Southern Madagascar is experiencing a prolonged drought. Due to the water shortage, residents are forced to chew cactus leaves to quench their thirst and are on the brink of famine. As a result of malnutrition, about half of the children under the age of 5 are undernourished, with many suffering from iron-deficiency anemia. Malnutrition subsequently contributes to the occurrence of many other health problems such as pneumonia, dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting (gastroenteritis), malaria, measles, and other infectious diseases.

Until the age of 2, children are mostly breastfed. However, because there are many orphans and the mothers themselves are malnourished, breastfeeding is not sufficient. There are cases where grandmothers are forced to breastfeed their grandchildren. Most orphaned infants are fed cow’s milk with a spoon, and some are given only sugar water.

Therefore, ensuring the availability of infant formula is truly invaluable.

For years, the NGO IHA has organized a program at the “Annunciation” Health Center in Tulear, Madagascar, to provide free infant formula to orphans, malnourished children, and other children in need. Approximately 400 children are registered and receive powdered milk. The monthly cost of the milk is more than 2,000 Euros.