Tropical Cyclones Ana, Batsirai, Dumako, and Emnati all made landfall along Madagascar within a four week span beginning January 22, bringing flooding, displacement, death and massive damages to the nation’s population of 27 million people. At least 178 people have died. The largely rural population faced significant healthcare access issues even before the storms – an estimated 60 percent of the population lives at distances greater than 5 kilometers from a health center which are regularly stocked out and staffed unevenly. Diarrheal diseases and lower respiratory infections represent the top causes of death across the nation.

Following the large number of cyclones and tropical storms, Americares engaged a response expert to conduct an assessment of health needs across the most heavily affected areas and is preparing assistance. We have identified a partner that is in need of support and we are working to fund a grant that will aid their distribution of hygiene kits. We are also working to fund their need for additional staff operating their mobile medical clinics throughout the island.