News
Humanitarian crisis in Mali: the EHRA project brings hope to thousands of families
March 12, 2026Amid food insecurity and population displacement in the regions of Timbuktu, Ségou and Bandiagara, a large-scale humanitarian response is underway. With funding from the United States government, the EHRA project, led by CECI and its local partners, is working to address the essential needs of the most vulnerable populations.
Vital food assistance at the most critical time
The agricultural lean season is the time of year when food reserves run out and prices in local markets reach their peak. It was precisely at this moment that the EHRA project deployed targeted distributions in Bandiagara, Bankass, Macina, Niono and Goundam.
More than 4,300 households, the majority of them internally displaced persons, received food kits consisting of rice, millet, beans, oil and salt, in line with Food Consumption Score standards, ensuring adequate nutritional intake.
Water, hygiene and sanitation: a response to combat disease
In Timbuktu, Ségou and Bandiagara, access to safe water and sanitation is a major challenge. The EHRA project has contributed to improving the sanitary conditions of the most exposed communities: more than 5,000 households received essential hygiene kits, and 20 semi-durable emergency latrines were built in Essakane and Macina to reduce the risk of waterborne diseases. Awareness campaigns on good hygiene practices, including menstrual hygiene, reached more than 130,000 people.
Protection and safe spaces for women and girls
On the protection front, 20 safe spaces dedicated to listening and protecting women and girls were established across the three regions to prevent gender-based violence. These spaces serve as entry points to refer survivors to appropriate support services.
More than 10,000 women and girls participated in awareness sessions, and a psychosocial support mechanism is active for reported cases.
A local partnership for lasting action
The strength of the EHRA project lies in its community roots. By working closely with the Malian organizations ASG and ALPHALOG, as well as with local and customary authorities, the project ensures broad community acceptance and strengthens local capacity to respond to crises.
The EHRA project is funded by the United States government and implemented by CECI in partnership with ASG and ALPHALOG in Mali.
