International Medical Corps has been operating in Mali since 2013, following political instability and a coup that led to mass displacement and disruption of many public systems, including health. Violence and insecurity have worsened fragile health and nutrition conditions.
To support those affected by the conflict, International Medical Corps is providing life-saving assistance to meet the immediate needs of vulnerable populations in northern and central Mali. Interventions focus on nutrition, maternal, newborn and child health, family planning and reproductive health. International Medical Corps also supports the Malian government on projects in sexual and reproductive health and rights, gender equality and prevention of gender-based violence.
Due to insecurity related to armed and community conflicts, many health needs of the most vulnerable populations remain unmet due to lack of access to and use of quality basic health services. Health needs, including childhood vaccination, have been exacerbated, especially as staff have deserted the localities. In addition, health facilities are attacked by armed groups and some existing facilities lack medical equipment. The lack of medical personnel, particularly in crisis areas, negatively affects consultations, deliveries and vaccination coverage. Vaccination coverage among children is 73%.
To support Mali in improving vaccination coverage among children, International Medical Corps has implemented the HIP 2023 ECHO project which aims to provide an emergency response to critical needs in health, nutrition and protection against GBV for communities affected by the conflict in the health districts of Gourma Rharous (Timbuktu region) and Bourem (Gao region), in northern Mali.
Fadimata Maiga, 45, a married Sonrhaï woman and mother of four children was displaced following a drone strike in the Chambou area, where the wreck of the Tombouctou Boat is located, attacked and set on fire on September 7, 2023 on the banks of the Niger River.
International Medical Corps deployed a mobile medical unit (MMU) to treat internally displaced persons (IDPs) at no cost with medical, nutritional and psychosocial assistance, offered through the ECHO project.
“Our site is approximately 10 km from the health center in the commune of Banikane,” Fadimata, who is one of the women who benefited from this care, says. “For economic reasons, access to medical care is very difficult for us. With the arrival of the International Medical Corps team, many of us feel happy and thank ECHO for this initiative that saves our children and relieves us of illnesses. During every visit, team members are very welcoming and provide quality care. Previously, I had made many consultations for my illness, but from my first visit here, I was relieved by their medicines, whose quality is beyond doubt. This has encouraged even our hosts to frequent the team during their other visits.”
