Mali

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The Republic of Mali is a landlocked nation in western Africa, bordered by Algeria to the north and Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso to the south. The population is about 16 million people. Although French is the official language, Bambara, Berber, and Arabic are widely spoken. The government is a republic with a president as chief of state and a prime minister as head of government.

One of the poorest nations, Mali struggles with political turmoil and armed conflict, drought, and land that is almost half Sahara desert.The area that is now Mali was part of a medieval Islamic centre for learning, art and trade. In 1904, after fierce resistance, the French colonised the area that became known as the French Sudan. In 1960, French Sudan gained independence and declared itself the Republic of Mali.

Since the 1990s, the Tuareg people in the north have struggled for land and rights. In 2012, with weapons from Libya, ethnic militias began a rebellion in the northern region of Mali. The Malian military was taken by surprise and expelled, and Islamic militants took control. In 2013, the French military intervened and regained control of the area. In mid-2013, a democratic election took place and the president was re-elected. At the time of writing, ethnic violence continues in the region, and the security situation is fragile.

Currency	XOF: West African CFA franc
Language	French
Capital	Bamako
Recent Alerts	2
Latest Alert	July 20, 2021 - Mali: Attack on Interim President in Bamako on 20 July

Diseases To Be Aware Of

The diseases listed below are those which occur most often in Mali. Other, less frequently encountered diseases might be displayed within the Travel Alerts section if they have occurred recently.

Hepatitis A There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Mali through contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Mali.
Typhoid Fever Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Mali, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Meningitis Meningitis outbreaks may occur in Mali. Travellers who visit during the dry season (December to June) or expect to have prolonged contact with the local population are especially at risk.
Yellow Fever This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving travellers 1 year of age and older. For children less than one year of age, Mali does not require the vaccination. However, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the vaccination for persons 9 months of age and older if going to areas south of the Sahara Desert.
Rabies Rabies occurs in the Mali. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, bikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.
Cholera Cholera outbreaks occur in Mali. The risk to travellers is low unless living or working in poor sanitary conditions, drinking untreated water or eating poorly cooked or raw seafood in this country.
Sleeping Sickness (Type 1) There is an increased risk for travellers spending a lot of time outdoors or visiting game parks. Travellers to urban areas not at risk.
Chikungunya Fever Outbreaks of chikungunya fever may occur.
Dengue Fever Outbreaks of dengue fever may occur.
Tuberculosis Tuberculosis occurs in Mali. Travellers to Mali are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.
Schistosomiasis This disease is present in Mali and is acquired through contact with fresh water, such as swimming, bathing, or rafting. Well-chlorinated swimming pools and contact with saltwater in oceans or seas will not put travellers at risk for schistosomiasis
Malaria All areas of Mali are at risk for malaria.
Zika Fever Zika fever may occur in this country.
African Tick Bite Fever This disease may occur in this country.

Vaccinations to Consider

The following is a list of recommended vaccinations for travelling to Mali.

Hepatitis A Vaccine There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis B Vaccine There is a significant risk of infection with hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.
Typhoid Fever Vaccine There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.
Yellow Fever Vaccine This country requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate for all arriving travellers 1 year of age and older. For children less than one year of age, Mali does not require the vaccination. However, the World Health Organization and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend the vaccination for persons 9 months of age and older if going to areas south of the Sahara Desert.
Meningitis Vaccine Because this country is located in the sub-Saharan meningitis belt, vaccination against meningitis is recommended if travelling during the dry season (December to June).
Rabies Vaccine Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.
Cholera Vaccine The U.K. NaTHNaC recommends the oral cholera vaccine for some travellers whose activities or medical history put them at increased risk, travelling to areas of active cholera transmission. These risk factors include: aid workers; those going to areas of cholera outbreaks who have limited access to potable water and medical care; travellers for whom the vaccination would be considered potentially beneficial, such as chronic medical conditions. The U.S. CDC recommends the cholera vaccine for travellers who are 18-64 years of age and who plan to travel to areas of active cholera transmission. CDC notes that most travellers do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission, and that safe food and water practices can prevent many cholera infections.

Medications to Consider

The following is a list of recommended medications for travelling to Mali.

Anti-malarial Drugs Recommended anti-malaria medications include atovaquone-proguanil, mefloquine or doxycycline. Resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxime-pyrimethamine has been reported.

Safety and Security in Mali

Emergency Numbers

Personal Safety

Due to the unstable, dangerous security situation and armed conflict, most countries advise citizens to avoid all travel to this country. There is a high risk of kidnapping, especially for Westerners. The areas in the north and border areas are particularly at risk for armed banditry. Your country’s embassy in Mali may be limited or lack the ability to provide support to citizens if needed.

Road travel can be dangerous. Night checkpoints operate from 21:00 (9 pm) until dawn. Road conditions can be bad, and drivers may not follow safe driving practices.

Extreme Violence

There is a high threat of terrorist attack in Mali, including kidnappings and bombings. If possible, avoid locations frequented by foreigners, such as crowded market or shopping areas, hotels, religious sites, and restaurants and bars. Avoid any location with poor security in place.

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Updated: July 20, 2021