Dr. Djeneba Sow, a physician working with the Global Fund partner Synergie Action Santé, is leading maternal and neonatal health education sessions for women displaced by conflict and living in the Sénou internally displaced person (IDP) camp near Bamako, Mali. The sessions, which began in 2026, address critical health needs within a vulnerable population facing ongoing instability.
Dr. Sow’s curriculum covers a range of essential healthcare topics, including antenatal care, safe delivery practices, malaria prevention, HIV testing and treatment, breastfeeding techniques, and postnatal care. The aim is to equip women with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate pregnancy and childbirth safely, and to protect themselves and their children from prevalent diseases.
The Sénou camp currently shelters 1,254 people, comprising 368 households, according to the Social Development and Solidarity Economy Service. Families are living in tents averaging just 3.5 square meters in size, often with multiple family members sharing limited space. Many residents, like Mariam Sow, a 30-year-old mother of six, were forced to flee their homes due to armed violence in regions such as Bankass. Mariam, who previously ran a small shop, now sells couscous and curd within the camp to support her family.
The Global Fund highlighted Dr. Sow’s work on International Women’s Day, recognizing her dedication to providing healthcare despite the immense challenges faced by internally displaced populations in Mali. The organization noted that by connecting women to essential services, Dr. Sow is directly contributing to improved health outcomes for both mothers and children.
ALIMA, working with its partner AMCP-SP, also provides medical and nutritional support at the Sénou camp, offering healthcare, malnutrition screening for children under five, and mental health support for those impacted by trauma. The ongoing conflict has left families without homes, livelihoods, and, in many cases, loved ones.
Dr. Sow’s sessions are taking place as the camp continues to grapple with overcrowding and limited resources. Residents express a desire for more sustainable solutions, with some hoping to relocate to Bamako, although others remain hesitant to return to their original communities due to ongoing security concerns.
