Mali
Capital:
Bamako
Population:
22.6 million
Area:
1,240,192
km2

Mali is one of the hottest places on Earth, with land stretching far into the Sahara desert.

The government has committed to provide everyone in Mali with clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene by 2030. Without these essentials, people can’t live dignified, healthy lives. With them, they can unlock their potential, break free from poverty and change their lives for good.

We have the commitment, experience, resourcefulness and connections to help achieve this. For example, we share innovative, low-cost technologies with nomadic groups, resolve conflicts around water use and promote good hygiene through art and traditional storytelling.

In light of recent political unrest and irregular rainfall, the solutions we choose need to fit with wider plans to tackle these complex issues. By partnering with others, we put clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene at the heart of improvements in education, health, environment and food security.

In Mali’s fragile environment, stable, long-lasting services are vital. We are working with our partners and local people to build their skills so they can keep facilities working, day after day, despite the effects of climate change. Together, we can achieve our goal within a generation.

people don't have clean water close to home.

That's almost 1 in 5.

people don't have a decent toilet of their own.

That's half of the population.

 children under the age of five die each year from diarrhoea

caused by dirty water, and poor toilets and hygiene.

A school's first time with taps

Now we drink clean water without worry and we don't queue or waste time for the toilet.
Sougalo, Head of the AMALDEME Centre, Bamako

The AMALDEME medical educational centre in Lafiabougou, Bamako District, offers therapy, education and training for up to 600 children with learning difficulties.

The centre’s water tower was old and cracked, and the supply was polluted, forcing staff to buy water using precious funds. Only three of the 30 toilets were usable, so children had to use pots outside.

Working together, we fixed the tower and installed handwashing basins, fitted taps and got the toilets working again. “Now we drink clean water without worry and we don't queue or waste time for the toilet,” said Sougalo Traore, who runs the centre.

Children with learning difficulties can often feel stressed; Sougalo told us that his students feel calmer with the new facilities. Most of the children didn’t know what a tap was – now they are a normal part of life.

Diallo Assita, who is in charge of the school here, told us how these changes mean the centre can better help the children learn, integrate socially and prepare for adult life. “I can't say how great and useful the support received is," says Diallo. "It pleased us so much. Water is life and happiness."

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