Detailing the findings of a survey conducted in May, the United Nations agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health (UNFPA) reported “a surge in cases of sexual violence within internally displaced persons’ sites and conflict zones.” The report specifically highlighted instances of “sexual exploitation, harassment, and forced marriage.”

This heightened vulnerability arises within a “critical humanitarian context” in various central Sahelian localities, particularly for women who face not only increased risks of sexual violence but also “are deprived of adequate access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.”

According to the UN agency, May 2025 witnessed an escalation of armed violence, notably in the regions of Tombouctou, Gao, Mopti, and Ménaka, marked by a resurgence of attacks from armed groups. These violent incidents triggered new waves of mass displacement.

Access to vital health services remains critically limited

The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) has nearly reached 380,000, a significant increase from 330,000 in May 2024, representing an almost 15% rise. “Women and girls are at the core of these vulnerabilities and are disproportionately affected by this insecurity and the ongoing humanitarian crisis,” stated UNFPA.

Of the 6.4 million individuals requiring humanitarian assistance, more than half are women and girls. Many reside in areas where access to protection and essential health services is severely restricted, the agency noted.

Presently, less than a quarter of health facilities in crisis-affected regions provide comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare or support services for survivors of gender-based violence. Almost half of the specialized services in this crucial area remain non-operational nationwide. The most severely impacted regions include Gao (76%), Ménaka (77%), Mopti (56%), and Tombouctou (80%).

On the ground, UNFPA teams continue to scale up their humanitarian response. They are actively supporting 86 health facilities, establishing six safe spaces specifically for women and girls, and operating seven one-stop centers in the most affected central and northern regions, including Ségou, Mopti, Gao, Tombouctou, and Ménaka.

“Colossal” funding shortfall jeopardizes aid efforts

During May alone, mobile health teams delivered critical sexual and reproductive health services and interventions against gender-based violence to nearly 3,000 individuals in displacement camps, with 80% of beneficiaries being women and young girls. Midwives provided essential prenatal, postnatal, and delivery care, while dignity kits and reproductive health supplies were distributed in areas devastated by floods and conflict.

Across Mali, approximately 900,000 women and girls are targeted for reproductive health services or programs combatting sexual violence. However, the response remains severely underfunded. Out of this year’s funding appeal for $16.5 million, UNFPA has only secured $2.9 million. Agency teams are therefore confronting a “colossal deficit of $13.5 million” to provide aid to thousands of women and girls in urgent need.

Without immediate and additional funding, the scope and sustainability of programs addressing sexual violence and providing reproductive health services in Mali face significant threats.