Situation update
While the recent presidential election in Mali was relatively calm, the security situation in the North of Mali remains volatile. The situation in Mali and neighboring countries remains of great concern. Population movement, including the possible return of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), is still unpredictable.
In the first half of 2013 UNICEF has scaled-up treatment of children under 5 suffering from Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM). Women and children affected by the crisis have benefited from improved access to clean water and health services. Regional collaboration has been established to align cross-border education and child protection programming. UNICEF requires ongoing support to maintain and scale-up humanitarian assistance for women and children.