Bamako, Mali – Ambassador Dennis Hankins and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Tiébilé Dramé, signed an amendment to the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mali’s Developm ent Objective Agreement (DOAG), providing an additional $2,345,000 million in COVID-19 assistance. The new funds are being used for COVID-19 prevention and care messaging, to counter disinformation, and to support sanitation and hygiene in partner communities.

At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Hankins said, “Our updated agreement is a concrete step forward in keeping Malian’s safe from COVID-19 and shows our unwavering commitment to a healthy, prosperous and peaceful Mali. Your greatest asset is your people and we are here with you today to invest in the success of the Malian people.”

This newly announced funding brings the total of U.S.-funded COVID-19 assistance for Mali to 9.1 million dollars. The American people are helping stop the spread of COVID-19 and protecting vulnerable populations from the disease by supporting prevention messages, countering misinformation and dangerous rumors and strengthening early-warning systems. The United States is working with hospitals and health centers to prevent and control infections, and providing equipment and training for Mali’s toll-free hotline, Ligne Verte (36061), so that Malians can get the information they need, when they need it.

Working with Malian partners, the United States ensured that 22,000 locations benefited from hand-washing stations during legislative elections and is improving sanitation and hygiene all across the country. COVID-19 Support from the American people is also helping to fund mobile clinics, building the capacity of laboratories to conduct testing, and helping to prevent and control infections at points of entry such as airports and border crossings, and along high-traffic cargo routes.

Through USAID, the American people have provided Mali with over 129 million dollars this year alone for health, governance, agriculture, economic growth, education and humanitarian assistance. Over the past 20 years, the United States has invested more than 3.2 billion dollars in total assistance in Mali, including nearly 807 million dollars in health assistance.