The constant struggle of a Mali doctor

Posted in: 01/12/2021 – 14:04

With our correspondent in BamakoAnd Kaoru Magasa

Exhausted but smiling, Mohamedou Semaki found calm only after ten hours of work in his office at the health center of the Fifth Commune in Bamako, the capital of Bamako. Financial. Her days are interspersed with consultations and home visits for HIV patients.

However, these tasks are only the emerging part of its functions. 3,456 people have been registered in its database and their follow-up is necessary. ” It is necessary to prepare the patient psychologically and the patient’s commitment to treatment. The retention activities we do, compliance clubs, remedial education clubs, support groups, therefore, it is all these activities that retain patients because it is due to the quality of the charged treatment. “, He says.

‘It hurts’

Free health care is another factor in supporting a portion of the population. From treatment to psychosocial support including hospitalization, every step is funded by the state and donors. Support and a comprehensive approach that deals with taboos and stereotypes associated with AIDS.

« I was in Vana 120 kilometers from here the patient told me, “Doctor, if I die, please don’t come to my funeral.” I asked him why, he told me “No, because if you attend my funeral, people will know that I died of HIV”And I will never forget him. It hurts because I was a doctor before I became an HIV doctor ‘” Mr. Samaki testifies.

The prevalence of the disease is low in Mali. 1.1% of the population is infected with HIV, according to official figures. However, the rate of HIV testing still weak. For two years, self-tests were available from health associations and structures to maintain anonymity and avoid any stigmatization of patients.

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