Building Innovative Partnerships in Mali for Disability-Inclusive Risk Communication and Community Engagement

In Mali, Breakthrough ACTION recognized the urgent need to ensure inclusivity in risk communication and community engagement during public health crises, particularly for people with disabilities. This success story describes how the project partnered with the Malian Federation of People Living with Disabilities to develop tailored communication materials, including videos with sign language and braille vaccine FAQs to address the unique needs of this vulnerable group. Training sessions for federation members empowered them to raise awareness about priority zoonotic diseases and COVID-19 prevention and vaccination within their communities. This collaborative effort provided vital information to previously marginalized groups,  contributed to reducing exclusion, and helped uphold the rights of people with disabilities. This partnership signifies a significant step towards enhancing disability inclusivity in risk communication and community engagement efforts in Mali.