Malaria outbreaks, food insecurity, and limited access to care
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As the former Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) Head of Mission in Madagascar, I’ve seen firsthand how the impact of climate change has increased the need for humanitarian care. Right now, the southeastern districts in Madagascar are grappling with food insecurity, malaria outbreaks, and limited access to health care—all of which have been worsened by extreme weather events.
"Life here got really bad [following the recent cyclones]," said Joella, 19, who received prenatal care at an MSF clinic in Ambodirian’i. "So many things were destroyed, there were many diseases as well. The hospital building was destroyed."
When the latest cyclone—Cyclone Freddy—tore through the eastern coast of Madagascar on March 12, it devastated roadways, impacted vital crops, and worsened health problems for already vulnerable communities. Cyclone Freddy has been just one out of a string of cyclones and climate shocks that have hit Madagascar in the past year. Heavy rains and flooding in Madagascar are predicted to increase, with climate scientists warning of a likely rise in category four and five tropical cyclones.
Malaria typically spreads during the rainy season, and heavier rains have made the disease a major health problem in Madagascar. Additionally, children who are malnourished have weakened immune systems and are more susceptible to contracting diseases. In some areas of the southeastern districts, 90 percent of the children MSF treats for acute malnutrition also test positive for malaria.
"Malaria is not the same today as it used to be," said Masy, an elderly woman in the waiting area of the MSF-supported clinic in Sahavato. "Now, malaria is very severe. It used to only happen to kids, but now it is happening to everyone."
This email was sent from the U.S. section of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), an international independent medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, epidemics, natural and man-made disasters, and exclusion from health care.
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