Challenges in implementing and adopting COVID-19 isolation and quarantine measures among IDPs in Mali
This study identified challenges internally displaced people faced in adopting physical distancing measures and mitigation steps taken
Abstract
For almost a decade Mali has been facing a security crisis that has led to the displacement of thousands of people within the country. This was compounded by the outbreak of COVID-19 in March 2020. The government implemented some physical distancing measures but their adoption proved difficult, particularly among internally displaced people (IDPs).
This exploratory qualitative research study identified the challenges IDPs faced in adopting physical distancing measures, and the mitigation measures taken in response to these policies. The main challenges include the proximity in which IDPs live, their beliefs and values, the lack of toilets and safe water on sites, IDPs habits and economic situation, humanitarian actors’ lack of financial resources and authority, and social pressure from religious leaders. Implemented mitigation measures include the building of new shelters or their compartmentalization, the creation of income-generating activities and food banks, psychosocial support, promoting awareness of IDPs, and nightly police patrols and surveillance to discourage IDPs from going out.
The study demonstrates the difficulty for IDPs to follow most of the physical distancing measures and its potential consequences. It also shows the inability of mitigation measures to control the outbreak and suggests actions to be considered for the actors involved in IDPs support and management.
This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme
Citation
Birama Apho Ly, Mohamed Ali AG Ahmed, Fatoumata Bintou Traore, Niélé Hawa Diarra, Mahamadou Dembele, Djeneba Diarra, Inna Fatoumata Kandé, Hamadoun Sangho, Seydou Doumbia, Challenges and difficulties in implementing and adopting isolation and quarantine measures among internally displaced people during the COVID-19 pandemic in Mali (161/250), Journal of Migration and Health, Volume 5, 2022