Humanitarian help in Madagascar: the United States remain number one

The American help goes to Madagascar’s population; the humanitarian support will always be maintained, promised ambassador Niels Marquardt, whatever is the evolution of the political situation. “It is important that people understand that the United States of America are remaining in Madagascar, particularly the USAID”, he said. No departure in view therefore, even though the transitional regime fails to get international recognition. The American ambassador, however, put forth his wish for witnessing the implementation of whatever has been signed in Maputo. 

Number one 

The humanitarian sector will be out of reach of possible international sanctions against the de facto transitional regime. “The United States of America remain Madagascar’ first partner in humanitarian action, namely healthcare, fight against malnutrition as well as the protection of mothers, children and vulnerable people”, recalled Niels Marquardt. According to the ambassador, his country is definitely intending to remain number one in the humanitarian help field. “We are going to double the extent of these programs in Madagascar, and we are proud of it”, he has declared. 

Salohi 

The launching of the Salohi program, a program for food security in the south and south-eastern parts of Madagascar, is a strong signal as for the rank targeted by the United States in social partnership in favour of the Malagasy population. The subsequent donor money supply is quite significant, up to 85 millions dollars over 5 years. Around 10,000 families scattered in seven regions and 120 communes are going to benefit from the projects. Salohi is going to take care of the nutrition of both mother and child. The targeted population will be helped to improve basic food production. Its capacity to face up to various disasters will also be enhanced. 

Goals in figures 

Malnutrition is a national scourge in Madagascar. It hits nearly 65% of the population. The Salohi program is reckoning upon a 8% yearly malnutrition rate reduction in the country. While watching over the mother’s health, the malformation rate for children younger than 5 years should be dropping by 20%. Apart from food security and healthcare for mother and child, Salohi is linked to collateral programs which have turned into values and leading principles to be respected by all others projects. These are namely good governance, as well as gender equality and the protection of the environment. 

The American humanitarian help never stopped growing during the latest ten years. Amounted to 22 millions dollars in 1999, it is now 60 millions dollars in 2009, after the 100 millions record peek in the year 2008. The program of struggle against the malaria, financed by a fund especially created to this end by president George W. Bush, is giving rise to ambassador Marquardt’s pride. He is greeting his country’s commitment to eradicate this scourge in Madagascar. Niels Marquadt is insisting on the United States of America’s will to be present by the malagasy population’s sides. The Peace Corps’ young lads will soon be back in the Great Isle, once the political situation is appeased. The American diplomat confirmed that volunteers had flown back to their country for security reasons; the decision had nothing to do with politics.