UNICEF: Distributing aid in cyclone-affected Madagascar

BESALAMPY, Madagascar, 4 November 2008 Local health authorities recently distributed mosquito nets and essential medicines free of charge to cyclone-affected families here. The distribution was part of UNICEFs partnership with the European Commissions Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) and the Malagasy Government.

Cyclone Fame tore through the area last January with intense winds and widespread flooding that destroyed homes, leaving thousands without shelter and vulnerable to disease.

In the rural village of Besalampy on the western shores of Madagascar, Aurline, 36, brought her seven children to the local health centre to receive insecticide-treated bed nets. She got one net for each of her children under five years of age, to ensure that each child is protected from malaria.

Our house was completely destroyed by the cyclone, and until now it hasnt been rebuilt, Aurline explained. I really believe that by receiving these mosquito nets today, we can keep the mosquitoes away from us when we sleep and improve our health.

To read the full story, visit: http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/madagascar_46255.html

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Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• UNICEF
• Madagascar
• ECHO
• Besalampy
• cyclone
• mosquito
• nets
• Malagasy