MSF mobilises to help a new wave of 7,000 refugees in central Mali

04 June 2026 - In response to the arrival of a new influx of Burkinabé refugees in Koro, central Mali, at the end of May, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is calling for a general mobilisation of the entire humanitarian community, donors, and authorities to deploy emergency aid, particularly in the areas of food, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), and household items. ​

MSF teams are already mobilising to help the new refugees, estimated at more than 7,000 people. MSF’s assistance includes medical care for sick refugees at the health centre in Koro and at reception sites, as well as psychosocial support, the provision of drinking water, and nutritional screening. More than 40,000 litres of water have already been provided, and people who are ill have been treated by MSF. ​ ​

In collaboration with the health district, MSF teams are also planning a catch-up vaccination campaign for refugee children to protect them against potential epidemics.

From 26 to 30 May, the refugees, mostly women, children, and the elderly, arrived in Koro after being displaced by attacks and clashes in the border villages of the Boucle du Mouhoun region in Burkina Faso. These new refugees join the 67,862 already registered in the region, placing increased pressure on scarce local resources. ​

MSF has been assisting refugees in Koro since 2023 with a comprehensive package of primary and secondary care, including mobile clinics, patient referrals, the provision of drinking water, and hygiene and sanitation activities, such as the construction of latrines and showers at the sites.

--ENDS--