Mali is among the countries most affected by the food crisis in the Sahel. Moreover, since 2012 it has been ravaged by continuous clashes in the northern and central regions. In 2022, the region is set to face its worst food crisis in 10 years, aggravated by the conflict in Ukraine and the blockade of cereal imports.

The number of people in need of humanitarian assistance is estimated at 7.5 million, 36% of the total population. Among the most vulnerable regions are Sègou and Mopti, which have a particularly high rate of child malnutrition and a high incidence of human rights violations, especially of children who are often recruited by armed forces and groups.

Since 2013, COOPI – Cooperazione Internazionale intervenes in these regions with projects to fight malnutrition, providing support to local health centres to improve access to medical care. In addition, it promotes child protection by monitoring human rights violations and providing psychosocial support to victims of abuse and violence.