MRCI at the Frontier of the Pandemic

Media focus on the pandemic has been actively covering first world countries but not as much has been said about African countries like Madagascar. It has been seemingly forgotten and left to face the problem on its own.

The south of the country has been savaged by drought while the north struggles with the decimation of the tourism industry. Where once international aid kept these communities afloat, they now find themselves in severe poverty.

The main source of assistance these communities receive are from NGO’s like Madagascar Research and Conservation Institute. MRCI has been distributing food aid to the most vulnerable in Nosy Komba, Nosy Be and Ampoagna.

This initiative has only been possible with the support of past volunteers and staff through the Project Komba initiative. It has been able to raise funds for rice and other necessary food parcels for those in desperate need. Pushing the frontier and expanding our relief efforts beyond our base on Nosy Komba has always been one of MRCI’s goals.

Unfortunately, many of the volunteer organizations in the area, such as Frontier, are not involved in relief operations and have been forced to close their doors due to the pandemic.

Currently, a travel ban to Madagascar is in place for approximately 30 countries. By March/April of 2021, we envision that the situation will have improved. We look forward to when our volunteers are able travel to Madagascar and partake once more in MRCI programs.

The conditions on the ground in Madagascar are not going to improve immediately once restrictions are lifted. Your help as a volunteer is of tremendous importance now more than ever.