Detailing the findings of an investigation conducted last May, the United Nations agency dedicated to sexual and reproductive health issues, UNFPA, has reported a significant increase in sexual violence incidents within internally displaced persons (IDP) sites and active conflict zones. The report specifically highlighted instances of sexual exploitation, harassment, and forced marriage.

This heightened vulnerability emerges within a “critical humanitarian context” in certain areas of the central Sahel, particularly for women who are not only at greater risk of gender-based violence but also face inadequate access to essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.

According to the UN agency, May 2025 witnessed an escalation of armed conflict, especially across the regions of Timbuktu, Gao, Mopti, and Ménaka, marked by a surge in attacks from armed groups. These violent events have triggered new waves of mass displacement.

Access to vital health services remains severely restricted

The population of internally displaced persons has nearly reached 380,000, a substantial increase from 330,000 in May 2024, representing an almost 15% rise. “Women and girls are at the heart of these vulnerabilities, disproportionately impacted by both the escalating insecurity and the ongoing humanitarian crisis,” stated UNFPA.

Out of the 6.4 million individuals requiring humanitarian assistance, more than half are women and girls. Many of these reside in areas where access to protection mechanisms and critical health services is extremely limited, the agency further noted.

Presently, less than a quarter of health facilities in crisis-affected regions offer comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare or provide support services for survivors of gender-based violence.

Across the nation, nearly half of all specialized services in this crucial area remain non-operational. The regions most severely affected include Gao (76% closure), Ménaka (77% closure), Mopti (56% closure), and Timbuktu (80% closure).

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

Substantial funding gap threatens essential programs

During May alone, mobile health teams delivered sexual and reproductive health services and gender-based violence support to nearly 3,000 individuals in displaced persons’ camps, with women and young girls constituting 80% of beneficiaries.

Midwives provided crucial prenatal, postnatal, and delivery care, while dignity kits and reproductive health supplies were distributed in areas affected by both flooding and conflict.

Across Mali, approximately 900,000 women and girls are identified as targets for reproductive health services or programs aimed at combating sexual violence.

However, the humanitarian response remains significantly underfunded. Out of this year’s funding appeal for $16.5 million, UNFPA has only secured $2.9 million. This leaves the agency’s teams grappling with a “colossal deficit of $13.5 million” needed to assist thousands of vulnerable women and girls.

Critically, “without urgent additional funding,” the scope and long-term viability of programs designed to combat sexual violence and provide essential reproductive health services in Mali are severely jeopardized.