Situation report on the crisis in Mali - May 2026

Mali is facing severe systemic shocks following a security breakdown in April 2026, with widespread curfews and military checkpoints significantly restricting access to essential social services. The transportation sector's paralysis, driven by fuel shortages and high costs, has hindered humanitarian logistics, particularly affecting mobile clinics and emergency medical referral systems.

These disruptions are critically impacting sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, causing transportation delays that increase the risk of maternal mortality and unassisted home births. Furthermore, displaced women and girls are experiencing acute shortages of dignity and hygiene supplies, leading to urgent requests for emergency cash transfers to support income-generating activities and prevent the adoption of negative coping mechanisms.

UNFPA is continuing to provide critical SRH and gender-based violence (GBV) support amidst these challenges. UNFPA facilitated over 1,500 emergency medical consultations and nearly 1,300 assisted births, while also reaching thousands with family planning, cancer screenings, and immunization services through deployed midwives and mobile teams. Simultaneously, the GBV response included comprehensive case management, psychosocial support, and the distribution of dignity kits, alongside training initiatives for civil society organizations and community-wide awareness campaigns to enhance protection and promote female leadership in decision-making.

For 2026, UNFPA is requesting US $11.55 million in funding for its critical humanitarian response in Mali. As of the end of May, only US $3.5 million has been received.