Mali

Recent data from SMART surveys reveal a concerning nutritional situation in Mali. At the national level, Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) affects 11.6% of children under five, including 2.2% suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM).

The highest GAM rates are recorded in the regions of Menaka (22.2%), Gao (19.3%), and Kidal (16.1%). Other regions such as Kayes, Tombouctou, Koulikoro, and Ségou are on alert, with prevalence rates ranging from 10.6% to 14.9%.

The situation is particularly critical in several districts, including Douentza, Bankass, Koro, Gourma-Rharous, Bourem, Ansongo, and Kidal, as well as in internally displaced persons (IDP) sites in Mopti, Gao, Bourem, and Ménaka. In these areas, GAM rates range from 15.8% to 30.1%, placing them in a state of nutritional emergency.

In total, 33 administrative districts, including all IDP sites, are classified as being in a nutritional emergency (IPC Phase 3 and above).

According to the 2025 HNRP projections, more than 1.5 million children under five will be affected by acute malnutrition, including 424,532 suffering from its severe form— a significant increase compared to 2024 (313,185). In addition, over 85,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women are also suffering from acute malnutrition.

i. Sectoral Objective 1: Ensure equitable access to the treatment of acute malnutrition for at least 80% of the expected cases through integrated interventions in nutrition, health, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), and food security.

ii. Sectoral Objective 2: Prevent the risks of acute malnutrition by ensuring minimum and equitable access to multisectoral interventions (Nutrition, Health, WASH, and Food Security) for 1,614,635 children under five and 672,784 pregnant and breastfeeding women.

iii. Sectoral Objective 3: Strengthen nutrition surveillance, localization, and the promotion of the Nexus approach.

Cluster Priorities

The Nutrition Cluster will scale up integrated, equitable, and quality nutrition services in all IDP sites and affected districts, with a focus on:

• Expanding preventive interventions to reduce the risk of acute malnutrition.

• Ensuring quality and continuity of partner-led nutrition programmes.

• Strengthening essential nutrition services (supplementary feeding, maternal and adolescent nutrition, IYCF-E).

• Expanding coverage in hard-to-reach areas through localization and mobile integrated health and nutrition clinics.

• Enhancing joint targeting and prioritization with WASH, Food Security, Health, and Protection sectors.

• Implementing simplified approaches for the management of acute malnutrition in IPC Phase 4 and 5 areas.

• Partnering with local organizations to expand access and humanitarian coverage.

The nutrition response in Mali continues to face critical challenges. Rising levels of acute malnutrition, coupled with insecurity, displacement, and recurrent climatic shocks, are stretching the capacity of existing services. Access constraints in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas limit coverage, while funding gaps hinder the scale-up of life-saving interventions and preventive services. Weak health system capacity, frequent supply chain disruptions, and limited skilled personnel further compromise the quality of care. In addition, gaps in nutrition surveillance and early warning systems delay timely action, while sociocultural barriers affect care-seeking and optimal infant and young child feeding practices. Without strengthened multisectoral coordination and sustained resources, the response risks falling short of meeting urgent needs and preventing further deterioration.