The health of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Mali, as in many other regions facing forced displacement, is a major concern. Due to the harsh living conditions in host sites, internally displaced persons (IDPs) are particularly vulnerable to health problems, both physical and mental. “We are conducting a study on the health risks of internally displaced persons (IDPs) at the Faladjè and Niamana sites in Bamako. EN VIDEO HERE
These sites contain livestock pens; there is also uncontrolled waste dumped on these sites. We are therefore attempting to explore the health risks of internally displaced persons at the interface of human health, animal health, and environmental health.”, said Dr Zakaria KEITA, epidemiologist, researcher at UCRC In order to tackle this major health challenge, the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC-Mali), in collaboration with the Belgian Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM), has stepped up to obtain a global and multisectoral response, in the context of One Health.
The primary stakeholders are the internally displaced persons themselves, followed by the non-governmental organizations working on these sites, the state through the Ministry of Health and Social Development, and the agents of Social Development and the Solidarity Economy. There are also host communities. The objective is to try to contribute to the solution of all the work the Malian government is doing through its relevant services, to address health needs and minimize health risks for the entire Malian population. FR-VIDEO HERE
The final objective is to improve the health situation of internally displaced persons in order to ensure their well-being. Based on the results of this preliminary phase study, it will therefore be crucial to ensure equitable access to healthcare, promote hygiene and sanitation, and support mental health, while involving the host communities. “First, we need to conduct scientific studies and explore the problem, since we don’t have a ready-made solution that we can implement immediately. Diseases can be transmitted from animals to humans and from humans to animals, which are what we call zoonotic diseases.
This affects the health of displaced persons, but also the health of the entire population. Because by minimizing the risks, we manage the health of the entire population. The initial results will already be used to strengthen the health system and better equip the NGOs working in these areas.”, indicated Dr KEITA “We will disseminate the scientific findings soon. We still need a little time; this is science; we cannot rush the results. We will work on the information we have been able to gather, and we will get back to you sooner.” Informed Dr Houssynatou SY, Researcher at ITM. Stay linked to our networks to find out next step….
Highlights of the health project for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs
As part of the project ‘Health of internally displaced persons living around livestock markets in Bamako’, the University Clinical Research Center (UCRC) of the University of Science, Techniques and Technologies of Bamako and the Institute of Tropical Medicine (ITM) in Antwerp are collaborating to better understand the health risks faced by internally displaced persons (IDPs) living around urban livestock markets (Niamana and Faladiè). BAMBARA-VIDEO HERE
The study, conducted in two phases between 2024 and 2025, aims to document the risks at the human-animal-environment interface and explore the minimum conditions for the co-creation of appropriate interventions. It is based on a participatory approach combining qualitative interviews, focus group discussions (FGDs), co-mapping workshops and prioritisation exercises.
After conducting 35 interviews with representatives of IDPs and livestock markets, technical services from the Ministry of Health and Development, local authorities, national and international NGOs, and health workers, a second phase was devoted to discussing preliminary results, collectively formulating solutions, and identifying contextual constraints.
This collaboration with the UCRC has enabled to mobilize a diverse research team, translate tools into national languages, organize workshops with communities and other stakeholders, and ensure data protection and scientific and logistical coordination. The results aim to inform humanitarian and health responses through an integrated and inclusive ‘One Health’ approach.
UCRC Communication Office
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