Mali Humanitarian

Situation Report No. 8

© UNICEF/C99R1729/Dicko

Situation in Numbers 3,500,000 children in need of humanitarian © UNICEF/318A7554/Dicko assistance (OCHA Mali HNO revised Reporting Period: 01 to 31 August 2020 August 2020)

Highlights 6,800,000 people in need of humanitarian • A military coup d'etat on August 18, 2020 resulted in the removal of the assistance President and the Government as well as the introduction of political (OCHA Mali HNO revised August 2020) and financial sanctions by the regional organization ECOWAS. • 96,629 (including 23,720 in August) cases of severe malnutrition were treated and 892,846 under 5 five children screened during the seasonal malaria prevention integrated mass campaign. 287,496 • 3,803 children affected by humanitarian crises, in particular due to conflict, were reached with community based psychosocial support in Internally displaced people (National Directorate of Social Development - DNDS. Bamako district, Gao, Kidal, Ménaka, Mopti and Timbuktu regions. Matrix for Monitoring Displacement (DTM),30 July 2020) • UNICEF provided 15,218 Households (91,308 people) with short term emergency water treatment and hygiene kits as well as sustainable water supply services as of August 31, 2020 in Mopti, Gao, Kidal, Timbuktu and Taoudenit regions. • Outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) in the UNICEF Appeal 2020 northern region of Mali with 2 confirmed cases in Menaka region US$ 51,85 million

UNICEF’s Response and Funding Status

Funds Received $ 16,6 M (33%) Funding gap $ 31,3 M (60 %)

Carry-forward, *Funding available includes carry-over and funds received in the current year. $ 3.8 M (7%)

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Funding Overview and Partnerships

In 2020, UNICEF is appealing for US$ 52 million to meet the humanitarian needs of childen in Mali, to facilitate access to quality basic social services and protect children affected by the crisis. As of 31st August, 2020, US$ 16,678,364 had been received in addition to the US$ 3,847,562 carry-forward for a total of US$ 20,525,926, representing 40 per cent of the Global Appeal. WASH, Health and Education remain the most underfunded sectors with respectively 12; 15 and 27 per cent of fund received. Based on the current situation in the country, the needs for these sectors remain high, necessitating an increase in funding to ensure vital interventions and to maintain previous investments. UNICEF also requires US$ 24.2 million to respond effectively and efficiently to the COVID-19 pandemic. While expressing its deep gratitude to all public and private donors for the contributions received (the Spanish Committee for UNICEF, the CERF, ECHO, The Gobal Humanitarian Funds, the governments of the USA, of Spain, of the Czech Republic, Sweden, Canada, Switzerland and the United Kingdom), UNICEF calls for additional contributions to fill the current 60 per cent gap - without which it will not be able to provide an adequate response to vulnerable children in Mali whose needs are on the increase due to the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on basic services.

Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs UNICEF Field Structure in Mali

The country is facing a situation of socio-political instability aggravated withthe military Coup d'Etat that led to the resignation of the President of the Republic on August 18, 2020. The borders of the country are closed with the sanctions of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with inevitable socio-economic repercussions on populations. The situation has since then remained calm but unpredictable. In this context, the humanitarian situation is extremely fragile and complex and remains characterised by the presence of non-state armed groups, on-going insecurity along the borders in the Liptako Gourma countries (Burkina Faso and Niger), recurrent inter-communal conflicts, increased crime, the presence of improvised explosive devices, outbreaks of violence, particularly in the northern and central regions, and attacks against national and international armed forces as well as against humanitarian organisations leading to 287,496 internally displaced persons (as of 30 July 2020)1 concentrated in the northern and central regions (Gao, Mopti, Segou and Timbuktu). The volatile security situation in northern and central Mali, as well as the on-going humanitarian situation, which is being further exacerbated by conflicts and COVID-19 pandemic, continues to negatively affect children’s rights and welfare and increase their vulnerability and protection risks. Based on the July revised humanitarian response plan (HRP), 1.2 million children (an increase of 17 per cent in the number of children in need in early 2020) are in need of protection services, of whom 283,222 have been targeted to receive a response with the support of the Child Protection Sub-Cluster. Estimates from the March 2020 Harmonized Framework (pre-COVID-19) anticipated that 5 million people1 could be food insecure during the lean season in 2020 (June-August)2. , of which more than 1.3 million severely food insecure- an increase of 107 per cent compared to the lean season 2019. In the context of the shocks associated with conflicts and drought and considering vulnerabilities induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the estimated number of people who could be affected by severe food insecurity during the lean season is revised upwards - between 2 and 2.7 million people3. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nutrition Cluster has revised the estimated number of children 6-59 month expected with severe acute malnutrition, from 166,000 to 188,000 nationwide (an increase of 13% compared to initial 2020 estimates). As of 30th August, 2,773 coronavirus cases have been recorded in nine regions (out of 10) as well as in the district of Bamako since the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic in Mali in March 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic caused the death of 126 persons (fatality rate 4.5 per cent). The district of Bamako concentrates the majority of the cases (49.2 per cent) followed by the regions of Tombouctou and Mopti with respectively 20,6 per cent and 9.1 per cent. UNICEF, in collaboration with WHO and partners, is actively supporting the Government of Mali to implement the national response plan and is engaged in activities across all priority

1 129,874 people are in Phase 4 ; 1,210,867 in Phase 3 and 3,654,887 in Phase 4. 2 Note de plaidoyer : Clusters Sécurité Alimentaire, Nutrition & Protection, Mali, Juin 2020 https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/ru/op%C3%A9rations/mali/document/mali-note-de-plaidoyer-en-faveur-dune-r%C3%A9ponse-coordonn%C3%A9e-et- mise-%C3%A0-l%C3%A9chelle 3 idid 2

areas including risk communication and community engagement, hygiene reinforcement in health facilities and communities, support to continuity of preventive and curative health and nutrition services, infection prevention, Infection Prevention and control (IPC) support, and support to access to education.

In accordance with the measures taken by the Government, schools have remained closed since March 2020, except for classes due to sit examinations, which reopened in June, but reclosed due to the August 18, 2020 military Coup d’Etat. School closures are affecting the right to education for 3.8 million children.

In addition, Mali, is facing a polio epidemic, as confirmed by the detection of 2 cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) in Menaka region in April 2020. Faced with the high risk of the virus spreading, the Government of Mali and Global Polio Eradication Initiative Partners (WHO, UNICEF, BMGF,GAVI) are planning an immunization campaign in the regions of Gao and Menaka in August 2020 which will target 228,483 children (192,551 in Gao and 35,932 in Menaka).

Summary Analysis of Programme Response

Nutrition From January to August 31, 2020, a total of 88,146 (including 13,337 in August) cases of severe malnutrition were treated representing about 47% of the 188,053-caseload expected in 2020. These admissions are slightly higher compared to the same period in 2019 (84,146) with an increase in admissions in the north (Gao, Menaka, Taoudéni) and the center of the country (Segou and Mopti). 892,846 under five children were screened during the seasonal malaria prevention integrated mass campaign conducted in July 2019 and 7,934 caregivers of children were reached with infant and young child feeding counselling. All these results were obtained thanks to the partnership between UNICEF, the Government and the NGOs ( COOPI, ACTED, IMC, ALIMA, IEDA RELIEF) in particular in the north and the Center hard to reach regions, with an integrated package (Infant and Young Child Feeding, Vitamin A supplementation, Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition) to prevent and treat acute malnutrition taking account the COVID 19 context. All these activities targeted host population and Internal Displaced Population (IDPs). Furthermore, in the context of COVID 19, the preparation of the Nutrition SMART survey is ongoing.

Health As of August 18, 2020, the Minister of Health and Social Affairs declared through the letter No.001847 MSAS-SG an outbreak of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2). In the reporting period (August 2020), 2 cases of (cVDPV2) were confirmed in the north region (Menaka) and some 8 other cases were isolated from two environmental surveillance sites (commune 1 and commune 4) in Bamako district. The first round of the response activities has been planned to be implemented for one month (18th August to 21rst September 2020) in the Gao and Menaka regions. The response include : i) organization of National coordination meetings, ii) holding of two joint coordination meetings with Niger and Benin to synchronize the response activities, iii) recruitment, briefing and deployment of 12 Immunization staffs (3 International Consultants and 9 nationals), iv) regular update of Supplementary Immunization Activities (SIAs) dashboard, v) adaption of tools and data of the campaign, Development of communication plan. UNICEF provided the Ministry of Health with 526,000 doses of VPOm2 vaccine for the 2 rounds of campaign in Gao and Menaka regions, targeting a total of 228,483 children under 5. As of 31rst August, vaccine distribution plan is finalized, and national supervisors were briefed on the management of VPOm2 and communication. The next steps include supply of vaccines and campaign management tools to Regional Directorate of Health as well as health Districts and launch of social mobilization activities and finalizing the terms of electronic payment by mobile money. The operation is synchronized with Niger and Benin to ensure coordinated action.

WASH As of August 2020, UNICEF supported the Government of Mali in assisting the population affected by the crises in the centre and northern regions through the Regional Technical Services (the Directorates of Hydraulic, Directorates of Social Development and Solidarity Economy, Directorates of Civil Protection). In total 70,308 people (37,791 children) in Mopti, Gao, Kidal, Timbuktu and Taoudenit regions benefited through short-term emergency kits distribution including water treatment products. Some 91,308 people (49,078 children) benefited from both temporary and permanent drinking water services in Mopti, Gao, Kidal, Timbuktu and Taoudenit regions. These results were achieved in partnership with UNICEF and its implementing partners including the NGOs NRC, IMADEL (Initiative Malienne d'Appui au Développement local), TASSAGHT, Solidarités Internationale (SI).

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Education

The continued closure of nealy 14% of schools due to insecurity and absence of teachers (affecting 378 300 children and 7 566 teachers) along with the sanitary and health related barriers are highly impacting the present situation of education in Mali. One impact is the extreme mobility of families and their children towards gold mining sites in the commune of Ber and Gossi, Timbuktu region, with high risks of recruitment into armed groups and use of drugs.

In the Timbuktu region, 31 community sessions were organized in collaboration with implementing partner NRC on awareness- raising and mobilization of parents, teachers, School Management Committees and community leaders to support the return of children to school and the continuity of education, distance education and knowledge of the COVID-19 barrier measures. These sessions reached a total of 638 people including 260 women and 378 men. Additionally, between the 10-14 of August sanitary examinations of schools were held successfully and schools were reported in good conditions. Through the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) - COVID-19 project, 750 radios were received for distribution to the most vulnerable children.

In the Mopti region, the implementing partner, EDUCO, responsible for the implementation of activities is in the launching phase of the ECW COVID project and has received 1,500 radios delivered by UNICEF for home schooling (750 for the Segou region and 750 for the Mopti region).

Even though classes have stopped in public schools due to the teachers' strike, educational activities are continuing in private public schools in the regions (in the 9th and 12th grade examination classes) despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and with respect for preventive measures. The education sector has been working on the preparation for the end-of-school-year examinations.

Overall, the coup d'état has had no impact on the implementation of activities, as UNICEF’s implementing partners have taken the necessary steps to secure project funds and staff in accordance with internal procedures.

Child Protection

During the period under review, UNICEF and partners reached 3,803 (1,624 girls and 2,179 boys) with psychosocial support services in Bamako district, Gao, Kidal, Menaka, Mopti and Timbuktu regions. Moreover, 67 children (2 girls and 65 boys) released from armed groups were reached with holistic care services as well as socio-economic reintegration support in the above- mentioned zones. Out of these children, 58 benefitted with income generating activities while the remaining nine children were reached with vocational training. A total of 58 (3 girls and 55 boys) more children released from armed groups were reunited with their families in Gao, Mopti and Menaka and 32 (8 girls and 24 boys) children associated with armed groups were identified by UNICEF partners in collaboration with community based child protection mechanism in Kidal, Mopti and Timbuktu regions. They are currently receiving transitional care including shelter, food, medical and psychosocial care pending family reunification and socio-economic reintegration support. In addition, 55 unaccompanied and separated children (18 girls and 37 boys) received holistic interim care and child protection services by UNICEF and implementing partners. Moreover, 66 children (61 girls and 5 boys) were reached with multisector GBV services including medical and psychosocial support, shelter, physical security and counselling. These results were achieved thanks to the concerted efforts between UNICEF and its implementing partners including COOPI, ATDED, GARDL, SOLISA, Kanuya and the Regional Directorate for the Promotion of Women, Children and Families (DRPFEF).

Communication for Development In the Mopti region, social mobilization interventions were conducted in seven communes (Kewa, Femaye, Pondori, Konna, korombana, Mopti and Dialloube) to reinforce social cohesion. Overall, 1,240 home visits to promote key messages on and dialogue about living together, social cohesion were carried out by social mobilizers from local NGOs , reaching . 8,313 persons including 1,225 men, 1,823 women, 25,55 young boys and 2710 young girls. In Timbuktu region, 1,062 young people, including 394 girls from the region, received the Do’Kaydara training -the traditional education system as part of the joint project Second Decade for Peace in partnership with FAO- and conducted peace building and social cohesion awareness interventions in the targeted Dire and Niafounké communes. On the same project, 964 young people trained on the G5 Sahel strategy continued to carry out door to door awareness on social cohesion and reached 6,387 people including 2,079 women.

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Humanitarian Leadership, Coordination and Strategy

The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Solidarity are both line ministries responsible for coordinating humanitarian action with the support of the Humanitarian Country Team. UNICEF leads three clusters (the WASH, Nutrition and Education clusters) and Child Protection sub-cluster and participates in the Inter-cluster coordination forum at national and subnational levels. A COVID-19 Humanitarian plan has been elaborated and a COVID-19 Task Force has been instituted by the Humanitarian Country Team to orientate and coordinate inter-cluster activities, and the health cluster and humanitarian coordination structures engaged in the COVID-19 response.

In line with the inter-agency humanitarian strategy to save lives and protect affected populations, in 2020, UNICEF will address the urgent needs of the most vulnerable populations in crisis-affected regions in Mali, while strengthening the linkages between humanitarian action and development programming and prioritizing community-based approaches.

As a result of inter-agency review processes, the 2020 revised HRP (July 2020) forecasts a population in need up 58% from the beginning of the year (from 4.3 million to 6.8 million). The number of children in need increases from 2.7 million to 3.5 million.

UNICEF along with the National and Regional Directorates for the Promotion of Children, Women and Family continues to coordinate the child protection sub-clusters at the national level and in the regions. In August, the Humanitarian Programming Cycle was initiated with the revision of severity indicators and methodology for the sectorial Humanitarian Needs Overview, in close collaboration with the Protection Cluster. A rapid evaluation of the impact of the coup d’état was conducted through an online survey in order to analyse the related child protection risks and the implications for partners’ operations and implementation of child protection activities.

UNICEF in Mali, with partners, contributes to strengthening the national health and nutrition systems to deliver emergency services, including the provision of water and sanitation packages, the management of SAM cases, measles vaccination, and providing psychosocial support to conflict-affected children. UNICEF continues to promote the continuity of education through community mobilisation, community learning centres and the provision of school supplies, reinforce the Monitoring and Reporting Mechanism and support the release of children from armed forces and groups, and providing girl survivors of gender- based violence with community care and socio-economic reintegration.

Human Interest Stories and External Media (Com Ext)

• News feature and photo story in El Pais (Spain) on the humanitarian situation in Mopti

Next SitRep: 31 September 2020

UNICEF Mali Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/unicefmali/ UNICEF Mali Twitter: https://twitter.com/unicefmali UNICEF Mali Humanitarian Action for Children Appeal: https://www.unicef.org/appeals/Mali.html

Who to contact Felix Ackebo Anne Daher Aden for further Representative a.i Chief of Field Ops and information: UNICEF Mali Emergency, UNICEF Mali Tel: (+ 223) 44 97 69 69 Email:[email protected] Tel: (+223) 75 99 62 50 Email: [email protected]

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Annex A - Summary of Programme Results UNICEF and IPs Response Cluster/Sector Response Change Change Overall 2020 Total since last 2020 Total since last Sector needs target results* report target results* report ▲▼ ▲▼ Nutrition

Number of children under 5 years affected by Severe Acute Malnutrition 188,053 188,053 88,146 13,337 188,053 88,146 13,337 (SAM) admitted for treatment

Number of Caregivers of children reached with infant and young child 558,212 110,000 103,392 7,934 150,000 103,392 7,934 feeding counselling (M/F) Health # children under 5 vaccinated against NA 806,000 135,305 0 measles # children under five reached each 1,140,00 round of polio campaign in northern NA 88,042 0 0 regions WASH # People accessing a sufficient 31,352 quantity of safe water for drinking, 953,103 406,750 91,308 6,264 953,103 212,605

cooking and personal hygiene # people accessing appropriate 61,874 9,173 50,000 40,000 6,400 0 50,000 sanitation facilities # Children accessing WASH facilities in 8,580 0 210,000 20,000 2,000 0 210,000 learning environments

# SAM children receiving a WASH kit 4,583 2,051 57,853 2,000 700 0 57,853 and hygiene promotion session

Child Protection

# Children accessing psychosocial 160,000 support, including in child-friendly 35,604 3,803 240,000 40,269 4,449

spaces and other safe spaces # Children separated from armed 400 groups accessing socio-economic 307 67 500 312 66

reintegration support 1, 207, # Unaccompanied and separated 073 children accessing family-based 500 492 55 900 630 55 care or appropriate alternative services # women and children accessing N/A N/A 1,000 201 66 N/A GBV response interventions Education

# Children accessing formal and non- 564,327 90,000 6,231 0 333,178 110,319 1,700 formal education

# Children receiving individual learning 0 38,012 2,096 564,327 90,000 237,984 materials 3,759 * Table footnotes: Cumulative results since January 2020

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Annex B

Funding Status* Funds available Funding gap Sector Requirements Received Current Carry-Over $ Year Nutrition 20,500,000 10,483,013 1,754,071 8,262,916 40% WASH 14,400,000 1,364,222 357,842 12,677,936 88% Health 1,600,000 116,091 120,613 1,363,296 85% Child Protection 4,850,000 1,855,223 1,232,416 1,762,361 36% Education 9,000,000 2,358,942 34,326 6,606,732 73% Cluster Coordination 1,500,000 500,873 348,294 650,833 43% Total 51,850,000 16,678,364 3,847,562 31,324,074 60% * As defined in Humanitarian Appeal of 30/07/2019 for a period of 6 months

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