Multi-sectoral Rapid Assessment Report TRapport imbuktu d’évaluation rapide multisectorielle Emergency Team Leader Pacifique Kigongwe Tombouctou
[email protected] Acknowledgements International Medical Corps’ Emergency Response Team would like to thank all the actors that facilitated the collection of information in this rapid assessment. In particular, thank you to the Acting Head of the Regional Health Department, partners and NGOs involved in the Timbuktu region: MSF, Solidarités, Handicap International, AVSF, the ICRC; and investigators who provided data collection at the household level as well as key informants and community volunteers who participated in the focus groups. 2 ©2013 International Medical Corps Summary In the current crisis in northern Mali, International Medical Corps conducted a multi-sectoral assessment in the Timbuktu region between February 1st and February 4th, 2013, the main points are summarized below: Health Serious failures of the health system have occurred during the period when the Northern district was controlled by rebel groups, for the following reasons: The Regional Health Department was looted and health personnel and members of communities health associations (ASACOs) have fled; Disruption of the supply chain for medication, nutritional inputs, and fuel; Disruption of the cold chain; Pillaging of buildings and equipment (ambulances, solar panels) The access to health services was deeply compromised for the inhabitants of the districts of Timbuktu, Goundam, Gourma- Rharous, and Niafunké. Three partners support the health services: MSF (since February 2012), Alima (mainly for the district of Diré) and the ICRC. However, they do not cover all the needs, and the access to health care remains a problem for the populations given the distances and difficulty of access.