interventions in the communities.

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that Mali reached approximately 99% of the 4.5 million targeted children ages six months to 14 years.