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MadagascarNatural Disaster and Nutritional Emergency
Work in Madagascar over the last year was dominated by response to a nutrition emergency that hit the eastern region of Mahanoro. In the capital Antananarivo and in Antsirabe, MSF continued its work with children living in the streets or placed in institutions such as reeducation centers or prisons. After the CyclonesTwo cyclones and a tropical storm hit Madagascar between February and April 2000. For five months, MSF teams, together with the Malagasy National Security Office, provided shelter, safe water, and medicine to several thousand families in the Antahala, Maroantsera, and Mahanoro regions. Several months after the storms, the food situation in this part of the country began to deteriorate because of a failed harvest. In response, in fall 2000 MSF opened four therapeutic feeding centers, which ultimately treated a total of 3,400 children. MSF also distributed rations to more than 4,000 families during the difficult period from November to February. This program closed down at the end of May 2001. Children In the Streets, In Institutions, In DetentionMSF continues to provide medical and support services to almost 4,500 street children in Antananarivo and 1,500 children in Antsirabe. Volunteer Malagasy physicians, pharmacists, and dentists provide nearly 10,000 consultations a year. Street teams reach out to children during night rounds; they also seek them out during the day, offering care and encouraging mothers with young children to come in for consultations. A legal team helps resolve questions related to civil status and bears witness to abuse and acts of violence. Around 600 minors placed in institutions, as well as women prisoners, also receive medical and social support services from MSF. MSF hopes to begin work at the Antananarivo City Children's Center, with a view to improving maternal and infant care and protection. MSF has been present in Madagascar since 1993. |
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