Coronavirus/COVID-19: Currently we are continuing our programmes in Madagascar, but we need your support. Coronavirus Appeal
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. As of May 2020, we are continuing to carry out our programmes in Madagascar, but we are constantly monitoring the situation and following official advice.
Read the full Statement from our Managing Director
Read the latest briefing on our COVID-19 response (May 29th).
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.
- 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:
- Producing short animated videos in Malagasy language, reinforcing prevention messages to be aired on social media and TV channels
- Translating and disseminating World Health Organisation (WHO) advice and materials in Malagasy language
- Broadcasting radio segments on symptoms and preventative measures on local radio stations, with the Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Communication
- Distributing official Ministry of Public Health posters and materials in Malagasy language
- Producing and distributing face masks to local organisations and individuals, including local doctors, nurses, community workers, local authority staff, and patients of local clinics in a move to further protect health and social care staff
- Establishing public handwashing stations in rural communities
- Educating staff in symptoms, protective measures and awareness raising, and providing face masks to staff and families
- Providing resources for staff to use in the home to educate family and children
- Working with other NGOs and partners to increase preparedness of other institutions
For the latest updates from our team in Madagascar and how we are responding, follow our Facebook page.
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.