ABSTRACT
In 1979, a survey of the health problems of the population of the Gourma was carried out at the request of the Malian Ministry of Planning. The project was meant to describe the health status of the people in this area and to recommend appropriate forms of health care for the semi-arid Sixth (Tombouctou) and Seventh (Gao) Regions of Mali. Three major population groups were encountered in the Gourma:
settled Sonrai agriculturalists who, because of increasing aridity, have re-grouped beside the river and the perennial marshes particularly at Gossi.
Kel Tamasheq nomadic pastoralists (‘free’ Tamasheq and Bella ex-slaves) ** who survive on untreated milk, butter and meat. They were severely affected by the 1973 drought.
Fulani cattle herders who migrate with their herds along established transhumance routes. Their diet consists of millet, and milk from their herds; they rarely eat meat.
