Madagascar

https://reliefweb.int/report/madagascar/madagascar-analyse-ipc-de-linsecurite-alimentaire-aigue-et-de-la-malnutrition-aigue-octobre-2023-septembre-2024-publie-le-18-janvier-2024?_gl=1*1m4s59y*_ga*MTYxNTQxOTk4NS4xNjU3NjE2NTUx*_ga_E60ZNX2F68*MTcwNzIwMzgxMC4xMDcuMS4xNzA3MjAzOTM4LjQuMC4w

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jIqpYsd0-NVcc4x-kUGFUGIMMJlF2GV2/view?…

The SMART survey conducted in June 2025 (harvest season) across 12 districts revealed a concerning nutritional situation, with an average global acute malnutrition (GAM) prevalence of 8.1%. Certain districts present pockets of malnutrition, notably Amboasary and Tsihombe, which are in a nutritional emergency (SAM prevalence above 2%). Furthermore, the IPC acute malnutrition analysis conducted in July 2025 revealed a rapid and alarming deterioration of the nutritional situation in the Grand South. Already, Amboasary district was classified in Phase 3 (Serious) between May and September 2025. The severity is projected to intensify, with five districts in Phase 3 between October and January, and Amboasary escalating to Phase 4 (Critical) between February and April 2026 — marking the highest severity level observed.

Since 2022, a multisectoral humanitarian response has been deployed in the South-East of Madagascar following the passage of two tropical cyclones that severely affected livelihoods in the three affected regions. In 2023, the same area was again struck by a powerful cyclone and a tropical storm, while recovery efforts from the previous year were still insufficient.

The SMART survey conducted in July 2025 in 11 districts revealed a fragile nutritional situation, with an average GAM prevalence of 6.3% during the harvest season. Several districts also present pockets of malnutrition, including three in a nutritional emergency: Ikongo, Nosy Varika, and Manakara (SAM prevalence above 2%).

The IPC acute malnutrition analysis carried out in July 2025 also points to a concerning situation: Ikongo is classified as Serious (Phase 3) during the May–September 2025 harvest season, and the other nine districts are in Phase 2 (Alert). Between October 2025 and January 2026, the situation is expected to worsen further: Ikongo will shift to Phase 4 (Critical), while three districts will move to Phase 3 (Serious). During the malnutrition peak (February–April 2026), the situation will remain alarming: Ikongo will stay in the Critical phase, and nine districts will be in the Serious phase (Phase 3), leaving only one district in Alert phase.

The current nutritional situation requires an urgent multisectoral response. The most affected areas include the five districts of Androy Region; Amboasary and Taolagnaro (Anosy); Betioky and Ampanihy (Atsimo Andrefana); Ifanadiana, Mananjary, and Nosy Varika (Vatovavy); Manakara and Ikongo (Fitovinany). Ikongo district records a record-high GAM rate of 13.5%.

However, nutrition cluster partners are facing several major challenges that limit their capacity to respond. The needs for nutritional assistance in the Grand South and Grand South-East remain high compared to the previous year, yet the response for the upcoming lean season remains uncertain. The drastic reduction in humanitarian funding has led to the withdrawal or suspension of many life-saving services implemented by NGOs, undermining progress achieved and depriving the most vulnerable children of access to essential care.

In the Grand South-East, the majority of communes are difficult to access, making humanitarian interventions particularly complex and costly. Access constraints related to isolation, along with the additional logistical costs they entail, must be factored into operational planning.