The UN sexual and reproductive health agency, UNFPA, detailed findings from a May survey, revealing “a significant increase in sexual violence incidents across internal displacement sites and active conflict zones.” The report specifically highlighted cases of “sexual exploitation, harassment, and forced marriage.”

This heightened vulnerability unfolds amidst a “critical humanitarian situation” in specific areas of the central Sahel. Women, in particular, are not only exposed to increased risks of sexual violence but also “deprived of adequate access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.”

May 2025 saw a severe escalation of armed conflict, particularly in the regions of Tombouctou, Gao, Mopti, and Ménaka, marked by a resurgence of attacks by armed groups. These violent outbreaks triggered substantial new waves of displacement.

Access to health services is extremely limited

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

Out 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, according to the agency.

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

On the ground, UNFPA teams are intensifying their humanitarian efforts. They are providing support to 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 (Ségou, Mopti, Gao, Tombouctou, Ménaka).

“Colossal” funding deficit

During May alone, mobile health teams delivered crucial sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence support to nearly 3,000 individuals in displaced persons camps, with 80% of these beneficiaries being women and young girls. Midwives offered vital prenatal, postnatal, and delivery care, while dignity kits and reproductive health supplies were distributed in areas grappling with both 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 critically underfunded. Out of this year’s appeal for $16.5 million, UNFPA has only secured $2.9 million, leaving the agency with a “colossal deficit of $13.5 million” to assist thousands of women and girls in dire need.

Crucially, “without urgent additional funding,” the scope and long-term viability of programs addressing sexual violence and providing reproductive health services in Mali are severely jeopardized.