With a population of 11.5 million inhabitants and an HIV prevalence of 1.3% of the adult population, Mali is estimated to have 130,000 people infected by HIV/Aids.

Launched in 2004, the IMAARV was marked by a strong political commitment in favour of the fight against HIV. Decreed in spring 2004, free ARV therapy was financed until the end of 2005 by deferment of the PPTE debt, then relayed by multilateral financing (Global Fund and World Bank). In 2007, a law voted by the national assembly came into effect that defined rules relative to the prevention, treatment and control of HIV/Aids and fixed the rights of PLWHA. Today, the country has 63 treatment sites, 173 PMTCT sites and 28 paediatric treatment sites. At the end of 2008, 18,791 adults and 916 children were being regularly monitored in the country (out of 22,766 people who had begun treatment).

As in numerous Global Fund beneficiary countries, the initiative is guided by an HCNLS, chaired by the President of the Republic. Sectorial committees for the fight against Aids have been created in 11 ministries including the CCSLS which is in the Ministry of Health and responsible for implementation of the strategic plan. The country has significant financial means to reach its objectives: in March 2005, the Global Fund (Round 4) granted financing of US$56 million and in Round 8, US$126 million to be distributed between the two Principal Recipients, the Executive Secretariat of HCNLS and the Groupe Pivot Santé Population, representing civil society organizations.

Within the framework of MAP which finishes in January 2009, the World Bank has granted US$25 million for the fight against Aids. Numerous partners are mobilised against HIV/Aids in Mali and Malian civil society organizations, which made the first efforts for treatment, are currently well positioned in the treatment system.