The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) is a source of un-earmarked money created by the Federation in 1985 to ensure that immediate financial support is available for Red Cross and Red Crescent emergency response. The DREF is a vital part of the International Federation’s disaster response system and increases the ability of National Societies to respond to disasters.

CHF 150,010 has been allocated from the IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support Mali Red Cross in delivering immediate assistance to some 699,100 people at risk of infection by the cholera outbreak. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary:

Since the notification of the first case of cholera in Youwarou, through medical tests done by the laboratory of the Public Health Research institute (INRSP) the number of victims has increased daily.

Twelve health zones have been affected, mainly in the regions of Mopti, with 363 cases including 14 deaths and in Tombouctou, with 242 cases including 5 deaths.
However, the head of the Public Health Department reassured people saying that the situation was under control, and that all health technical services were mobilised. He sensitized people on the respect of hygiene principles which remains the only way of preventing cholera.

In its role as auxiliary to government, the Mali Red Cross has always provided support in response to challenges. The National Society has in the past helped sensitize communities to better respond against cholera epidemics. However, current capacities are not necessarily commensurate with present urgent needs.

Therefore the planned response aims to increase the knowledge of communities on cholera and modes of transmission and limiting the spread through improved water and sanitation. In the process, the intervention will improve the skills of volunteers in such sensitization activities. Beneficiaries reached through sensitization and community action will total 699,100 persons, comprising 535,000 beneficiaries in Mopti region and 164,100 in Tombouctou region.

Additionally, targeted support will be provided to the health system in managing the current caseload of approximately 600 cholera patients.

This operation is expected to be implemented over 3 months, and will therefore be completed by November, 2011. A Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by February, 2012).