WAEMU Workshop in Bamako Highlights Role of Mutual Societies in Universal Health

Bamako, April 14, 2026 - Experts and stakeholders gathered in Bamako on Monday for a national workshop dedicated to the dissemination and training on West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) provisions governing the management and supervision of mutual societies and their umbrella organizations. The workshop focused on regulatory standards, including prudential ratios and oversight mechanisms, aimed at strengthening the governance of mutual health organizations across member states. Participants underscored the strategic importance of mutual societies in expanding social protection systems and reinforcing solidarity within the WAEMU space. These organizations were presented as key instruments for advancing Universal Health Coverage, a shared policy priority among member countries. In his opening remarks, the WAEMU representative stressed that mutual societies play a central role in extending health insurance coverage, particularly in communities where access to formal healthcare financing remains limited. The workshop seeks to position these structures as a major lever for consolidating the social protection floor within the regional community. The initiative forms part of broader regional efforts to harmonize social protection policies and improve access to healthcare services through community-based and inclusive financing mechanisms. In a separate development, Mali continues to expand its international academic cooperation. The Rector of Al-Moustapha University was received by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Professor Bouréma Kansaye, in discussions focused on strengthening university partnerships between Mali and Iran.