Armed conflict and political instability in Mali escalated significantly in April 2025, triggering mass displacement and worsening the humanitarian crisis. Violence by non-state armed groups, especially in rural northern and central regions, is increasing communal tensions and straining an already fragile state. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing heightened risks of gender-based violence (GBV) and limited access to essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The situation is compounded by declining humanitarian access and a reduction in international donor funding, further undermining response capacities.
Despite these challenges, UNFPA continued delivering critical services through mobile health teams, one-stop centers, and women and girls’ safe spaces. In April alone, 3,951 people were reached, 83 per cent of them women and girls. Interventions included prenatal and postnatal consultations, emergency obstetric care, contraception, GBV case management, psychosocial support, and awareness-raising sessions. UNFPA also trained health providers, distributed dignity kits, and coordinated national GBV and SRH efforts. Partners such as AMSODE, IMC, and IEDA played key roles in maintaining service delivery in insecure areas.
UNFPA Mali requires $16.5 million in 2025 to sustain SRH and GBV interventions, but only $2.9 million has been secured to date, leaving an 82 per cent funding gap. The current funding shortfall, driven largely by the suspension of US contributions, has already forced the closure of key humanitarian coordination roles and necessitated a revision of response targets. Without urgent additional support, the continuity and reach of life-saving programs remain under severe threat, putting thousands of vulnerable women and girls at risk.
