Tales From Madagascar

This week I was meeting with my lawyer to discuss an agreement. When I arrive there is a very young girl and presumably her mother just leaving. The young girl had been raped and was pregnant. I was aware that child abuse and domestic violence were significant issues in Madagascar and so this post considers the issue of child sexual abuse including rape. The issue in Madagascar is a grave concern, reflecting significant systemic failures in protecting vulnerable children. Despite legal frameworks and international commitments, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), there are considerable gaps in enforcement and social support, which exacerbate the vulnerability of children. Key Facts and Statistics: 1. Incidence of Sexual Violence: - A considerable number of girls in Madagascar experience sexual violence. The 2018 National Study on Violence Against Children reported that approximately 10% of girls aged 15-19 had experienced sexual violence [1]. - It is estimated that ...

In this post I am considering Abortion in Madagascar and then assessing when was England in a similar position. I find it quite instructive to make these comparatives. It is easy to forget that England and many so called developed countries were in a similar position during their history on a number of the challenges facing Madagascar. Abortion in Madagascar is completely illegal under all circumstances, making it one of the few countries globally with a total abortion ban. The Malagasy penal code punishes women who have abortions with imprisonment from 6 months to 2 years or fines, and harsher penalties—including up to 5 years in prison and substantial fines—apply to those assisting abortions. This strict legislation has remained since the French colonial era and is heavily influenced by the dominant Christian churches, especially the Catholic Church, which strongly oppose abortion and influence political decisions. Key issues surrounding abortion in Madagascar include: - Legal and Po...

The closure of USAID has had a significant negative impact on Madagascar, particularly in areas including food security, health care, agricultural development, and environmental conservation. As a reminder , USAID, the United States Agency for International Development, is a U.S. government agency responsible for administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961, its mission includes promoting economic development, improving education and health, and providing humanitarian assistance in various countries. USAID's spending relative to U.S. GDP has historically been a small fraction. Typically, U.S. foreign aid, including all forms of assistance from various agencies like USAID, constitutes about 0.1% to 0.3% of GDP. The Trump administration's approach to foreign aid and programs, including those of USAID, led to the closure or reduction of numerous initiatives. The Key impacts on Madagascar include: - Disruption of ongoing development and humanit...

I was having dinner and a child’s tooth fell out and this led to a conversation about the difference in cultures between the West and Madagascar. 😊 In the West, the Tooth Fairy is a mythical figure who leaves money or gifts in exchange for children’s lost teeth. The origins of this tradition can be traced back to various cultures and practices. 1. European Roots: In some European cultures, particularly in the Middle Ages, it was common for parents to bury their children's lost teeth to prevent misfortune. In some regions, children would throw their lost teeth into the fire, believing this would bring good luck 2. The "Tooth Mouse": In cultures like France and Spain, the concept of a "Tooth Mouse" (like "La Petite Souris") that takes teeth and leaves money is prevalent. This mouse is similar to the Tooth Fairy but plays a prominent role in these cultures. 3. American Tradition: The modern Tooth Fairy tradition began in the United States in the late 19t...

Madagascar is experiencing a significant increase in HIV cases, contrasting with the declining trends in many neighbouring countries. The number of people living with HIV in Madagascar has risen dramatically, with UNAIDS estimating around 76,000 cases in 2023. Despite official data indicating a low general population prevalence of less than 1%, there is evidence of a concentrated epidemic among vulnerable groups, such as sex workers and those involved in high-risk occupations. This situation is exacerbated by gaps in HIV prevention and inequality, which UNAIDS emphasises need urgent attention. Some projections estimate that 24% of the population will be HIV positive by 2030 or nearly 9 million people. Current Situation and Challenges - HIV Prevalence and Incidence: Madagascar's HIV prevalence is officially reported as less than 1% in the general population, but specific groups like sex workers and men who have sex with men show much higher rates. Notably, studies have shown a highe...