FOCUS
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
MDGs ADDRESSED
MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria, and other diseases
MDG 8: Develop a global partnership for development
OVERVIEW
Madagascar, a large island nation off the coast of East Africa, has been experiencing slow but steady economic growth since adopting privatization and liberalization policies in the 1990’s. It remains a predominantly agricultural economy, with 80% of the population employed in farming, fishing or forestry. In 2002, political instability triggered a 12% drop in the gross domestic product. Today, approximately 60% of the population lives on less than USD $1 per day.
Malaria is the number one killer of children in Madagascar. Every day, more than 40 children die from the disease. Malaria is prevalent across most of the country.
Our PARTNER
Episcopal Relief and Development is working with the Church of the Province of the Indian Ocean, which has over 90,000 Anglican congregants in 500 parishes. Five dioceses are served by a total of 150 clergy.
Our CURRENT PROGRAMS
Episcopal Relief and Development is implementing an integrated primary health program focused on malaria prevention, along with preventive education and control of other common illnesses including diarrhea, acute respiratory tract infections, and HIV/AIDS.
Promoting Health and Fighting Disease
Episcopal Relief and Development is protecting the most vulnerable—pregnant women and young children—from contracting malaria, an easily preventable disease. Other areas of focus include preventing HIV/AIDS and common illnesses that cause needless deaths among children and adults.
- Long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, along with training in the proper use of nets, ensure that the most vulnerable are protected from the Anopheles mosquitoes that transmit malaria.
- Trained malaria “agents” and volunteers instruct community members in malaria prevention and treatment methods.
- HIV/AIDS awareness workshops train clergy and community leaders to teach prevention methods, provide counseling to those affected by AIDS including orphaned children, and encourage people to seek voluntary testing and treatment.
- Home based care provides support and counseling for people with HIV/AIDS and their families.
