I have recently returned from Bamako, Mali where MLI co-sponsored the kick-off workshop of a recently launched process by Mali’s Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and the Elderly (MDSSPA) to develop and implement a strategy to expand mutuelles de santé nationwide to provide financial access to health care for 80% of its population currently not covered by any form of health insurance. The workshop, titled “National diagnostic and discussion toward scaling up mutuelles de santé in Mali,” was held the 24-26 of September 2009 in Bamako . This event drew approximately 76 people from all regions of Mali to share experiences and reach a common understanding of the state of development of mutuelles today in Mali, as well as the goals and plans of the Government to increase its commitment to a more rapid and systematic expansion of mutuelles beginning in 2010. Participants represented civil society, locally elected leaders, and health and social development technicians and decision makers.