A new development in the field of addictology in Madagascar. The graduation ceremony for the second cohort, named “Taratra,” was held last Friday at the thesis hall of the Mahajanga Faculty of Medicine, located at the Androva University Hospital (CHU).
Thirteen doctors from various regions of the Great Island have earned their University Diploma (DU) in addictology after one year of training. The program focused primarily on treatment, support, rehabilitation, empowerment, therapy, social reintegration, and abstinence.
“This training aims to strengthen the skills of state-certified doctors in managing addiction-related disorders, including the consumption of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, and other addictive behaviors, as well as in implementing prevention strategies,” explained the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Professor Solotiana Rivo Rakotomalala.
The official graduation ceremony was honored by the representative of the Boeny Regional Chief, the representative of the President of the Special Delegation of the Urban Commune of Mahajanga, the representative of the Boeny Regional Director of Public Health, and several other officials and authorities.
“In the past, this type of training was only available abroad. But today, the course is now available within the Faculty of Medicine. Addiction causes disturbances and health problems for the public and society,” stated the head of the addictology program, Professor Evah Raobella.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), addiction is defined as the repeated inability to control a behavior and its continuation despite harmful consequences to health or social life. It corresponds to a state of periodic or chronic dependence on substances or behaviors, marked by the persistence of the behavior despite the knowledge of its negative effects.
Vero Andrianarisoa
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-19 13:00:26 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/mahajanga-treize-medecins-obtiennent-un.html