Persistent insecurity, particularly in northern and central regions, has resulted in an overall deterioration in the national health system and basic social services in Mali.
The chaos that ensued led hundreds of thousands of northern Malians to flee into Mauritania in search of safety.
Mali has since returned to democracy, but the effects of 2012’s instability are still being felt. Food shortages in the south are common, and many are not guaranteed safety from and access to necessary services.
Koumba Soumaré, obstetric nurse with MSF in Ansongo, in the middle of a consultation with a newborn at the neonatal unit built by MSF. © Camara / MSF
The country’s capital, Bamako, is said to be one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, but many displaced Malians delay their return home, fearing violent attacks by armed groups and bandits.
Médecins Sans Frontières first began working in Mali in 1992 and continues to run programs in several parts of the country to increase access to healthcare for the most vulnerable.
MSF teams are present in many regions of Mali, supporting outpatient consultations, emergency care and admissions, surgery, maternal healthcare, chronic disease treatment, nutritional care, neonatology, paediatrics and treatment and psychological support for victims of violence, including victims of sexual violence.
MSF also provides basic care for pregnant women and children under five years of age at the community health centre in the town.
Between July and December, when nomadic groups migrate, MSF ensures they have access to healthcare by training community health workers to diagnose and treat the most common diseases. A monitoring and referral system for serious cases is also in place.
In Kidal, teams provide primary healthcare to the entire population as well as epidemiological surveillance.
In Koutiala, in the south of the country, MSF focuses on children under the age of five. The team supports nutrition services as well as in 15 community health centres. In addition, MSF deploys extra community workers in the health district during the peak malaria season.
Médecins Sans Frontières has been working in Afghanistan since 1980, providing emergency surgical care, responding to conflict and natural disasters, and treating people cut off from healthcare.
MSF worked in Angola from 1983 until 2007. Why were we there? Armed conflict Endemic/Epidemic disease Social violence/Healthcare exclusion
MSF worked in Argentina from 2001 until 2003. Why were we there? Providing essential medicines and supplies
Why are we there? Endemic/epidemic disease Social violence/healthcare exclusion Natural disaster
Why are we there? Armed conflict Endemic/epidemic disease Healthcare exclusion
Why are we there? Armed conflict Healthcare exclusion Natural disaster
MSF worked in Ecuador until 2007. Why were we there? Endemic/Epidemic disease Natural disaster
Why are we there? Armed conflict Endemic/epidemic disease Social violence/heathcare exclusion
Haiti’s healthcare system remains precarious in the wake of natural disasters and ongoing political and economic crises. Ongoing disasters have led to Haiti becoming the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Why are we there? Armed conflict Social violence Healthcare exclusion Endemic/epidemic disease
An MSF team in Hong Kong opened a project at the end of January focusing on health education for vulnerable people. Community engagement is a crucial activity of any outbreak response and in Hong Kong, this focuses on groups who are less likely to have access to important medical information, such as the socio-economically disadvantaged. The team is also targeting those who are more vulnerable to developing severe disease if they are infected, such as the elderly.
MSF worked in Indonesia between 1995 and 2009 Why were we there? Natural disaster
MSF ended its operations in Liberia in 2012. Why were we there? Endemic/epidemic disease Social violence/healthcare exclusion
Why are we there? Conflict Endemic/epidemic disease Healthcare exclusion
Why are we there? Endemic/epidemic disease Social violence/healthcare exclusion
Why are we there? Providing comprehensive emergency healthcare to people in remote regions of Pakistan is a priority, yet accessibility and security are a constraint for both Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) and patients.
MSF worked in Rwanda from 1991 until 2007.
Why were we there? Conflict Healthcare exclusion Endemic/Epidemic disease
Why are we there? Endemic/epidemic disease Healthcare exclusion
Why are we there? Armed conflict Endemic/epidemic disease Healthcare exclusion
Why are we there? Armed conflict Endemic/Epidemic disease Healthcare exclusion
Why are we there? Endemic/epidemic disease Social violence Healthcare exclusion
