Please refer to the attached file.

The humanitarian environment in Mali is facing a severe contraction in access and operational space. The Government of Mali has temporarily suspended all humanitarian flights, which is restricting the movement of humanitarian personnel, disrupting the delivery of critical supplies, and paralyzing field operations. In addition, a newly introduced 10% government tax on the project budgets of all UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, and non-profit associations is significantly reducing the funding available for essential humanitarian programming at a time when organizations are already confronting acute funding shortfalls.

Violence continues to escalate in the city of Léré, which is under a strategic siege by Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin. The siege is exacerbating protection risks, including sexual violence against women and girls. The Timbuktu Region—which includes Léré—recorded a 77% increase in gender-based violence (GBV) cases between January and March 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. The siege is also severely disrupting access to essential sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services. The blockade has had particularly serious consequences for obstetric emergencies, with all vehicle movement into and out of Léré prohibited, making emergency referrals no longer possible.

Disease outbreaks are further compounding the crisis. The diphtheria outbreak continues to worsen, with health authorities reporting a 72% increase in cases between October 2025 and March 2026. Meanwhile, 31 confirmed cases of mpox and two related deaths have been recorded, primarily in Bamako and Koulikoro. Both diseases pose serious risks to pregnant women and newborns, including miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.

UNFPA is responding to the urgent and escalating SRH and GBV needs in Mali. In March, 5,027 women and adolescent girls received SRH services, while 6,681 people benefited from GBV prevention, mitigation, and response activities.