[Use of action research data by a Mali district doctor.]

The development of action research is one of the major strategic axes of the Mali sectoral health and population policy. Action research is designed to improve priority health interventions in the light of acquired knowledge. This policy allows offers district doctors to develop research subjects related to population health promotion interventions. In this context, the author conducted action research activities concerning the community funding of emergency transport expenses, and caesarean section in remote rural health centres. However, this research had to overcome difficulties in terms of insufficient time, information, training for literature searches, supervision of the production of valid information and sponsors.The development of close relations with research support institutions and organizations and the development of networking can help to increase the interest of district doctors. These actions will be used to structure ongoing research initiatives and can guide the necessary changes to achieve the objectives of research programmes and improvement of the population's state of health.