Since before the coming of the Coronavirus pandemic in Madagascar, Little Angels Foundation has been working to prevent and control the spread of COVID-19 infection, we have responded rapidly, modifying our existing programmes, starting new COVID response initiatives, and adapting to meet the changing needs of the country.

Our efforts have focussed on three fields:

1.Widespread dissemination of clear COVID-19 prevention messages across a range of mediums

2.Provision of essential equipment, such as masks and handwashing stations

3.Capacity building training sessions for health care workers and schools in rural communities.

Little Angels foundation will continue to work in partnership with local partners  to meet the emerging needs of communities as they face the threat of COVID-19.

 1800 community members reached through informal Coronavirus information sessions

533 community members receiving handwashing information and demonstrations

940 parents received information about COVID-19 prevention for new mothers and young children

1225 informational posters & flyers distributed throughout Ankaranana region

800 radio broadcasts across two radio stations

14,567 masks distributed

4 infrared thermometers purchased

125 handwashing stations established

100 boxes of soap distributed

18health centres receiving on-going COVID-19 prevention training sessions

122health workers trained in Coronavirus prevention

13 primary school head teachers trained in COVID-19 prevention

24 public place managers trained in disinfection of markets, schools, and other public spaces

Improved the sanitation facilities at the Dibangied local Clinic  by providing hygienic and sustainable latrines.

Summary

Status: Completed

Date: January 2022 – July 2022

Target population: Patients, visitors and staff members of the Dibangied Local Clinic

Project partners: The Area Chief

Why is it important?

Madagascar is considered one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, but it is also one of the most impoverished and least developed. With 90% of the population living below the international poverty line of $3 a day, the population is struggling with high rates of child and maternal mortality, chronic malnutrition and insufficient infrastructure  Considered a national emergency, Madagascar falls far below global sanitation standards; just 10-12% of the population have access to improved sanitation facilities  As such, open defecation is commonly practiced, which alongside traditionally poor hand hygiene, accelerates the risk of waterborne illnesses. This has secured diarrhoeal diseases as the primary cause of early and preventable mortality for the past decade. Clinical environments and healthcare facilities present even more challenges as the safe disposal of human waste and advanced handwashing practices can reduce the incidence of diarrhoeal diseases. But, the clinic in Dibangied  fails to meet the acceptable level of improved sanitation required to ensure patient safety and staff hygiene.

What we're doing

The Dibangied Clinic  is attempting to alter the chain of events that starts at preventable illness and leads to premature mortality. Once a renowned and distinguished regional medical facility, decades of underfunding have led to its decay, near-bankruptcy and the cessation of major services. While the new Medical Director has managed to restore many of the clinic’s previous activities, the 42-year-old latrine block does not meet even the basic needs of the patients, staff or visitors due to disrepair and waste overflow. Inevitably, open defecation within the hospital grounds is prevalent, leading to flies and vectors, and urine seeping into the surrounding soil. The Dibangied  Latrines Project will construct a new ventilated improved pit  latrine block for patients and visitors, flushing toilets with a septic tank for staff, and repair an existing septic tank within the hospital compound. Alongside water, sanitation and hygiene  training for staff, these provisions will decrease the incidence and impacts of diarrhoeal diseases and provide the community of Dibangied with a dignified and hygienic facility.