On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Mali’s Ministry of Health and Social Development officially took possession of 39 robust 4×4 all-terrain vehicles. This crucial acquisition aims to bolster the nation’s health infrastructure and expand access to vital health services, particularly vaccination efforts, across the country’s most vulnerable and hard-to-reach regions. The handover ceremony occurred at the Ministry of Health’s headquarters within Bamako’s Cité administrative.
These high-performance vehicles, collectively valued at an estimated 689 million CFA francs, represent the fruit of a robust and productive collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. Minister of Health, Assa Badiallo Touré, emphasized that this delivery is part of an ongoing partnership, noting that 68 vehicles were previously procured in 2023 with World Bank funding to support COVID-19 vaccination efforts. She also indicated that further essential equipment is anticipated later in 2026.
During her address, the Minister stated, “These new vehicles will significantly enhance the operational capabilities of our health facilities in monitoring health interventions, particularly those critical to our vaccination campaigns.” She urged all beneficiaries and drivers to commit to diligent maintenance of these assets, stressing the importance of preserving this vital equipment amidst current challenges as the Ministry continues its efforts to expand its service vehicle fleet.
Speaking on behalf of the technical and financial partners, UNICEF’s representative in Mali, Fosca Giulidori, highlighted the profound symbolic significance of the event. “Beyond a mere transfer of keys, this occasion embodies a powerful display of international solidarity, underscored by Gavi’s unwavering commitment to accelerate global vaccination and ensure equitable access to vaccines for all,” she articulated.
According to Fosca Giulidori, these 39 new vehicles will serve as critical lifelines for the health system. They are designed to facilitate the secure transport of vaccines and other essential medical supplies, adhering strictly to standards, even to the most remote health centers. Furthermore, they will enable the deployment of mobile health teams to communities that are otherwise difficult to reach, thereby strengthening immunization programs, nutritional monitoring, and other fundamental care services for the benefit of the Malian population.