Coronavirus / COVID-19
SEED Madagascar will always act responsibly to protect the community of Fort Dauphin, and the people throughout Madagascar that we work with and employ. We are continuing to carry out our programmes in Madagascar, but we are constantly monitoring the situation and following official advice.
Read about our COVID-19 Response work here
Read the Statement from our Managing Director (March 21st)
Coronavirus in Madagascar
On Friday 20th March the Government confirmed the first three cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Madagascar. Although relatively strong measures are in place, numbers of confirmed cases have continued to rise as more tests return positive results. Unfortunately, testing facilities are extremely limited, so there is a considerable delay before tests return a result, and the situation could be worse than it is possible to confirm officially.
- Check the latest available statistics on COVID-19 in Madagascar.
- For the latest on restrictions and preventative measures in Madagascar, consult the FCO website.
- For regular updates on the situation in Madagascar, follow the Ministry of Public Health (most posts are in Malagasy or French)
- We will be continuing to post accurate, verified information about Coronavirus on our Facebook and Twitter feeds throughout the crisis
What we're doing
Although we have very limited financial resources, we are committed to supporting people in Madagascar in any way we can, for as long as we can. Working in conjunction with local partners and ministries, we are focussing on three fields:
- Widespread dissemination of clear COVID-19 prevention messages across a range of mediums
- Provision of essential equipment, such as masks and handwashing stations
- Capacity building training sessions for health care workers, schools, and government workers in rural and urban communities
Changes to our programmes and projects
Since the crisis began in March, SEED has responded rapidly, modifying our existing programmes, starting new COVID response initiatives, and adapting to meet the changing needs of the country. Read more about the changes and what it has meant in Madagascar in this article: Adapting to the new world: Coronavirus in Madagascar
How can I protect myself?
Stay home
Reducing the number of people you come into contact with reduces the possibilities of contracting or spreading the virus.
Wash your hands!
Use soap, and wash thoroughly for at least 20 seconds. Make sure you wash your hands regularly!
Reduce contact
Avoid shaking hands and other greetings involving physical contact. Say hello or wave instead. Maintain a 2-metre distance from others.
Practice good hygiene
If you sneeze or cough, cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue, or with your bent elbow.
Learn more
In these unpredecented times it's more important than ever to spread accurate, verified information.
Use the resources below to learn proper handwashing techniques, social distancing,
and the truths and myths of Coronavirus. Then share them with your friends and family!
What is Coronavirus?
Learn what 2019-nCov is, and how it is spread from person to person.
Preventing the spread
7 simple steps you can take to reduce the spread of Coronavirus.