African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology | 12 November 2026
Reconstructing Reproductive Healthcare: An Intervention Study on Post-Conflict Challenges and Opportunities in Mali
A, m, a, d, o, u, C, o, u, l, i, b, a, l, y
Abstract
Post-conflict settings in sub-Saharan Africa present profound challenges to fragmented and under-resourced reproductive healthcare systems. Mali exemplifies this context, where protracted instability has severely disrupted maternal and gynaecological services. This study aimed to design, implement, and evaluate a multi-faceted intervention to rebuild essential reproductive health services in a post-conflict region of Mali. Its primary objectives were to improve access to antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal services. A mixed-methods, quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted. The intervention comprised training community health workers, re-equipping primary care clinics, and establishing referral pathways. Data were collected via facility audits, patient surveys, and focus group discussions with healthcare staff. A comparison area received standard care. Preliminary analysis indicates a positive direction of change. A key finding was a reported increase in the proportion of facility-based births in the intervention area, with initial data suggesting an approximate 25% relative improvement compared to the control area. Qualitative themes highlighted improved community trust and healthcare worker morale. A coordinated, capacity-building intervention can catalyse the reconstruction of reproductive healthcare in post-conflict Mali, addressing critical service gaps and leveraging local resilience. Sustainable rebuilding requires integrated strategies combining infrastructure, training, and community engagement. National health policies should incorporate specific post-conflict frameworks, and long-term international support should focus on health system resilience. post-conflict, reproductive health, maternal health, health systems strengthening, intervention study, Mali, global health This study provides an evidence-based model for reconstructing essential obstetric and gynaecological services in post-conflict African states, contributing practical knowledge to the fields of global health and health policy.