Emergency Food Distribution in Madagascar

Madagascar is facing a humanitarian crisis. The economic consequences of COVID-19 combined with the worst drought since 1981 have caused severe food insecurity in the south. SEED has responded to this crisis through the implementation of its Emergency Food Distribution Project, covering 41 villages with an estimated population of 700,000 people across southern Madagascar. The first round of the project was completed in July 2021, and supported 653 malnourished children and their families, achieving an overall recovery rate of 98.2%.

SEED distributed a total of 36,006kg of rice, 24,301 cups of beans and 3,588L of oil, alongside nutrition education sessions, to the families of all 653 malnourished children. Ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) was distributed to children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM), whilst children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) received RUTF from local health facilities.

Sibiby is one example of the project’s positive impact. At 14-months-old, she is the youngest of her eight siblings. Her mother, Mrs Avizy, looks after her and their family in the rural village of Andramanaka. Like many areas in the region, Andramanaka has strong agricultural potential, but due to the drought, a large part of the population has been left food insecure.

In June 2021, Sibiby was diagnosed with MAM, having a mid-to-upper arm circumference (MUAC) of just 120mm. With the support of community health agents trained by SEED, Mrs Avizy’s family received unprepared food, RUTF, and nutrition education. After two months of treatment, Sibiby’s MUAC increased to 128mcm, indicating a full recovery.

Despite the success of SEED’s project, food insecurity is still on the rise, and the number of people living at imminent risk of famine are expected to double over the next month. SEED aims to expand distribution to reach more children and families in need.

Thank you for supporting SEED’s Emergency Food Distribution Project.

Thank you! (Misaotra!)