Introduction: Mali has implemented social protection initiatives in the context of universal health coverage, including the RAMED (medical assistance plan).
Purpose of the research: This article describes the participatory process involving researchers and national technical staff as part of an action-research program linked to this policy.
Results: The process allowed the interests of the target public, those living in poverty, to take priority over individual and institutional interests, without, however, allowing for their active participation. Despite this positive outcome, the recommendations were not taken on board.
Conclusion: The main failure of this process was its political component, but there is still time to address this.