Northern Mali is facing an unprecedented health crisis, marked by a worrying outbreak of malaria and diphtheria.
The intensity of the rainy season, particularly this year, has led to flooding in Mali. In addition to these facts, cases of infectious diseases have exploded in areas already weakened by insecurity. Since the start of the year, health authorities have recorded an increase in cases in the northern regions of the country.
According to recent figures, nearly 13,000 new cases of malaria were recorded between September 21 and 27, 2024, marking an increase of 88% compared to the previous week. This outbreak is accompanied by a significant increase in deaths, bringing the death toll to 59 in the north since the start of the year, almost double compared to 2023. These figures also include serious forms of the disease, with acute respiratory distress observed in many patients.
The situation in northern Mali is aggravated by already critical structural factors. The number of internally displaced people has increased, fleeing incessant violence due to insecurity. These population movements make access to care difficult, because local health structures are largely non-functional. The lack of medicines, medical personnel and basic healthcare equipment is glaring. In the absence of humanitarian organizations in certain areas, caring for the sick becomes almost impossible.
The remaining health centers are struggling to meet the growing needs of displaced and local populations. In Kidal, for example, the technical facilities are so limited that serious cases of malaria cannot be treated effectively. Cheick Ag Oufene, administrator of a health center in the region, expressed his concern about this situation which he describes as “very alarming”. For his part, Mahamadou Sangaré, doctor in the town of Aguelhok, confirms that malaria has been wreaking havoc since the start of the rainy season.
In this context of humanitarian crisis, several appeals have been launched for emergency support. Prevention efforts, such as the distribution of impregnated mosquito nets and raising awareness among populations about preventive actions, are slowed down by security tensions and logistical difficulties. According to many specialists, the Covid-19 pandemic has also diverted vital resources, thus contributing to the delay in the implementation of prevention campaigns against infectious diseases
It is in this context that calls for mobilization are being launched to respond to this health emergency. Financial contributions as well as donations of medical equipment, medicines and vaccines are urgently needed to stem this epidemic which threatens thousands of lives.
MD/Sf/te/APA
