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Bamako, 3 July 2022 —  The ̽����ѡ continues to provide life-saving assistance and services in the Mopti, Ménaka, and Gao regions of Mali, including facilitating access to primary and secondary healthcare, screening and treatment of malnutrition in young children, and implementing protection initiatives, with a particular focus on vulnerable population groups, such as women and children. Through funding from the European Union (EU), the ̽����ѡ employs rapid response mechanisms to address the most urgent needs of internally displaced Malians. The EU supports these mechanisms with a total contribution of 3.2 million euros.

Armed conflict and political instability in northern Mali have caused , while another 370,000 have been displaced internally, with many settling in the south of the country. The ongoing crisis has led to a collapse of public services, especially health care and education. Consequently and in hopes of finding safety elsewhere, many are migrating to the south, exacerbating regional food shortages and stretching the already scarce resources in host communities. Due to these unstable living conditions, a majority of households continue to be unable to have secure access to income, food, and other critical necessities. 

Since 2012, the ̽����ѡ has been working in Mali, assisting over half a million Malians displaced by conflict and facing severe food shortages. Among other things, the ̽����ѡ has been focussing its humanitarian work on providing emergency relief, vital health care services, and psychological support to population groups affected by trauma.

Funding from the EU has allowed the ̽����ѡ to reach almost 120,000 individuals in total, of which around 72,000 are women and girls. Almost 80,000 have received comprehensive healthcare services, including consultation sessions, pregnancy monitoring, and newborn care. Moreover,an estimated 5,600 have been provided with protection services, including psychosocial support in the ̽����ѡ’s safe spaces. A further 24,000 have received food assistance in the form of cash and vouchers to buy or secure food and cover their basic nutritional needs. 

Bangali Doumbia, Deputy Director of Programmes for ̽����ѡ Mali, said: 

“Funding from the European Union has allowed the ̽����ѡ to provide essential support to populations weakened by ten years of conflict, through the provision of emergency assistance to displaced and host communities, improved access to health services, and provision of essential psychosocial support to women, girls, parents and children suffering from trauma. The support of the European Union is essential in helping the ̽����ѡ address clients’ most urgent needs such as food, healthcare, and protection in times when they do not have the means to do so themselves.”