One of Madagascar’s biggest
current medical problems is nothing new, it has simply struck the wrong place
at the wrong time. The Plague killed millions in England between The 14th
to the 17th Centuries. Thankfully though, England and Europe got
this under control. Unfortunately, some centuries later in Madagascar, the battle
is still on. The only solution? Madagascar
needs our help to win.
Recently there have been
outbreaks of pneumonic and bubonic Plague in Madagascar but these are the facts
you need to know. The outbreak in Madagascar started in August and has killed
over 120, whilst it is thought to have infecting almost ten times as many – the
WHO believe over a thousand people may have been infected (1). This form of the
Plague seems to have come from animal bites and then passing from human to
human. Geographically, the outbreaks started in the east of the country, and
worryingly also in the capital – Antananarivo. (2)
Still, on a more positive
note, responses have been quick. At a
national level, many precautions are being taken, such as trying to prevent
infection by holding fewer large gatherings. Madagascar has also reacted
quickly to safeguard some of the more vulnerable – for instance closing schools
and universities. (2) As with any epidemic, the most important thing is to get
medication to those who need it quickly, and The World Health Organisation is
not failing it’s duties. Since the outbreak, WHO has delivered the required
medication for 5,000 infected people, whilst also distributing medication for
100,000 who may have been in contact with those infected (3). The Government
have also taken practical actions, creating helplines and preventing the spread
of ‘fake news’ which had spread on social media. Aside from these national
measures, at a local level, there are consistent efforts to trap infected
insects and also the mass spraying of insecticides. Another innovative response,
by The Red Cross, has been to work on removing the stigma attached to those who
are possibly infected, meaning they will be more willing to come forward and
seek medical help.
One thing is clear –
Madagascar needs help and it needs it quickly. Money For Madagascar works on the
front line and has a proud record in providing basic needs such as clean water,
better sanitation and also health education so that problems can be found and
dealt with more quickly.
If you feel that you could
play a part in making a direct difference in Madagascar’s time of need, please
consider making a donation at https://moneyformadagascar.org/ – anything you
give will go to those who need it most, Thank You.
Written by Matthew Ward.
