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UNITED NATIONS
Office of the Resident Coordinator
Madagascar
 
Humanitarian Situation in Madagascar 
 
13 February 2009 
 

  CONTEXT 

Demonstrations following a political dispute between the government and a movement led by the
Antananarivo Mayor started in December 2008. Tensions increased and resulted in violent protests on 26-27
January, countrywide, and again on 7 February 2009, this time limited to the capital, Antananarivo, and to a
minimal extent in other locations. Economic interests have been targeted, and Ministry of Health (MoH) figures
indicate that 82 fatalities and 321 injured were registered in hospitals in main towns after the January
incidents, mostly resulting from fires and stampedes. MoH also indicates that the 7 February demonstration in
the capital resulted in 28 deaths and 237 wounded, predominantly caused by firearms. Information about
patients that may have been treated outside main hospitals is not included in the MoH statistics.

The UN Secretary General expressed his concern on the situation. International partners, including the UN SG
Special Envoy, the AU, France and others are encouraging the parties to discuss and find a peaceful
resolution to the crisis. Both parties have accepted the UNSG as facilitator to the dialogue. The situation is
unpredictable as the parties continue to stand on their positions and other demonstrations are taking place on
an almost daily basis.

In this period, basic services have been temporarily disrupted – including schools, garbage collection, etc. –
although hospitals remained open and functional throughout the crisis. As of today, all local radio stations are
functioning again in the capital. National TV and radio coverage has resumed, countrywide, although some
regions still experiencing technical difficulties. All international and domestic airports, as well as ports, are
operational. Schools are open and markets functioning. Traffic is normal, except in areas close to locations
where demonstrations take place. Police, gendarmerie and the army continue patrolling and presence during
the protests. A countrywide curfew has been imposed. The UN House, where a majority of the UN agencies
are based, is open and functioning.

The impact of the current social unrest is yet to be evaluated in full, although it is understood that because of
the already fragile economic and social situation the most vulnerable are likely to be the ones paying the
highest price. It is also acknowledged that the economic impact of the crisis could result in further rise in
unemployment, living costs and shortage of basic food supplies.

Contrary to forecasts, cyclone Gael did not land but brought in strong winds and rain on 7 February on the
East coast of Madagascar. Minimal damages have been reported, and assessments are ongoing.
Coordination by national authorities for the response to damages created by cyclones Gael and Fanele has
been slowed down during the crisis. Decentralized interventions targeting affected population has however
continued.

UN AND PARTNERS RESPONSE 
UN and partners continue to closely monitor the situation and respond to needs. Scenarios are being reviewed
and strategies to respond to the new challenges, including humanitarian response and recovery interventions
are being discussed. In view of the operational and logistical challenges, UN agencies are reviewing their
operational capacity.

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HEALTH - The 7 February incidents generated a sudden increase in the number of patients in Antananarivo
hospitals. The Malagasy Red Cross (CRM) society, with the support of ICRC, contributed substantially to the
initial response through deployment of staff and mobilization of volunteers for the triage, stabilization and
transport of casualties to hospitals, as well as provision of drugs and medical supplies. MDM medical staff
supported operations in hospitals and provided with drugs and consumables. In the capital most of the
wounded (90%) were treated at the University Hospital Centre (CHU) in Ampefiloha, followed by the University
Hospital Centre in Befelatanana. The Military Hospital mobilized its staff as well but, despite a waiver to
payment of services for civilians, few patients were treated there. Concerns of overcrowding of Ampefiloha
CHU and delayed treatment of some patients have been expressed by some partners. The scarce utilization
of the military hospital could be due to the limited communication on the waiver for payments of services or
protection concerns. Currently access to hospitals for emergencies during the night is limited by the imposition
of the curfew.

A UNICEF/WHO rapid assessment at major public hospitals indicates the need for additional stocks for first
response should further unrests take place. At present, urgent needs include infusion liquid, in particular
sodium lactate, anti-tetanus serum and consumables for surgery, wound dressing, as well antibiotics and
analgesics. Blood transfusions are still being administered; and volunteers donated blood in response to a
MoH appeal to the public. WHO offered infusion liquid and UNICEF provided with emergency supplies and
drugs. ICRC, MDM and other partners are procuring and dispatching more medical supplies. UNFPA is
monitoring the situation and could provide with additional reproductive health supplies when needed.

NUTRITION AND FOOD SECURITY - According to the authorities, prices of rice and other basic commodities
increased immediately after the riots. Government distribution of subsidized food in Antananarivo has
contributed to stabilize the situation. However, should the crisis continue, the already low accessibility of basic
food items for most of the population is likely to be further reduced. This could have a serious impact on the
already precarious nutritional status of the population. Nutritional surveys carried out in late-2008 showed a
rate of over 50% chronic malnutrition for children under five years of age living in urban areas, with some parts
of Antananarivo above the country’s average. UNICEF is setting up a nutritional sentinel system and partners
continue to monitor the situation as well. WFP and partners are looking at key indicators to improving food
security monitoring in Antananarivo and other urban centres in view of strengthening social safety nets and
expanding food interventions to cater for reduce access to food in urban areas.

AGRICULTURE - The first season’s harvesting is almost over, and field preparation activities for the main
season are well advanced. Although at present the sector has not suffered the consequences of the social
unrest, should instability continue, movement of seasonal farm labourers as well as Government extension
workers could be affected.

WATER AND SANITATION – Public health concerns exist as the population in the capital begins to dispose
of garbage in other locations than designated areas. In response to the suspension of garbage collection in
the capital, UNICEF and WASH cluster partners approached Societé SAMVA to restart services. Health
education messages are being prepared and will be disseminated to the population.

EDUCATION - Public schools were closed the week of 26 January but have since reopened. Approximately
160,000 primary school children have missed one week and will have to “catch up”.

PROTECTION – Partners are assessing protection implications of the crisis. Child protection partners
elaborated key messages for dissemination in Antananarivo to sensitize the population about separation of
children and other child protection issues. An emergency number for case reporting is still operational.
UNICEF and partners are working together to address tracing and family reunification and to establish
psychosocial support to children in hospitals.

LOGISTICS AND COMMUNICATION – Delays in accessibility and delivery of assistance have been
recorded. Loading and transportation of WFP commodities from the main ports of entry (Tulear and Tamatave)
to partners and projects in the field has been delayed by the prevailing insecurity in towns and along some
road axes. A WFP Logistics and Security mission visited the south of Madagascar to review current
arrangements and to strengthen relations with local authorities and partners in the context of the current
situation and the lingering food security crisis in the south.

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EARLY RECOVERY - The Early Recovery network is now being mobilised through the UN Thematic Group
for Crisis Management with participation of cluster leads. Of concern are the difficulties in contacting focal
points from Ministries or Governmental Agencies. An Early Recovery Work Plan is being elaborated and will
include coordination, reconciliation and governance, revitalization of economic livelihoods and food security
restoration of basic services, and promotion of human rights and gender. The need to have a cluster dealing
with poverty and local economic recovery to address the various dimensions of the crisis is being discussed.
UNDP’s Early Recovery Advisor is in touch with UNDP headquarters to define the technical and financial
support needed to setting up early recovery coordination mechanisms, development of strategic framework,
and logistical aspects. UNDP Madagascar and FAO are discussing a Livelihood Assessment toolkit to ensure
a common methodology for all partners.

Contact Details
Dr. Xavier Leus Zoe Rasoaniaina
Resident Coordinator of the UN System National Information Officer UN Information Centre
Antananarivo, Madagascar Antanananarivo, Madagascar: +261 320746669

Mateusz Tuniewicz Rija Rakotoson


Information and Advocacy Officer UN OCHA/BCR Humanitarian Affairs Officer UN OCHA/BCR
Antananarivo, Madagascar: +261 32 0507 694 Antananarivo, Madagascar: +261 32 0507 693
 

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