Challenges in implementing and adopting COVID-19 isolation and quarantine measures among IDPs in Mali

Isolation and quarantine are among the key measures that protect internally displaced people (IDPs) against COVID-19. This study aims to identify the challenges encountered by humanitarian actors, and health, political, and administrative stakeholders in implementing these measures. It also describes the difficulties faced by IDPs when adopting them, and the local initiatives developed to overcome those difficulties.

A qualitative survey consisting of individual interviews and focus groups was conducted between November and December 2020 among IDPs, humanitarian actors, and health, political, and administrative stakeholders in the Bamako and Ségou Regions of Mali.

The study findings included:

1. The lack of facilities for quarantine and isolation in the sites for internally displaced people (IDPs) was found to be a barrier to the adoption of isolation and quarantine measures by IDPs.
2. Changes in social behavior and practices to adopt isolation and quarantine were found to be difficult for IDPs.
3. Financial vulnerability and fear of stigma were identified as barriers to the adoption of isolation and quarantine measures by IDPs.
4. Endogen solutions to adopt isolation and quarantine measures include strengthening IDPs’ awareness on COVID-19 by IDPs.

The findings are intended to be used as evidence to guide policy, adjust current strategies and take IDPs into account as a group with increased vulnerability in the COVID-19 response, and more precisely during the implementation of isolation and quarantine measures.