On March 24th 2011, the Republic of Mali joined the SUN Movement with a letter of commitment sent by its Minister of Health, Dr. Badara Aliou Macalou. At that time, Mali had started working on the elaboration of its National Policy for Nutrition, as part of the recommendations of the National Forum for Nutrition (June 2010). At the same time, all necessary steps were undertaken for an improved positioning of Nutrition within the new Strategic Framework for Growth and Poverty Reduction – 2012-2017, which was being developed.
One major achievement in 2016 was the establishment of the Nutrition Coordination Unit as formal coordinating structure. The different government sectors involved in the implementation of the Multi-Sectoral Nutrition Action Plan (PAMN) have a focal point. At the national level, the multi-sectoral platform (MSP) meets twice a year, through the Technical Inter-Sectoral Nutrition Committee, and once a year through the National Nutrition Council, bringing together ministers from different sectors. The focal points and general secretaries of the sectoral departments do, however, need training on their roles and responsibilities. The decentralised coordination bodies are established and clearly defined in the National Nutrition Policy, but are not yet operational. The frameworks established in this Policy are the regional, local and commune-level steering, coordination and monitoring committees for development actions. The process of engaging the private sector is underway.
Last updated: November 2017
Last updated: December 2016
With a view to reinforcing the coordination process, a Nutrition Coordination Unit has just been created (March 2015), by decree of the Prime Minister. This unit must be swiftly provided with human and financial resources in order to fulfil its role of coordinating at a national level and scalingup interventions.
A capacity-building campaign was run for members of the Intersectoral Technical Nutrition Committee.
Mali has operationalised its multi-sectoral approach to nutrition and established local platforms in the Yorosso Circle. This was carried out with Cornell University as part of the Africa Nutrition Security Partnership (ANSP) supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and financed by the European Union.
A SUN Government Focal Point has been nominated at the Ministry of Health. However, a political focal point is necessary in order to go beyond technical coordination. Ministries’ participation could be improved. More regular meetings and better information sharing have been identified as ways to strengthen stakeholder commitment.
Renewed Efforts Against Child Hunger (REACH) PARTNERSHIP is facilitating the coordination of four United Nations agencies that have signed a memorandum of understanding.
Civil society is collaborating within a national alliance and three regional alliances that have been established.
Representatives of universities and training institutes are participating in the Intersectoral Technical Committee. A Master’s in Nutrition and Public Health has been created at the Faculty of Medicine with the financial and technical support of the ANSP/UNICEF project.
The private sector is not yet organised within SUN-Mali, but contacts have been established with the National Council of Employers for improved private sector involvement.
Last updated: October 2015
The mid-term review of the PAMN enabled the National Nutrition Policy to be updated. A common advocacy framework on nutrition is in the process of being drafted. With the support of the civil society organisations network, several meetings aimed at promoting nutrition have taken place with the parliamentarian’s network. Efforts still need to be made on a national and decentralised level to ensure that legislation is operationalised and implemented.
Last updated: November 2017
Last updated: December 2016
A chronic malnutrition prevention strategy is also being developed.
Last updated: October 2015
The mid-term review of the PAMN, undertaken in 2016, revealed the constraints involved in implementing the plan, after which remedial actions are to be proposed and new directions to be established. In order to support the common results framework implementation, a nutrition situation analysis and mapping of stakeholders and key actions in nutrition have been undertaken. Measurable targets are set annually. The effects of the PAMN and progress in its implementation were evaluated during the mid-term review, but further improvements in monitoring and evaluation should be made once an information system has been established. Advocacy for greater and more effective coverage of nutrition programmes is taking place. There is a need to address capacity development to ensure plan implementation.
Last updated: November 2017
Last updated: December 2016
Last updated: October 2015
A number of ministers participated in the launch of the ‘Cost of Hunger’ study, and their speeches were encouraging. Cost estimates have been undertaken for the PAMN by intervention and by year. Funding sources have not, however, been clearly identified and resource mobilisation strategies have not been defined.
Last updated: November 2017
Last updated: December 2016
Last updated: October 2015
Djibril BAGAYOKO
Chef de la Cellule de Coordination de la Nutrition
Nutrition Forum in Mali ends with strong commitments to make nutrition a political and a financial priority
Make nutrition a political and financial priority in Mali
Reducing stunting through multisectoral efforts in Sub-Saharan Africa
National food and nutrition investment in Mali to get a boost
Hunger in Africa continues to rise according to new UN report
Coordinating nutrition in Mali: Interview with the SUN focal point