Southern Mali and the wider Sahel area have faced a dramatic nutritional emergency displaying high rates of severe acute malnutrition, with and without medical complications, exceeding the alert thresholds. The SMART survey conducted in 2012 indicated that the Segou region was the most affected, with global acute malnutrition rates of 12.2% and severe acute malnutrition rates of 3.8%.

COOPI’s intervention aimed at reducing mortality and morbidity associated with severe acute malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months. Therefore, 74,967 children were screened and 4,424 children with severe acute malnutrition (of which 3,997 without medical complications and 427 with medical complications) were treated, reaching 98% of the target. Along with mass screening campaigns and SAM treatment, awareness sessions on basic nutrition and hygiene practices were carried out, together with the training of 1,095 community volunteers and district health staff.

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