UN Deputy Humanitarian Chief Ursula Mueller visited Madagascar to witness firsthand the prolonged impact of recurrent disease epidemics, including plague and measles, vulnerability to natural disasters, chronic food insecurity and high levels of stunting in the south of the country.
Madagascar is the world’s fourth largest island and faces the highest risk from cyclones in Africa. It is frequently ranked as one of the top ten most climate-vulnerable nations. About 9 out of 10 people in Madagascar live on less than $2 per day while two-thirds of the Malagasy people live in areas at high risk of natural disasters.
Madagascar’s maternal mortality rate is amongst the highest in the world. More than 50 percent of children under age 5 are chronically malnourished. Vaccination rates against communicable diseases are low (58 percent for measles). Access to clean water is the fourth lowest in Africa.
“I have seen the unacceptable reality of climate change, with the poorest and most vulnerable people bearing the brunt of a phenomenon that they had no hand in creating”, Ms. Mueller said. “Extreme weather events in Madagascar are becoming more frequent and intense. And the devastating impact of these disasters has negated nascent development gains and aggravated the already extremely high levels of vulnerability and poverty in the country. With every new shock, people’s resilience is eroded, and needs escalate”.
“Too often, Madagascar has suffered in silence while the world has focused elsewhere”, said Ms. Mueller.
“I am here to ensure that the country’s plight receives the attention that it deserves on the global scale. The Government, together with international partners, has made progress on addressing the root causes of recurrent humanitarian needs. A comprehensive development strategy has been developed for the Grand Sud. But without global action to tackle climate change, Madagascar will face more severe floods, cyclones and drought. It is therefore imperative that we – as a global community – act.”
At the end of last year, the humanitarian community launched a Flash Appeal requesting US$32.4 million to assist 460,000 people in dire need of food, water, health and basic services. Funding is critically needed not just to respond to residual humanitarian needs, but also to undertake innovative and comprehensive development action, especially in the Grand Sud.
Original source: UNOCHA
Published on 03 June 2019
