Covid-19 hits Madagascar

As Covid-19 hits Madagascar...
What is MfM doing to help?

MfM has moved quickly to adapt our work. We have paused activities that could spread of the Coronavirus and focussed on preventative activities that can strengthen our communities. 

MfM works with trusted Malagasy partners. In times like this, it is essential that we stick together, stay strong and help each other. From residential children’s centres to rainforest conservationists, each partner must face corona in their own way, doing their best to protect and support their staff teams and their beneficiaries. MfM is working to support our partners and raise the funds they need to face this challenge.

Here are some of the actions we are taking to respond to Covid-19 in Madagascar:

• Reinforcing public health messages in our communities
  
• Offering emergency grants to children's centres so they can still afford food and medicine despite hyperinflation.
  
• Distributing small grants to families, who cannot afford to feed their children.  This lifeline is essential until school canteens and feeding centres are allowed to reopen.
  
• Distributing small grants to families, who cannot afford to feed their children.  This lifeline is essential until school canteens and feeding centres are allowed to reopen.  
  
• Improving access to safe hand-washing facilities.
  
• Making and distributing washable facemasks. 
  
• Reducing the spike in environmental destruction and poverty that this crisis will trigger by creating new conservation jobs.
  
• As soon as possible… scaling up sustainable livelihoods training - to replace hunger and poverty with food security.

One size does not fit all…

In urban areas that are under lock-down we are working with partners like Ankizy Gasy to distribute small grants to prevent acute hunger.  In remote areas, like Melaky, there is still time to strengthen public information and health campaigns before the virus arrives.

What can be done in the rainforests?

The sudden halt to tourism is strangling livelihoods around national parks like Andasibe - Mantadia.  This is likely to trigger a spike in pressure on the forests, as redundant workers take desperate measures to feed their families.  Patrols need to be increased to protect existing forests.  Help and employment is needed for redundant workers to be able to feed their families, without needing to plunder the forests.  Scaling up conservation could be a win-win solution.  We are currently discussing with our partners how this might be done whilst adhering to government guidelines on social distancing.

When public meetings are allowed, intensified training in sustainable food-growing  will also be needed to reduce hunger, build food security and rebuild lives and livelihoods.

A single donation can help alleviate immediate hunger and suffering. A regular donation will help to rebuild lives when the peak of the crisis has passed. A legacy in your Will could underwrite our long-term commitment to these Madagascar communities. We are sincerely grateful for any support you can give. Click here to donate. Thank you.

To find out more about our Covid-19 Appeal click here.