The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has nearly reached 380,000, up from 330,000 in May 2024 — an increase of nearly 15%.
As persistent insecurity and forced displacement continue in parts of central and northern Mali, women are increasingly exposed to heightened risks of gender-based violence, a UN agency has warned.
Detailing the results of a survey conducted in May, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) — the UN agency focused on sexual and reproductive health — reported a rise in cases of sexual violence in IDP camps and conflict zones. The report highlights cases of sexual exploitation, harassment, and forced marriage.
This vulnerability arises within a critical humanitarian context in some areas of the Central Sahel, particularly for women facing increased risks of sexual violence and limited access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
According to the agency, May 2025 saw an intensification of armed violence, particularly in the regions of Timbuktu, Gao, Mopti, and Ménaka, with a surge in attacks by armed groups. These events triggered fresh waves of mass displacement.
Access to healthcare remains extremely limited
The number of IDPs has nearly reached 380,000 — up from 330,000 in May 2024 — marking an increase of nearly 15%.
“Women and girls are at the heart of these vulnerabilities and are disproportionately affected by the insecurity and humanitarian crisis,” UNFPA stated.
Out of 6.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, more than half are women and girls, many of whom live in areas with very limited access to protection and health services, according to the agency.
Currently, fewer than one in four health facilities in crisis-affected regions provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare or support for survivors of gender-based violence.
Nationwide, nearly half of all specialized services in this field remain closed. The most affected regions are Gao (76%), Ménaka (77%), Mopti (56%), and Timbuktu (80%).
UNFPA scales up response on the ground
On the ground, UNFPA teams continue to ramp up their humanitarian response, supporting 86 health facilities, six safe spaces for women and girls, and seven one-stop centers in the most affected regions of central and northern Mali (Ségou, Mopti, Gao, Timbuktu, Ménaka).
In May alone, mobile health teams provided sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence support to nearly 3,000 people in IDP camps, 80% of whom were women and girls.
Midwives provided prenatal, postnatal, and delivery care, while dignity kits and reproductive health supplies were distributed in flood- and conflict-affected areas.
Across Mali, nearly 900,000 women and girls are targeted for reproductive health services or gender-based violence prevention programs.
A “massive” funding shortfall
However, the response remains severely underfunded. Of the $16.5 million funding appeal for 2025, UNFPA has received only $2.9 million. The agency thus faces a “massive funding gap” of $13.5 million to assist thousands of women and girls in urgent need.
“Without urgent additional funding,” the scope and sustainability of gender-based violence prevention and sexual and reproductive health services are under serious threat in Mali.