“For the inhabitants of Ankamena, in the commune of Ranobe, the first functional health center is a half-day's walk away,” said Julie Reversé, MSF emergency coordinator in Madagascar. “For these weakened communities, lacking everything, the priority is to find something to drink and eat, neglecting health.” MSF chose to launch mobile clinics in this region based on isolation, poor access to care, and vulnerability of the communities.
On consultation days, hundreds of people come to the mobile clinic. People of all ages are screened, examined, and, depending on their health, admitted to the nutritional program set up by MSF. Patients suffering from acute malnutrition receive systematic treatment and Plumpy’Nut therapeutic food, an enriched peanut paste. “Because of the urgency of the situation, we have implemented a simplified protocol for the management of acute malnutrition. Each patient is monitored every two weeks,” said Reversé.