CBM responds to drought in southern Madagascar

Children in the Southern region of Madagascar. Photo Credit: SAF/FJKM

The southern regions of Madagascar have been affected by the most severe drought since 1981. In response, CBM, SAF / FJKM (Development Department of the Reformed Church FJKM) and PFPH / MAD (Plateforme des Fédérations des Personnes Handicapées de Madagascar) are joining forces to provide urgent help to affected families, including the households of people with disabilities.

The collaboration between the three organisations is part of a project called "Emergency Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in the Great South of Madagascar".

Despite the efforts of the Malagasy government, there is a considerable gap in emergency responses - national and international actors are needed to help in the efforts. Moreover, people need assistance, especially people at risk of food insecurity.

Sharing common values such as promoting inclusion, the fight against injustice, the search for excellence, and integrity, CBM, SAF-FJKM and PFPH/MAD have agreed to partner on this project.

The project aims to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Anosy region through cash transfers. One of the most critical parts of this project is advocating for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all humanitarian responses carried out by the government, local authorities, international and national organisations. This emergency response runs from the 01st of May 2021 to the 31st of December 2021 and could be a prelude to a long-term project carried out by the three organisations in the Southern regions.

The project's kick-off meeting was on Thursday, the 20th of May 2021, with CBM Switzerland, CBM Ireland, CBM Madagascar and SAF / FJKM.

Dr Lila Ratsifandrihamanana – CBM's Country Director in Madagascar, emphasised that "As humanitarian organisations, we strive first and foremost to serve human beings. One single life we are able to save makes already a huge difference, even though our contribution might be seen as a little drop in the ocean. "