Internally displaced persons in Mali facing the COVID 19 pandemic: A qualitative study

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated an already existing security crisis leading to massive population displacements that have been taking place since 2012.

This study aims to explore the representations of internally displaced persons (IDPs) about the existence of COVID-19 and their knowledge about its signs, symptoms, modes of transmission and prevention measures.

The study was qualitative and exploratory. Individual and group interviews were used to collect data from 52 IDPs in six sites in Bamako and Segou. All interviews were recorded and transcribed. Thematic content analysis and N-Vivo software were used.

The majority of IDPs believed in the existence of COVID-19 and had good knowledge of the signs, symptoms, modes of transmission and prevention measures against the disease. However, this was not sufficient for the adoption of public health measures. Among those who believed in its existence, some thought that it was a disease of the white and rich. Finally, a group of participants believed in conspiracy theories and claimed that the government and humanitarian organizations were only trying to make money through these campaigns.

To our knowledge, this is the first study in Mali to explore IDPs’ beliefs and knowledge about COVID-19. These results could inform policies, strategies, and interventions to combat COVID-19 in IDP sites and in the general population.