Nearly 1.6 million children aged 6-59 months are suffering or expected to suffer elevated levels of acute malnutrition between June 2024 and May 2025 – a figure that represents an increase of 11 pecent compared to the last IPC AMN analysis of 2023. This total includes 424,532 cases of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), which is significantly higher than those of 2023. About 85,170 pregnant or breastfeeding women (PBW) are also suffering or expected to suffer elevated levels of acute malnutrition in the same period. 

In the current analysis period (June to October 2024), the Gao IDP site is classified in IPC AMN Phase 5 (Extremely Critical) with 30 percent of the Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) cases. In addition, 11 analysis units are classified in IPC AMN Phase 4 (Critical), including all of the districts in the Gao region (Gao, Ansongo, Bourem); two districts in Timbuktu (Goundam, Gourma-Rharous); the Koro district in the Mopti region, the Ménaka district; the Kidal district and three IDP sites (Bourem IDP site, Ménaka IDP site and Mopti IDP site). 

Over the projected period (November 2024 to May 2025), the nutritional situation in the Gao IDP site, classified in Phase 5 in the current period, will likely see an improvement due to a multisector response and move to Phase 4. 

Immediate/short-term response priorities: 

• Strengthen screening, referral and management of acute malnutrition in children in all IDP sites and regions classified in IPC AMN Phase 3 or above (Serious or worse).
• Strengthen the prevention of acute malnutrition through blanket-feeding activities in IDP sites and regions classified in IPC AMN Phase 3 or above (Serious or worse).
• Promote best practices in ANJE (early initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, dietary diversification and promotion of the consumption of local foods rich in micronutrients) through through GSANs, FARNs, relays (all community platforms) in all regions.
• Provide emergency food assistance to IDPs and host populations in IDP sites and regions classified in IPC AMN Phase 3 or above (Serious or worse).

Medium/long-term response priorities

• Strengthen the implementation of simplified approaches at community level in order to improve coverage and ensure access to essential services for the population, especially in areas with limited access.
• Strengthen nutritional surveillance and early warning in circles in Phase 3 or above, by carrying out rapid SMART or exhaustive screening or sentinel sites in conjunction with the national SMART.
• Set up a mechanism to monitor risk factors identified by the IPC AMN analysis and follow up recommendations.