What is causing the humanitarian crisis in southern Madagascar?

The crisis is driven by climate shocks like droughts and floods, significant cuts to foreign aid, and chronic poverty in the region.

How many children are affected by malnutrition in Madagascar?

An estimated 558,000 children under five are projected to be acutely malnourished this year, a 56% increase.

Why has humanitarian aid to Madagascar decreased significantly?

Humanitarian aid has fallen by nearly 70% due to major funding reductions, particularly from the US, impacting relief efforts.

Home / Environment / Madagascar's South Faces Crisis: Aid Cuts Fuel Hunger, Malaria

Madagascar's South Faces Crisis: Aid Cuts Fuel Hunger, Malaria

4 Jan

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Summary

Climate shocks, foreign aid cuts, and poverty drive escalating humanitarian crisis.
558,000 children under five projected acutely malnourished, a 56% increase.
Humanitarian aid to Madagascar has fallen nearly 70% year-on-year.

Madagascar's South Faces Crisis: Aid Cuts Fuel Hunger, Malaria

Southern Madagascar is facing a severe humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by climate change impacts, drastic foreign aid cuts, and chronic poverty. Rija Rakotoson, head of UN humanitarian operations, warns of escalating malnutrition and malaria, compounded by a 70% decrease in aid this year, largely due to reduced US funding.

The Grand Sud region, already arid, has been hit by a series of climate-related disasters. A severe drought in late 2024, followed by intense flooding from cyclones Honde and Jude in March 2025, and locust infestations from February to May 2025, have devastated livelihoods and food security. These extreme weather events were unexpected for a region unaccustomed to such intense flooding.

The crisis impacts over half the population, with 14.3 million lacking clean water. Projections show 558,000 children under five suffering acute malnutrition, a 56% increase. A significant malaria outbreak since April 2025 further strains health systems. Local NGOs have closed, and major international organizations are scaling back operations, creating a massive gap in essential services.