• Mali has launched a new digital platform to centralize health information and services through the Ministry of Health and Social Development.

• The portal provides institutional information, geolocation of healthcare and administrative facilities, and access across computers, smartphones and tablets.

• The initiative supports Mali's 2024–2028 National Digital Health Strategic Plan, which aims to strengthen health data systems, interoperability and digital healthcare services.

Improving access to public information has become a key pillar of digital health strategies across Africa. Mali has strengthened that effort by launching a digital platform that centralizes information and services provided by its Ministry of Health and Social Development.

The government has introduced the new platform as part of its broader effort to digitalize the country's healthcare system and improve citizens' access to health information while facilitating access to public health services. Available at https://www.sante.gov.ml/, the ministry's official portal centralizes institutional information and offers practical digital services, including the geolocation of healthcare facilities and administrative offices.

Beyond publishing institutional news, the platform integrates a geolocation system covering administrative services as well as hospitals and pharmaceutical facilities managed by the ministry.

The government designed the portal for access on computers, smartphones and tablets. The platform aims to improve public access to official information, strengthen government transparency and increase the visibility of health sector initiatives both nationally and internationally.

The launch forms part of Mali's broader digital transformation strategy for the healthcare sector. The government adopted the 2024–2028 National Digital Health Strategic Plan in 2024 to develop a digital ecosystem capable of improving the production and sharing of health data, strengthening health information systems and expanding access to healthcare services through digital technologies.

The strategy also prioritizes interoperability among digital platforms, stronger digital infrastructure and the development of digital skills for healthcare professionals.

The initiative addresses persistent challenges in healthcare governance and service delivery. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health information systems play a critical role in achieving universal health coverage by enabling policymakers and citizens to access reliable information that supports public policy decisions and improves the quality of care.

Across many African countries, governments continue to accelerate the digitalization of health administrations to improve service accessibility, strengthen governance and enhance the monitoring of healthcare policies. Through the new portal, Mali's Ministry of Health and Social Development now has an official digital channel for communicating with citizens, healthcare professionals, technical and financial partners, and the media.

The authorities have encouraged users to visit the platform regularly to follow ministry updates and access official information.

Samira Njoya