Madagascar
Helen Keller Intl has been working with the government of Madagascar and communities to tackle the country’s high rate of vitamin A deficiency among children under 5. We train healthcare workers and educate families about its importance, so that every child can benefit from this simple, efficient intervention. Additionally, Helen Keller is supporting the government in testing and scaling up large-scale food fortification, particularly bouillon and edible oil, through standards development, advocacy, laboratory implementation, support for the private sector, and awareness campaigns.
1 in 8 children under the age of 5 suffer from vitamin A deficiency, negatively impacting their health and vision. When the country transitioned from door-to-door campaigns to a routine approach, vitamin A supplementation coverage dropped considerably, leaving out children in need.
21% of women of childbearing age suffer from B12 deficiency.
Only 12% of health facility staff are trained the distribute and educate families about the importance of vitamin A.
Together, we help communities create lasting change by:
Partnering with the Ministry of Public Health and UNICEF to coordinate vitamin A distribution to children across 4 regions.
Working with partners within the National Food Fortification Alliance to strengthen food fortification through standards setting, advocacy, testing, and support for businesses.
Training health and community workers to distribute vitamin A through door-to-door campaigns and routine health center visits.
Last year, we helped millions build lasting change
Provided biannual doses of vitamin A supplements to more than 1 million children aged 6-59 months.
Increased awareness of the benefits of fortified edible oil and bouillon among government, businesses, and consumers, and helped launch the first locally produced fortified bouillon.
Educated and trained more than 4,980 community health heros to support their communities.
Number of staff: 10
Office opened: 2023
People reached annually: 2M
Operating budget: $1.8M
Latest stories and headlines from Madagascar
Our work in Madagascar is supported by:
GiveWell, Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)