Child malnutrition continues to pose a significant public health challenge in conflict-affected settings, with prolonged armed conflict in Mali exacerbating food insecurity, disrupting health systems, and increasing vulnerability among children under five. This study assesses the effectiveness of emergency nutrition interventions for children in conflict-affected areas of Mali between 2024 and 2025, while also examining the main barriers that constrain their impact. A mixed-methods, cross-sectional design was employed, involving 143 respondents, including representatives from health facilities, non-governmental organizations, local authorities, and families affected by child malnutrition. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews and subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to capture both quantitative outcomes and qualitative contextual insights. Findings revealed that insecurity and restricted access were the primary obstacles to the effectiveness of nutrition interventions, reported by 80-100% of respondents. More than 70% of health workers lacked specialized training in managing malnutrition in conflict settings, while 65-80% of participants identified logistical and financial constraints as additional challenges. Emergency nutrition interventions contributed to measurable improvements in the nutritional status of 55-60% of children; however, 35-45% remained vulnerable due to insecurity, displacement, and interruptions in treatment. Notably, effective coordination among stakeholders, reported by 75% of participants, and the implementation of integrated multisectoral approaches were strongly associated with improved child outcomes. These results underscore the critical role of emergency nutrition interventions in improving child nutritional status in conflict contexts, while highlighting that such measures alone are insufficient to address the complex, multidimensional nature of malnutrition. Sustainable impact requires strengthening health system capacity, enhancing community engagement, improving coordination among actors, and adopting integrated, multisectoral strategies.
Moussa Issa Lende (Thu,) studied this question.