“I’m proud of my commitment, as it allows me to directly help the people of my village." – Maremasy, a health agent in Madagascar

Preparing for cyclones

In February of this year, our region [in south-west Madagascar] was hit by two cyclones [Honde and Garance] following two years of drought. Both came within days of each other.

Before the cyclones hit, I thought how could I protect the villagers? How could I help older people and children?

I stressed the importance of practices such as breastfeeding and handwashing. I also linked the community to health services, identifying cases of illness or malnutrition, and participating in vaccination, weighing and screening campaigns.

But the situation soon changed dramatically. As the first cyclone [Honde] approached, the wind began early in the morning, and the sky darkened.

The aftermath

We tried to protect our homes, but the force of the wind tore off the roofs. Ours didn’t hold, and the rain flooded everything.

I mobilized the community to take refuge in classrooms. People were anxious, children were soaked and trees had fallen around the school. We lacked food and space. 

Despite the fear, solidarity helped us endure. 

But the cyclones caused extensive damage. Our livestock [poultry, zebu] were wiped out. Cassava, Madagascar’s main crop, and maize were torn up by the wind. My own house, where I lived with my wife, six children and other children we care for, was destroyed. We lost everything, including our personal belongings and the remaining crops, which rotted due to stagnant water.

Helping others

I felt deep sadness, but I had to stay strong to support others. 

Once the storms passed, I helped assess the damage, referred the sick to health facilities, and helped clear the roads to allow aid to reach us. I also supported the distribution of food and essential supplies and raised awareness about safety measures.

Along with my family I built a makeshift shelter using branches, metal sheets, and torn plastic tarps. 

Like us, most families still live in precarious conditions, without enough resources to rebuild. Materials are scarce and expensive, and external aid remains limited.

Help from an aid organization

During the crises, I sent detailed reports to the authorities, which enabled a rapid response from humanitarian organizations such as Médecins du Monde, who intervened with free medical care. Their presence was vital: consultations, screenings, Plumpy’Nut distributions for malnourished children, monitoring of pregnant and breastfeeding women, and family planning – all at no cost.

I organized the people who needed help, prepared the consultation spaces and continued awareness efforts. I’m proud to have contributed to this chain of solidarity.

 When Médecins du Monde’s vehicles got stuck in the mud, the community came together to help them out. 

Médecins du Monde also provides psychosocial support and handles hospitalizations for critical cases. This has helped reduce stress, trauma and isolation. Hospital care for life-threatening cases has saved lives and provided quick access to essential treatment, reducing mortality and serious complications. Overall, these interventions have strengthened community resilience and improved quality of life.

Need long-term support

The constant support from the health centre and local authorities keeps us going. Their trust reinforces our commitment.

Today, the community is working hard to recover. But the road is long. Many people need help to restart farming and livestock activities.

What I hope for is lasting access to quality healthcare, a safe environment, and strengthened solidarity to build a better future.