Mali’s Covid-19 vaccination drive: why progress remains slow
Despite ambitious targets, Mali has vaccinated just 8% of its eligible population against Covid-19, far below the 70% goal set by health authorities.
Updated on October 25, 2025
Mali’s Covid-19 vaccination campaign is struggling to gain momentum. Health officials had set an ambitious target of vaccinating 70% of the population aged 12 and older, but current coverage stands at just 8%. This shortfall prompted a United Nations delegation to visit the country in early October to collaborate with Malian authorities on implementing the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan (NDVP).
“Multiple campaigns are currently underway. We are here to support the government and its partners in strengthening these efforts to protect the population against Covid-19,” stated Ted Chaiban, UN Chief Coordinator for Country Readiness for Covid-19 Vaccination.
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Overcoming vaccine hesitancy in Mali
In Bamako, the UN representative praised the Malian Red Cross for establishing a robust organizational framework to combat the pandemic. This initiative brings together various stakeholders to train volunteers, raise public awareness, and distribute protective equipment. While disease severity has decreased in West Africa recently, convincing skeptics remains a significant hurdle.
Many Malians remain reluctant to get vaccinated at a time when Covid-19 cases are declining, making public health messaging even more challenging.