Improving Maternal and Child Health in Madagascar

Every day, ten women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, and over 100 children under five years old die from preventable childhood diseases such as acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea, and malnutrition. These statistics are propelled by incredibly high national poverty levels and low access to healthcare centres, leaving Malagasy communities typically uneducated on maternal and child health. This issue is particularly apparent in the Anosy region, which has especially low levels of maternal and child health education. Understaffed and poorly equipped local health services worsen this lack of knowledge. The project addresses these challenges by enhancing maternal and child health education, improving healthcare attitudes, and building the capacity of local healthcare providers.

Over the past 24 months, Votsira project has delivered three rounds of maternal and child health education to 3,200 participants across 11 communities in Fort Dauphin. Topics included antenatal care, breastfeeding, vaccinations, and disease prevention. Additionally, 171 sessions were held outside health centres, and 10,771 household visits provided personalised support. As a result, 87.3% of participants correctly identified symptoms and treatments for childhood illnesses, and 97.2% improved their breastfeeding practices, surpassing project targets.

SEED worked with the local Ministry of Health to train 22 community health workers and 22 health centre staff, improving their skills in delivering maternal and child health services and emergency obstetric care. Recently, SEED engaged with key health stakeholders, including Doctors for Madagascar, to share insights and foster collaboration. These efforts have laid a strong foundation for future partnerships, with stakeholders showing a willingness to coordinate with SEED in upcoming initiatives.

As the project evolves and grows, we appreciate the overwhelming support SEED has received and are grateful for each and every one of you. SEED is now seeking funding for the next phase of Votsira and would love for you to continue to be a part of it.