USAID has awarded URC a 17-month, $12 million extension of the USAID Keneya Nieta Activity in Mali to continue building a resilient community health system. URC is the Activity’s lead implementer.
Since 2020, Keneya Nieta has strengthened human and social capacity and empowered communities to use local resources to manage their own health and hold health systems accountable. The extension enables URC to continue the work through December 2026.
“Local leadership is critical for the equity, effectiveness, and sustainability of URC’s work,” said Keneya Nieta Chief of Party Sylvain Keita. “We aim to enable local actors to set their own agendas, develop solutions, and bring their leadership and resources to make those solutions a reality.”
During this funded extension, URC will focus on improving the ability of local organizations in Mali to receive direct awards from USAID. This will involve conducting baseline capacity assessments, risk evaluations, and tailored technical assistance to ensure that the sub-recipients are well-prepared for successful management of USAID funds.
URC will strengthen the technical and management capabilities of these local organizations, helping them sustain community-based interventions in the regions of Segou, Sikasso, and Mopti. The Activity also will focus on strengthening disease surveillance systems, multisectoral nutrition, and ongoing coaching to bolster organizational performance.
Track Record of Success
Keneya Nieta has a strong track record of achievements, including the creation and monitoring of 3,623 functional health solidarity funds, which have raised more than 508,723,307FCFA (US$839,393). These funds support health services for women and children in the community, as well as emergency services.
Through these solidarity funds, 455,851 people – including 62,357 pregnant women and 393,494 children aged 0 to 50 months – have received essential health support. Additionally, approximately 907,021 children aged 6 to 59 months are screened for malnutrition each month, and 107,060 women have opted for a modern family planning method, following counseling on their options.
The Activity also has overseen the purchase and distribution of 200 medical tricycles, expected to benefit more than 340,500 Malians, including 17,000 pregnant women and 75,000 children under 5 years old.
Earlier this year Keneya Nieta was recognized by the International Stability Operations Association (ISOA) with the global Vanguard Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in stability, contingency, disaster, or recovery operations.
