Recognizing PMI VectorLink Mali for Five Years of Successful Programming

On Friday, December 2, the PMI VectorLink Mali team, along with PMI and USAID colleagues, hosted an event to mark the completion of the project’s five years of vector control interventions, including five IRS campaigns since 2018. Among those present at the event were Katie Frank, USAID Mali’s health office deputy director; Dr. Lansana Sangare, project management specialist for PMI-USAID Mali; and Dr. Aissata Kone, director of the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP), along with team members from across VectorLink Mali. In a press release published to mark the occasion, USAID Mali noted that over the life of the project, PMI VectorLink contributed to protecting up to 690,000 people against malaria, and progressively strengthened the NMCP’s capacity to plan, implement, and supervise spray campaigns in Bandiagara, Bankass, Djenne, and Mopti. In a presentation to the event attendees, PMI VectorLink Chief of Party Dr. Desire Boko thanked the NMCP for its partnership, and recognized the other contributors to the project, including the Directorate of Sanitation & Pollution Control; the Mopti Regional Directorates for Health, Sanitation & Pollution Control, and Social Development and Economic Solidarity; the Laboratoire de Biologie Appliquée (LBMA); and Bi Niama Sini Sanou (BNSS). Dr. Boko also highlighted the project’s contributions to strengthening NMCP capacity for using data in decision-making. In a second presentation, PMI VectorLink Lead Entomologist Dr. Libasse Gadiaga outlined the many, high quality entomological monitoring activities, including participation in the nationwide insecticide resistance study, standard monthly surveillance, and the introduction of community-based surveillance to enable data collection in hard-to-reach areas.

VectorLink Mali team members have been a model to all of us in how they have always managed to deliver on their commitments—despite extremely challenging circumstances. Kudos to all our colleagues in Mali—you’ve done an extraordinary job!