Subject: Fighting acute malnutrition in southeast Madagascar

This month's newsletter looks at the experiences of Korista and Aurélie, whose children have both suffered from acute malnutrition after periods of illness and limited access to nutritious food. Across Madagascar, acute malnutrition driven by recurring climate shocks and food insecurity is becoming an increasingly urgent concern.


Failed rains, extreme weather, pest infestations, and the growing impacts of climate change have led to some of the worst droughts Madagascar has experienced in decades. These conditions persist today, contributing to rising food insecurity and malnutrition among children, as crop failure and financial instability limit families’ access to adequate food.


It is hard to imagine the decline of a child’s health due to these conditions. Yet this was the reality for Korista and Aurélie.

Korista's Story


Korista’s daughter, Ratiandraibe, was frequently sick with malaria and often hospitalised, leaving her weak and putting emotional and financial strain on the family. Like many parents with limited resources, Korista could not meet her daughter's nutritional needs.


Through Project Miatrika, Korista learned how to include more nutrient-rich and varied foods in Ratiandraibe’s meals and how small, practical changes could make a big difference. The difference was striking. Ratiandraibe grew stronger, more active, and visibly healthier.

Korista and her daughter, Ratiandraibe

Aurélie’s Story


When Aurélie’s youngest son developed severe acute malnutrition, repeated clinic visits quickly overwhelmed the family and caused deep concern.


After joining group sessions through SEED’s Project Miatrika, Aurélie learned practical, local ways to improve her child’s nutrition, hygiene, and daily care. With new knowledge, Aurélie’s confidence grew and she introduced healthier feeding practices at home. Gradually, her son regained his strength and health, reducing their reliance on medical visits.

Aurélie and her son

Your generosity ensures that parents like Korista and Aurélie receive the support they need to protect their children’s health.

Today, over one million people in Madagascar face high levels of food insecurity and malnutrition. The country also has one of the world’s lowest rates of access to clean water, and only 10% of the population uses basic sanitation facilities, factors that contribute to widespread malnutrition.


Recently, the Miatrika team screened over 26,600 children across 136 villages for acute malnutrition, identifying 1,853 children in need of urgent support. This is SEED’s most comprehensive screening effort since the start of the project.


In Andemby, the situation is particularly stark ⎼ nearly one in three children screened were found to be acutely malnourished. Families are facing daily challenges in keeping their children healthy and nourished. 


Children with acute malnutrition will begin immediate treatment and will be enrolled in support groups for the entire family. SEED also distributes food to households of children with acute malnutrition and is training healthcare workers in nutrition and early detection.

Community health worker screening for malnutrition in a remote community in Anosy

Project Miatrika (“Resilience” in Malagasy) works to improve the health of children under five  by addressing acute malnutrition with a comprehensive approach. It also helps communities build the strength they need to better withstand future food crises.


Learn more about our impact in our latest blog piece.


Project Miatrika is implemented in partnership with Humedica and kindly supported by the Federal Foreign Office, Germany.

With your support, we are strengthening community resilience and creating healthier futures for Madagascar’s children.


Powered by:
GetResponse