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IFANADIANA - An unidentified epidemic has claimed thirty-six lives
Miangaly Ralitera - Published on September 20, 2026
The Ministry of Public Health has sent teams to Ifanadiana, where several isolated communes are affected by an epidemic that has already claimed thirty-six lives.
Residents of several isolated communes in Ifanadiana are facing an epidemic that has already claimed several victims.
"According to the report received on the ground, eighteen deaths were recorded in Fasintsara (Editor's note: deaths that occurred within the community in July and August in this commune of Ifanadiana), while eighteen others were recorded in Ampasinambo (Editor's note: deaths that occurred during this month of September in this other commune of Ifanadiana), including fourteen within the community and four in a health facility," the Ministry of Public Health indicated this weekend.
Malaria and measles are suspected of causing these deaths. Tests conducted on four children under the age of five in Ampasinambo, during a visit to the area by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Monira Magnana, reportedly came back positive for measles. Rapid diagnostic tests for malaria also reportedly came back positive. Professor Mamy Randria, an infectious disease specialist who traveled to the region by helicopter with the Minister of Public Health, observed fever, flu-like symptoms, skin rashes, red eyes, and diarrhea in several patients.
Distance
In Ampasinambo, the epidemic continues to rage. As of September 19, sixty-four suspected cases had been recorded. The Ministry has sent healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and emergency physicians, as well as medications to the area as part of the response. "The medications are being delivered via drones because the area is inaccessible," stated Dr. Andrianina Désiré Rakotoarimino, Director General of Preventive Medicine at the Ministry.
These villages are located 145 km from Ifanadiana. They are only accessible by motorcycle, as there are no paved roads for cars, and the journey takes two days. Once there, health centers remain far from some villages. In Ampasinambo, for example, some villages are 20 km from the nearest health center. "The muddy track crosses difficult mountainous terrain. That's why many residents forgo going to the health centers and prefer to consult the village healers," a source explains.
This distance would also complicate the vaccination of children.
"A low vaccination coverage rate maintains a permanent risk of epidemics," explains Professor Mamy Randria.
The geographical isolation of healthcare facilities affects many villages in Madagascar. "There are a huge number of isolated villages here," says one source. To get vaccinated or receive medical care, residents sometimes have to walk several kilometers. In many community health centers, paramedics provide care alone, with resources and medications that are sometimes insufficient. Access to specialist doctors often requires traveling to major urban centers. Improving access to healthcare in remote areas thus remains one of the challenges facing the health system.
Miangaly Ralitera
IFANADIANA - Une épidémie non identifiée fait trente-six décès
Le ministère de la Santé publique a envoyé des équipes à Ifanadiana, où plusieurs communes isolées sont touchées par une épidémie ayant déjà...
Ifanadiana: Measles and malaria at the heart of investigations after 36 deaths
Written by Adnews on September 21, 2026
Fever, diarrhea, red eyes, and respiratory symptoms: these symptoms observed in several patients in Ampasinambo and Fasitsara have raised concerns about two potential health risks: measles and malaria. Faced with a situation that has already claimed 36 lives, authorities are intensifying investigations and treatment efforts, but have not yet established a definitive diagnosis.
In Ampasinambo, in the Ifanadiana district, 31 patients are currently receiving treatment, the majority of whom are children under five. The death toll in the two communes stands at 36: 18 in Ampasinambo (four in the hospital and 14 in the community) and 18 community deaths in Fasitsara since June.
Approximately 70% of patients who underwent rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) tested positive for malaria, according to the Vatovavy Regional Directorate of Public Health (DRSP). Measles remains a suspected case due to ocular and respiratory symptoms. In the initial phases of the response, vaccinations and vitamin A distributions were initiated. To clarify any uncertainties, samples were sent to the Pasteur Institute of Madagascar (IPM).
The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Monira Managna, visited the area on Saturday. Medications have been delivered and a multidisciplinary medical team, including pediatricians, has been deployed to manage severe cases. Community vaccination campaigns are being prepared with the support of community health workers.
Despite these figures, Dr. Christophe Tsitohery, regional director of public health, indicates that the health emergency is under control. Drones deployed by UNFPA have already made eight flights since Friday to deliver essential supplies such as antimalarial drugs and vaccines against measles, polio, and tuberculosis.
