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MadagascarSupport to street children and juvenile detainees
Madagascar plunged into political and economic crisis after disputed presidential elections in December 2001, worsening already tough living conditions for many Malagasies. Against this background, MSF continued its work with children in difficulty. In the capital Antananarivo, MSF moved two medical and social support centers for street children into independent premises in Andravoa-hangy and Anosibé districts, and re-opened a third one in Isotry district. Each center has a multidisciplinary team composed of a doctor, nurse, social worker and youth leader. Two legal advisers also work with MSF to document the children's medical, social and legal histories, including records of any abuse against them, and to ensure their civil status is recognized. More than 2,500 street children now receive regular medical and social follow-up through the program. Some of them are referred on to a network of doctors providing free medical care under MSF supervision. MSF also works with children held in three juvenile detention centers and a prison. The main focus this year was on improving the sanitary conditions. A court ruling in late 2001 gave an encouraging signal that the law would uphold juvenile detainees' rights to safety and protection. The medical program for street children in Antisirabe was handed over to local actors in December 2001. Food aid reserves from a nutritional program in place since the 2000 cyclones was shared out to malnourished families when the program closed in mid-2001. MSF has been working in Madagascar since 1987. |
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