Less than a month until MMF's 2012 Mali Mission

On January 6th our team of volunteer doctors, nurses and support staff will depart for Ouelessebougou, Mali. In preparation for the mission, here are a few fast facts about Mali.

•  7^th Largest country in Africa, with a population near 13M.
• Consists of 8 regions. The bottom 1/3^rd hosts 90% of the population, and features the Niger and Senegal Rivers. The upper 2/3^rd consists mostly of the Sahara Desert.
• Mali is considered to be one of the 5 poorest countries in the world. Average annual salary is US$1500, and half the population lives under the international poverty line.
• Governed under a constitutional democracy, the President is Amadou Toumani Toure’.
• Agriculture is the key industry, with cotton being the largest export.
• 90% of the population is Muslim, and French is the national language, though Bambara is most widely spoken.
• The adult illiteracy rate is 79%.

Medical Facts (WHO and UNESCO)

• Health and development indicators rank among the worst in the world.
• Life expectancy for men is 44, for women, 47.
• Infant mortality is 12%.
• Under age 5 mortality is 19%.
• In rural areas, 52% do not have access to improved drinking water sources.
• In rural areas, 61% do not have sustainable access to improved sanitation.
• 30% of children under age 5 are underweight.
• 92% of women undergo female genital mutilation.
• Women have an average of 7 children.

Thanks to our Mission Coordinator, Christina, for compiling and providing this information.

Pic from MMF Mali 2011 Mission