CURRENT SITUATION
On February 3, 2012, MDM expanded their activities in the Kidal region around the city aiming to intervene in regional health facilities. Extending their work, MDM attracted the attention of people who were migrating within the borders, while the emergency humanitarian services focused on the movement of refugees to neighbouring countries, including Algeria, Mauritania and Niger. After fights in Kidal, part of the MDM team left the city on February 11, accompanying forty families that found themselves stranded.
THE RESPONSE OF MDM
Today, we estimate that more than 63,000 people constitute the displaced population (source: OCHA – CICR). Doctors of the World believe that the reactivation of the health care system is key to implementing emergency medical assistance. According to Pierre Verbeeren, General Manager of MDM in Belgium, "the health facilities are ideally positioned to meet the medical needs of displaced or isolated populations by means of mobile units and with our support."
> In Kidal, MDM are committed to supporting six regional health units, including two health posts that were placed near the displaced camps in Aghuiel-hoc and Abanco. The hospital in Kidal must be equipped with an organized emergency service that has a pharmacy, an operating block, water supply, fuel and food so the service can operate on its own and have the capacity to treat around 500 people. In areas isolated by conflicts, MDM will offer over 20,000 people a minimum health package, which includes treatments before and during childbirth. The distribution contains tools for water treatment for 5000 families, as well as the preparation of a MMR (measles) vaccination campaign designed for 10,000 children from 6 months to 15 years old. MDM wish to provide food aid and medical treatment to 200 immigrants from the regions of Africa below the Sahara and who have been excluded in Kidal.
> In Burkina Faso, MDM offer help through medication and medical equipment for the treatment of refugees from Mali in the province of Soum, around the areas of Nassoumbou, Koutougou and Djibo, where 5000 refugees are in treatment groups and under the supervision of health factors.
> In Mauritania, MDM begin an exploratory mission in cooperation with the Organization of the Mali deportees in the Fassala refugee camp to assess medical and psychological needs of refugees and immigrants. MDM call the civil and military authorities of Mali to guarantee access of mobile units to the most vulnerable populations in remote villages and displaced camps. MDM estimate that no more than 30% of workforce is available in the health facilities in the Kidal region, a long-term shortage in relation to the rest of the country. The return of the treatment groups will allow the health system to ensure a first class response to medical necessity.
In order to ensure access to medical assistance for vulnerable populations, MDM vow that treatments will be free within the camps and mobile health units in the Kidal region will be present for at least three months. MDM wish to establish talks with local authorities so that there are no financial barriers to health access for women and children under 5 years.
Actions of MDM in Mali
