Malaria has emerged as a primary focus in health investigations conducted in Ampasinambo and Fasitsara, two rural communes in the Ifanadiana district of the Vatovavy region. According to Dr. Christophe Tsitohery, the Regional Director of Public Health (DRSP) for Vatovavy, approximately 70% of patients tested via rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for malaria have returned positive results. However, the exact causes of the roughly twenty deaths recorded in these two communes have not yet been formally established.
Rapid response health teams have been deployed since Tuesday to Ampasinambo, where four deaths were recently reported, to continue investigations and implement initial response measures. While malaria RDTs are currently the primary screening tool available, other diseases may be linked to the symptoms observed, including fever, skin rashes, and acute respiratory infections.
Samples are being collected to investigate other potential infectious causes. Simultaneously, health teams are providing patient care and implementing preventive measures, such as vaccination and vitamin A supplementation.
In Fasitsara, located about 30 kilometers from Ampasinambo, a similar health situation was reported, with 18 community deaths confirmed by local health authorities. An initial response mission was conducted in early September. During a second mission on September 14, no new deaths were recorded, and an improvement in the health situation was noted, according to the regional director.
Access to these two communes remains a challenge for health teams. Ampasinambo is approximately 145 kilometers from Ifanadiana and is only accessible by motorcycle or on foot, with fokontany scattered along the Atsimo-Atsinanana forest corridor. The commune has a Basic Health Center (CSB) managed by a midwife with the support of community health workers, as investigations continue to determine the exact causes of the health crisis.
Captured & Published at: 2026-09-17 16:38:35 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.2424.mg/sante-publics-70-des-tdr-confirmes-positifs-au-paludisme-dans-deux-communes-difanadiana-ou-une-situation-sanitaire-preoccupante-est-signalee/