Once an emerging force for democracy in West Africa, Mali now faces a growing humanitarian crisis. Years of conflict, political instability, and weather-related challenges have made life increasingly difficult for the people of Mali.
Since 2012, insecurity has affected many parts of the country, especially in the central and northern regions. At the same time, droughts and changing weather patterns have made it harder for people to grow food and earn a living.
Today, millions of people across Mali need humanitarian aid, with children among the most vulnerable.
Mali crisis: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Explore facts and frequently asked questions about the humanitarian conditions in Mali, and learn how you can help children and families affected.
- Fast facts: Mali crisis
- What are the current humanitarian conditions in Mali?
- How are children being impacted by the crisis in Mali?
- What are the greatest needs of children and families in Mali?
- How can I help people impacted by the crisis in Mali?
- How is World Vision responding to the crisis in Mali?
Fast facts: Mali crisis
- An estimated 6.8 million people (28% of the population) in Mali required urgent humanitarian assistance in 2025.
- Millions are struggling to access sufficient food, with over 1.6 million people facing acute food insecurity.
- Approximately 414,500 people have been internally displaced, while additional communities have been forced to flee to neighboring countries for safety.
- Ongoing insecurity in parts of central and northern Mali continues to restrict humanitarian access, making it increasingly difficult for aid organizations to reach certain communities.
- Heavy rainfall in Mali led to severe flooding in 2025, especially in the northern regions of Mopti, Gao, and Timbuktu, as well as in Kayes in the southwest. In 2024 alone, floods affected over 733,000 people, including many women and children.
What are the current humanitarian conditions in Mali?
Mali is currently experiencing a prolonged humanitarian crisis driven by ongoing insecurity, displacement, and climate-related shocks, such as drought and flooding. According to United Nations agencies, millions of people across the country require humanitarian assistance to meet their basic needs.
How are children being impacted by the crisis in Mali?
Children remain at the center of this crisis. More than 3.3 million school-age children are out of school due to insecurity, flooding, and inadequate education infrastructure.
Beyond education, the scale of deprivation is widespread. Nearly half of all children under 18 are facing multiple, overlapping hardships, with rural communities and vulnerable groups, including girls and children with disabilities, disproportionately affected.
Health needs are also severe and ongoing. Malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and severe acute malnutrition continue to be among the leading causes of illness and death for children, underscoring the persistent risks they face in daily life.
What are the greatest needs of children and families in Mali?
Children and families in Mali continue to face urgent, overlapping needs in 2026, including food security, health, education, and child protection.
Food insecurity is one of the most critical challenges, with an estimated 4 to 5 million people facing acute hunger due to ongoing conflict, displacement, and climate-related shocks. Many families are forced to skip meals or cut back on portions, resulting in high rates of acute malnutrition among children.
Education access is severely affected, with over 3 million children out of school due to insecurity and closures, increasing their vulnerability.
Protection risks are rising alongside these challenges. Children face growing threats of violence, exploitation, and recruitment into armed groups, especially in conflict-affected and hard-to-reach areas.
Limited access to basic health services is leaving children at greater risk from preventable illnesses like malaria, pneumonia, and malnutrition.
How can I help people impacted by the crisis in Mali?
- Pray for children and families affected by hunger and the crisis in Mali and other West African countries.
- Sponsor a child: Help World Vision continue to provide lifesaving assistance to children and communities in Mali.
How is World Vision responding to the crisis in Mali?
Present in Mali for decades, World Vision has partnered with communities to respond to both long-term development needs and humanitarian crises. Since the early 1980s, World Vision has supported communities through droughts, conflict, and food insecurity. Emergency and long-term response includes:
- Food assistance and nutrition support for vulnerable children and families
- Access to clean water and sanitation programs, including well construction and hygiene support
- Healthcare and immunization support
- Education programs to help children stay in school
- Child protection and psychosocial support in areas affected by displacement and insecurity
- Livelihood and resilience programs to help families rebuild stability
