Final results
The programme ACTION BIOMALI, co-financed by the European Union and implemented from 2005 to 2009 by Fondation Mérieux, had the general objective to increase screening and biological follow-up of patients affected by HIV / AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria in Mali and the surrounding areas, through the strengthening of local biological capacities.
The programme, achieved with the collaboration of the Ministry of Health of Mali, created a network of laboratories in Mali by strengthening existing structures, integrated the project in a global approach of healthcare, and set up a reliable database system on biological diagnosis.
Results obtained throughout the programme
- 278 health professionals were trained over a 3-year period in 4 intensive training modules: tuberculosis diagnosis, HIV diagnosis, malaria diagnosis and quality assurance;
- Three classes of the degree BAMS (Bachelor in Applied Biological Medicine) have allowed the training of 44 superior laboratory technicians. This training course has attracted trainees from Mali as well as several neighbouring countries including Senegal, Burkina Faso and one trainee from Niger;
- 137 technicians were trained in the use and maintenance of the new equipment and MON / GBEA procedures;
- The annual attendance of the network’s laboratories has increased of 144% between 2006 and 2008;
- The population showed more confidence in the results provided by the network’s laboratories, which benefit from efficient equipment and a highly skilled workforce;
- The quality control of the analyses carried out within the laboratories is a determining factor in the increased attendance of the network’s laboratories;
- 77 of the network’s laboratories were supplied with equipment and consumables under a budget of around 1,5 million Euros;
- An External Quality Control Unit was built at the heart of the Institut National de Recherche en Santé Publique using a budget of 106 449 Euros. This unit is in charge of setting a quality evaluation program in laboraroties.
Prospects
Throughout the project, an emphasis was put on the multiplication and durability of the project’s activities. The RESAOLAB programme helped to extend the ACTION BIOMALI activities in other countries in West Africa, in Senegal and in Burkina Faso. The Fondation Mérieux is currently seeking new partners to extend the project to other countries in the region, particularly the Ivory Coast and Benin.