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Caritas Mali was recognized by the government of the Republic of Mali on January 11, 1986. When it was created, Caritas Mali was called Secours Catholique Malien (SECAMA) or the National Social Pastoral Commission (CNPS).

Diocesan delegations were established between 1959 and 1964. In 1973, the government officially recognized the Association du Secours Catholique Malien (SECAMA) following large-scale operations by the Church to help people affected by drought.

Caritas Mali’s main areas of intervention include: charity and humanitarian relief initiatives, food security through the promotion of grain storage warehouses, environmental protection, accompaniment of farmers’ organizations, rural extension, natural resource management, and health and sanitation awareness and facilitation.

For local economic development, Caritas Mali provides credit unions and supports income-generating activities and local initiatives. On the health care front, Caritas supports community health services, strengthens infrastructure and fights HIV/AIDS.

Caritas Mali also works for the promotion of women by encouraging training courses in crafts and vocational training, as well as projects that support women’s groups. Child protection is important to Caritas Mali, and centers for listening, training and supporting children, as well as business training workshops, have been set up.

There are six diocesan coordinating organizations: Bamako, Sikasso, Ségou, San, Kayes and Mopti. Each coordinating organization partners with the services of the 44 parishes to effectively implement programs on the ground.

In carrying out its mission, Caritas Mali has developed a dynamic partnership with several local operators: local populations and organizations; economic interest groups; businesses and associations; local authorities; governmental bodies (administration, technical services); United Nations organizations (WFP, FAO, UNICEF, etc.); national and international NGOs; and specialized support services and consultants.