Tales From Madagascar

This blog looks at the challenges, the prevalent infectious diseases and the statistics  supporting the impact on public health of those diseases.   ​What are the main   Public Health Challenges:   Infectious Diseases: Madagascar is particularly vulnerable to infectious diseases such as malaria, which affects a significant portion of the population. The country also has a history of plague outbreaks, which are linked to environmental conditions and inadequate public health infrastructure.  Malnutrition: High rates of malnutrition, especially among children, are a major issue. This is often due to food insecurity, lack of education about nutrition, and limited access to healthcare and food resources.  Healthcare Infrastructure: The healthcare system is underfunded and often lacks necessary resources, trained personnel, and sufficient healthcare facilities. Access to healthcare services in rural areas is particularly limited, exacerbating health issues. Let us ...

In this blog I look at the failures of the education system, the policy changes required, some examples in other countries and finally a guess as to the cost of reforming the system.  ​ Madagascar's education system faces several challenges and failures that have hindered its ability to provide quality education and improve access, particularly in rural areas. Here are some identified failures: 1. High Dropout Rates - Limited Retention Strategies: Many students drop out due to economic pressures, inadequate facilities, and a lack of engaging curriculum. The system lacks effective retention strategies to keep students in school until they complete their education. 2. Quality of Education - Insufficient Teacher Training: Many teachers are inadequately trained, leading to a lack of effective teaching methods and poor learning outcomes. Continuous professional development opportunities are limited. - Outdated Curriculum: The curriculum is often not aligned with the needs of students or...

​ Over the coming weeks I am going to look in detail at the  pressing issues facing Madagascar.   1. Environmental Degradation:    - Issue: Madagascar is home to unique biodiversity, but deforestation, habitat loss, and climate change threaten its ecosystems. The country has one of the highest deforestation rates in the world, primarily due to logging, agriculture, and slash-and-burn practices.    - Policy Changes: Implement strict regulations on logging and land use, promote reforestation and sustainable agriculture practices, and enhance the management of protected areas. Incentives for preserving natural habitats, such as ecotourism, could also be beneficial. 2. Poverty and Economic Inequality:    - Issue: A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, with limited access to basic services such as education and health care. Economic activities are often informal and lack stability.    - Policy Changes: Develop s...

​ Madagascar faced a severe humanitarian emergency following two successive tropical cyclones in early February 2026 that have affected hundreds of thousands of people and caused extensive damage across the island. The Cyclones Cyclone Fytia struck Madagascar's west and northwest coast on January 31, 2026, with sustained winds exceeding 150 km/h and gusts reaching 250 km/h.The storm displaced tens of thousands of people and caused devastation across nine regions spanning 38 districts. Cyclone Gezani made landfall near Toamasina, Madagascar's second-largest city, on February 10, 2026, just ten days after Fytia.The storm underwent rapid intensification with sustained winds peaking at 200 kilometres (125 miles) per hour at Category 3 hurricane strength.As it passed near Toamasina, rain rates reached up to 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) per hour, causing widespread flooding. Human and Infrastructure Impact The combined impact of both cyclones has been catastrophic: - Deaths and injurie...

In an era defined by disinformation, covert influence, and strategic uncertainty, the  Robert Lansing Institute for Global Threats and Democracies Studies (RLI)  has become a leading independent voice in understanding the hidden architecture of global conflict    They published the following on 13 March 2026     ​ The dissolution of the Malagasy government in March 2026 represents another stage in Madagascar’s prolonged political crisis following the military-backed transition of 2025 . The country’s transitional leader,  Michael Randrianirina , dismissed Prime Minister  Herintsalama Rajaonarivelo  and the entire cabinet, effectively ending the government formed only months earlier.  The decision reflects deeper structural tensions inside Malagasy politics: social unrest, military influence, elite rivalry, and competition over the island’s strategic economic assets. Understanding the dissolution requires examining both internal dyna...