Médecins Sans Frontières - Malaria and malnutrition in Ikongo

Unique Identifier Code / URN MSB192482

Date taken / Date Recorded 27/03/2024 12:00 AM

Country Madagascar

Detailed location Ikongo

Commissioning section MSF-SWITZERLAND

Photographer / videographer / producer Miora Rabearisoa

Copyright MSF

Usage Rights (MSF) External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Project section OCG

Editor's rating ★★★★ (E)

Maximum Size 7008px × 4672px 17.74 MB

Additional Information / Shotlist Malaria remains a significant health challenge in Madagascar, often cited as one of the primary reasons for medical consultations. One major obstacle to effective care is the geographical distance separating households from healthcare facilities and the distance between primary healthcare centers and referral hospitals. Furthermore, there is a prevalent tendency among people to initially seek out traditional medicine. In 2023, a significant increase in malaria cases was observed. 2.8 million cases were recorded, with 400 cases of death throughout Madagascar, compared with 1.7 million cases in 2022 and 2.3 million cases in 2021, according to a report by the Ministry of Public Health published in November 2023.

The Ikongo district, where MSF operates, is part of one of the region’s most severely affected by malaria, alongside experiencing a high prevalence of malnutrition among children. Both adults and children are affected by malaria in this district. At the Ikongo regional hospital and the primary health centers supported by MSF, our teams encountered a significant number of children under 5 struggling with both malnutrition and malaria. Between November 2022 and March 2024, MSF diagnosed and treated 2,205 children under the age of 5 suffering from both malnutrition and malaria in the Ikongo district. Mothers, who undertake the journey to our centers with their children, often endure long walks to reach the nearest health facility. Accessing healthcare becomes even more challenging during the peak season because of heavy rains and cyclones, further jeopardizing lives and impeding timely treatment for children. Such circumstances increase the risk of complications.

The causes of the malaria and nutritional crisis in Ikongo are indeed complex. One of the primary challenges faced by communities is the poor or inadequate road infrastructure, which hampers their ability to access essential services. Additionally, people encounter difficulties in obtaining an adequate quantity and quality of food, especially during the rainy season. Consequently, children who are already affected by malnutrition are at risk when contracting malaria.

We are sharing this package on World Malaria Day to bring attention to the challenges faced by communities in Ikongo when accessing essential healthcare services. Our goal is to emphasize the pressing need to improve access to healthcare facilities, ensuring that children receive the vital care and support they need, particularly during the malaria peak season.