Mali: report 2005
June 2005: Attendance at the weekly distributions rises and our reserved space in the Townhall courtyard overflows. On Sophie's arrival, laden with cartons of milk, smiles breakout on the children's faces.
At the beginning of June there is a surprise visit from the Mayor. He explains that the action undertaken by Sophie should be undertaken by the Townhall but it does not have the necessary funds. Therefore everyone must appreciate the people who come to their aid. Sophie left Europe to come and take care of the orphans and everyone should respect and support her and pray for her. The women and children present all applaud and wave their arms.
Finding reasonably-priced milk in Gao becomes a constant preoccupation. Flooding complicates the situation. The dirt track linking Gao with Algeria is impassable. Sophie would like to build up a stock of milk for the difficult weeks to come.
Mid June and many shops are out of stock. The policy of repressive customs regulations curtails unauthorised trading, prices rise as do taxes. As with milk, the price of millet escalates leaving the poor, poorer still. Last year's problems with locusts are still contributing to the high prices of foodstuffs. Food supplies for Gao come from neighbouring countries and the cost of transport is included in the prices.
More bad news. In the bush, many animals are dying after eating plants containing pesticide contaminated locust faeces. The herds of goats and sheep are decimated. As a result, many Tuareg arrive in the town looking for help from their families.
The WFP provides supplies for school canteens and unblocks some aid for the affected herdsmen.
The OPAM of Gao, which holds food stocks, suffers from a diversion of 197 tonnes of millet. Everyone is horrified, the situation was already dire.
Working with the hospital paediatrician, Sophie spends two weeks watching over sick children.
Two tropical storms hit Gao. Happily for everyone the temperature drops by ten degrees. To the joy of the children, the heavy rains leave large pools of standing water. We remind the women of the dangers of letting the children play in the stagnant water which is full of microbes and bacteria.
Several children develop skin infections.
At the end of June we have 212 orphans registered.
OPAM:
Office of Malian Food Products
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The Mayor helps with milk distribution
Adizétou (3 ½ years) lost her mother on the birth of her younger brother, Souleymane
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