In a world of breaking news and short attention spans, few people in the international community know about the conflict in the Sahel, and what is happening in Mali. Yet today, over seven million Malians—almost one third of the population—are living through one of the most complex humanitarian crises of our time. A deadly mix of insecurity, extreme weather, displacement and hunger is devastating communities, particularly in the central region of Mopti.

Mali’s humanitarian crisis has deepened in 2025, as growing instability in Timbuktu, Gao, Mopti, and Menaka disrupts essential services and forces families from their homes. Armed attacks, blockades, and mass displacement—now affecting more than 400,000 people—are straining already fragile communities. At the intersection of conflict and climate crises, where extreme poverty is concentrated, Mali has been disproportionately affected by aid cuts; humanitarian plans for this year are only funded at 13.5%. 

In Ténenkou, a rural district in central Mali, families face extreme isolation. Floods and conflict have cut off roads and damaged health facilities, leaving many without access to even basic medical care. In response, mobile clinics and outreach teams travel tough trails—sometimes sandy like a desert, sometimes deep with mud. They cross shaky bridges and pass through security checkpoints to deliver vital care, from treating malnutrition to supporting pregnancies and mental health, to people who would otherwise be left behind.

View of an informal displacement site in Ténenkou, Mali. These makeshift shelters, built from salvaged materials, are typical of those found in camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in the area. They offer only minimal protection to families who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and insecurity.
View of an informal displacement site in Ténenkou, Mali. These makeshift shelters, built from salvaged materials, are typical of those found in camps for internally displaced people (IDPs) in the area. They offer only minimal protection to families who have been forced to flee their homes due to violence and insecurity.
Photo: Assitan Sanogo for the IRC

 

But amidst these challenges, there is hope. And it comes in the form of people like Aminata Konaté, Dr Mohamed Traoré, and Tula Niono—three local health workers supported by the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and funded by the European Union through the Humanitarian Aid department of the European Commission (ECHO). They are not famous, but their work is nothing short of heroic.

From left to right: Dr Mohamed Traoré (supervisor of the IRC nutrition centre), Oumarou Sow (head of the Koubi health committee), and Aminata Konaté (IRC mobile midwife). The team visits the community health centre in Koubi, a village about 10 km from Ténenkou, for a follow-up assessment.
From left to right: Dr Mohamed Traoré (supervisor of the IRC nutrition centre), Oumarou Sow (head of the Koubi health committee), and Aminata Konaté (IRC mobile midwife). The team visits the community health centre in Koubi, a village about 10 km from Ténenkou, for a follow-up assessment.
Photo: Assitan Sanogo for the IRC

 

“When we arrive, people know help has come” – Aminata Konaté, IRC mobile midwife

For the past three years, Aminata Konaté has been part of a mobile health team deployed in Ténenkou. Together with a doctor, a nurse, a pharmacist and a vaccinator, she travels in a 4x4 vehicle through dangerous and flooded terrain to reach the most isolated villages.

Aminata speaks with Djeneba Sow, a patient from the village of Narewale in Ténenkou, Mali. Pregnant with her third child, Djeneba receives both preventive and curative care. Each visit from the mobile clinic is a vital relief for her and others in the community.
Aminata speaks with Djeneba Sow, a patient from the village of Narewale in Ténenkou, Mali. Pregnant with her third child, Djeneba receives both preventive and curative care. Each visit from the mobile clinic is a vital relief for her and others in the community.
Photo: Assitan Sanogo for the IRC

“When we arrive, people know help has come. We don’t just bring medicine—we bring hope,” says Aminata, once back from the field and at her desk in IRC’s shared office—sticky with heat, barely cooled by the fan.

The mobile clinics treat everything from malaria to skin infections, hypertension to diabetes. But for Aminata, the most important part of her work is supporting women, especially those who have survived violence.

In 2024, over 7,000 cases of gender-based violence were reported in the Mopti region—a shocking 72% increase from the year before. Nearly all the survivors were women and girls. Many suffered in silence.

Too often, women still face exclusion and stigma when they speak out about the violence they’ve endured, especially rape. With emotion in her voice, Aminata explains that this is why, even today—and despite every effort to offer the most discreet support—women, and even their families, would rather hide the truth than seek or accept help. “Because of fear and shame, they don’t always come forward. But when we create a safe and private space, they open up. They know they’re not alone.” Aminata shares. 

By integrating protection services into health care, IRC’s mobile clinics offer both medical treatment and emotional support in a confidential and secure setting. This can mean the difference between recovery and despair.

Aminata visits Sanata, a displaced mother of four in Koubi. After receiving maternal care through the clinic, Sanata now encourages other women to seek support during pregnancy.
Aminata visits Sanata, a displaced mother of four in Koubi. After receiving maternal care through the clinic, Sanata now encourages other women to seek support during pregnancy.
Photo: Assitan Sanogo for the IRC

 

“We treat the most fragile lives” – Dr Mohamed Traoré, IRC nutrition specialist

Dr Traoré stands in front of the IRC Intensive Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit (URENI). Originally established for the COVID-19 response, this EU-funded tent now helps expand the centre’s capacity to care for more children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications.
Dr Traoré stands in front of the IRC Intensive Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit (URENI). Originally established for the COVID-19 response, this EU-funded tent now helps expand the centre’s capacity to care for more children with severe acute malnutrition and medical complications.
Photo: Assitan Sanogo for the IRC

At the heart of Ténenkou town is the IRC Intensive Nutrition Rehabilitation Unit (URENI), a small facility with a big mission: saving malnourished children on the brink of death.

“We treat the most fragile lives. When a child arrives here, time is everything,” says Dr Mohamed Traoré, who supervises the unit.

Funded by the EU and managed by the IRC in partnership with local health authorities, the unit sees over 500 critical cases each year. The children who come here are not just hungry, they are dangerously ill, often with infections, diarrhoea, or pneumonia.

Dr Traoré prepares a dose of therapeutic milk for a child with severe acute malnutrition. This early stage formula, known as F-75, is crucial for stabilising young children before they move on to more intensive feeding.
Dr Traoré prepares a dose of therapeutic milk for a child with severe acute malnutrition. This early stage formula, known as F-75, is crucial for stabilising young children before they move on to more intensive feeding.
Photo: Assitan Sanogo for the IRC

“We don’t just feed patients, we give full medical care. Everything is free: treatment, medicine, even food for the mothers who stay with their children.” Dr Traoré explains.

To prevent stockouts, IRC supplies the centre with emergency reserves of therapeutic food and medicines. The team also runs psychosocial activities to help children recover emotionally, and teaches families about hygiene and nutrition to prevent future illness.

“We are not only saving children, we are giving families the knowledge and strength to protect their future,” says Dr Traoré with quiet pride. Yet, he admits that limited transport and reduced staff due to shrinking funds haunt him at night. “Every delay or denial of care can worsen the child’s condition and cost them their life.” This paradox, providing excellent care while knowing many others remain out of reach, is the silent burden he carries.

 

“Each safe birth is a victory” – Tula Niono, community midwife

About 10 km from Ténenkou, the village of Koubi is home to a modern community health centre that didn’t exist a few years ago. Thanks to the IRC and the EU, it now has solar power, a clean water supply, and a fully stocked pharmacy.

Tula Niono, a midwife at the community health centre in Koubi, has been caring for pregnant women from the town and the nearby villages for the past three years.
Tula Niono, a midwife at the community health centre in Koubi, has been caring for pregnant women from the town and the nearby villages for the past three years.

 

At the heart of it is Tula Niono, a midwife who has helped transform maternal health in the region.

“We manage around 45 births per month. During peak seasons, it can go up to 70. Each safe birth is a victory,” she says.

Before the centre was built, pregnant women had to walk for hours or risk dangerous motorbike journeys to reach care. Now, with better facilities and trained staff, more women seek help early—making complications easier to manage.

Tula and Oumarou explain the solar-powered water tower that keeps the health centre running. The water is pumped and stored in an elevated tank, ready to be used for handwashing, hygiene, and medical care—without relying on unstable power grids.
Tula and Oumarou explain the solar-powered water tower that keeps the health centre running. The water is pumped and stored in an elevated tank, ready to be used for handwashing, hygiene, and medical care—without relying on unstable power grids.

 

But the challenges haven’t disappeared. Insecurity, poor roads and high transport costs still keep many women away. And due to funding shortages, some free services—like care for children under five—had to be suspended in 2023.

“When services were free, we saw more mothers and children. Now, some delay care because they cannot afford it. It breaks my heart,” says Tula.

Still, she remains committed. “I stay because this work matters. Every healthy mother and baby is proof that change is possible.”

 

A Call for Continued Support

The courage and commitment of Aminata, Dr Traoré and Tula reflect the strength of frontline health workers who deliver care in the most difficult circumstances. Their work is a powerful reminder that, even in the face of crisis, access to quality health care can transform lives—and that this impact is possible thanks to the continued support of partners like the European Union.

At the IRC, we know that health care is often the first—and only—lifeline for communities caught in conflict or disaster. It builds trust, restores dignity, and opens the door to wider support in protection, nutrition, education and beyond. That’s why we’re committed to continuing to deliver integrated, multi-sectorial and community-based care that reaches the most vulnerable.

Daddo Konta, displaced by violence, has been living in a temporary settlement for four years. Support from IRC and EU donors helps her family access clean water and health care.
Daddo Konta, displaced by violence, has been living in a temporary settlement for four years. Support from IRC and EU donors helps her family access clean water and health care.

But we cannot do this alone. Humanitarian needs in Mali remain urgent. Violence, climate shocks and food insecurity are placing unbearable pressure on families already struggling to survive. As these crises grow, so does the need for sustained and flexible funding to meet them.

With continued investment from the EU and other international donors, we can scale up what works. We can reach more communities with life-saving care. And we can support local heroes—like Aminata, Mohamed and Tula—who are leading the response every day.

Their stories deserve to be heard. Their work deserves to be supported. And their communities deserve a future where survival is no longer the only goal—but where recovery, resilience, and dignity are possible.

Together, we can help make that future a reality.

The IRC mobile health team visits the Koubi community health center staff, taking the opportunity for a group photo.
The IRC mobile health team visits the Koubi community health center staff, taking the opportunity for a group photo.

This article is dedicated to the frontline health workers of Mali. You may not see them in the headlines, but every day, they are writing stories of courage, care and change.

About our work with the European Union

The International Rescue Committee partners with the European Union to provide life-saving support to people caught in conflict and disasters around the world. Our work funded by the EU enables people to survive, recover and rebuild their lives.