Madagascar

Since first visiting Madagascar in 2006, our in-country programs have expanded considerably, offering training of medical staff and medical assistance to communities in the regions of Antananarivo, Toliara, Fianarantsoa and Ampanihy. The passion and dedication of our medical volunteers allows us to provide medical assistance and training across five specialties, as well as in infrastructure development.

Orthopaedics – in Toliara, Orthopaedic teams provide training and mentoring of local orthopaedic surgeons, and conduct consultations and surgical procedures.

Gastroenterology – six endoscopy units throughout the country have been successfully established by the ADFA Gastroenterology team. Their focus is on providing training to doctors, nurses and technicians, and re-stocking surgical equipment and supplies. The team also conducts consultations and more complex surgical procedures in support of local medical staff.

Urology – the team is well established in Madagascar, with medical volunteers focusing on training as well as undertaking consultations, and surgical procedures. The high number of children presenting with urology complaints lead to a Paediatric Urologist joining the team for the first time in 2018. Intensive training and supervision has been provided to several Malagasy surgeons in both paediatric and adult surgery and their skills are now at a very high level.

Obstetrics and Gynaecology – medical volunteers provide training and medical assistance at various hospitals in Toliara and Antananarivo. Supervision and formal training sessions are provided for midwives, junior doctors, sonographers, theatre nurses and specialists in the areas of emergency obstetrics, neonatal resuscitation, laparoscopy surgery, anaesthetics and infection control.

ENT – following a very successful scoping study in October 2018, an ENT program commenced in June 2019 providing training for medical professionals and consultations, operations, and audiology services in Toliara. A major highlight was the fitting of the very first hearing aid in the Toliara region.

Clubfoot Program
The screening and treatment of Clubfoot in children continues to be a major success story for Madagascar and ADFA. Clinics operate in Toliara, Fianarantsoa and Ampanihy, providing much-needed services to these regions. The provision of staff training (teaching, reviewing and assessing) by ADFA Clubfoot Manager Dr Kate Stannage, ensures the clinics are professionally run and stocked with adequate medical supplies and equipment. The clinics and the services they offer are now well-established and the presentation rate of babies with clubfoot is high.

Infrastructure Development
ADFA has renovated a number of orthopaedic wards at hospitals in Antananarivo. Delivery of sea containers of donated medical equipment completes the renovations to a high standard, and enables improved outcomes to patients.  ADFA supported the setting up of a Trauma Centre in Fianarantsoa. The Gastroenterology Strategic Plan for Madagascar envisages a National Endoscopy Training and Treatment Centre in Antananarivo, to which ADFA is keen to provide support. This centre will provide the opportunity for world class training of Malagasy specialists and medical professionals, and high level treatment for patients.

Advanced Development
In collaboration with the Malagasy Government, hospital representatives and other NGOs, ADFA has participated in strategic planning for the future of orthopaedics and gastroenterology in Madagascar. ADFA is proud of its strong relationship with the Ministry of Health and is grateful for the opportunity to be actively involved in improving healthcare provision in Madagascar.

The Australian Embassy Port Louis has provided support towards several projects through their Direct Aid Program. ADFA’s Madagascar Program has been generously supported for many years by Base Toliara, and in kind support is gratefully received from BlackEarth Minerals.