International Medical Corps Conducts Emergency Assessment in Konna to Identify Critical Needs of Conflict-Affected Malians Sonia Lowman Communications

Officer slowman@InternationalMedicalCorps.org +1 310.826.7800 Mopti, Mali, January 28, 2013 International Medical Corps has conducted the first rapid, multisectoral humanitarian assessment in Konna, Mali where a rebel takeover triggered French military airstrikes that have caused massive civilian displacement throughout the country. International Medical Corps Emergency Team was the first on the ground in Konna to assess health, nutrition, water supply, sanitation and hygiene services, along with other urgent needs. International Medical Corps team was allowed only four hours in Konna, which is currently under control of the Malian army. The team met with community leaders to assess the towns current humanitarian situation and discuss its residents most urgent needs. All sectors of the community participated, including the mayor, womens groups, local health associations and youth groups. International Medical Corps also visited homes in several parts of the town to see firsthand the household-level impact of the conflict. Although many families fled during the intense fighting, most have since returned. The market was closed for nearly a month because of insecurity in the area, causing price inflation and compromising access to food and income-generating activities, but is expected to reopen this week. Further, the citys water systems and health center are functioning, and there are no reports of conflict casualties. International Medical Corps has concluded that there is not an urgent need for humanitarian assistance in Konna. However, the situation remains difficult for residents and International Medical Corps has identified food security issues and vulnerabilities in sanitation, indicating a clear need for development actors to resume their work in the town. International Medical Corps deployed an emergency team to Mali and Mauritania early last week to assess humanitarian needs resulting from the intensified conflict between armed rebels and the government in Mali. An estimated 4.2 million Malians are in need of humanitarian assistance, facing widespread displacement and hunger. In the coming days, International Medical Corps will continue to assess humanitarian needs on the ground in northern Mali as more areas become accessible, while coordinating with United Nation and NGO partners to respond to identified needs. Since its inception nearly 30 years ago, International Medical Corps mission has been consistent: relieve the suffering of those impacted by war, natural disaster, and disease, by delivering vital health care services and sustainable development projects that focus on training. This approach of helping people help themselves is critical to returning devastated populations to self-reliance. For more information visit: www.InternationalMedicalCorps.org. Also see us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.