Regional Teams Race to Restore Health Care in Madagascar

When Tropical Cyclone Gezani slammed into Madagascar's coast on February 10, 2026, it didn't just damage buildings. It threatened the health of thousands who suddenly lost access to operating rooms, emergency care, and life-saving medicines.

Now those communities have backup. The Southern African Development Community Emergency Response Team joined Madagascar's government and major humanitarian organizations to assess the damage in Toamasina I and II, two hard-hit areas where hospitals and clinics took direct hits.

Health Minister Managna Morina led the joint inspection mission alongside teams from the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the UN Office for Project Services, and European Civil Protection responders. Together, they walked through damaged facilities, taking stock of what needs fixing first.

The damage runs deep. Operating theaters, emergency rooms, and intensive care units all sustained significant structural damage. Power outages knocked out vaccine refrigeration systems for extended periods, putting immunization programs at risk.

Medicine shortages compound the crisis just when communities need healthcare most. After flooding, waterborne diseases often surge, making access to clean water, sanitation, and vaccination services critical.

Minister Morina emphasized the government's focus on strengthening disease surveillance systems to catch potential outbreaks early. She stressed that temporary health facilities must keep running while teams work to reconstruct damaged hospitals and clinics.

The Ripple Effect

The response demonstrates something powerful about regional solidarity. When disaster strikes, neighboring countries and international partners mobilize quickly with expertise and resources.

Humanitarian partners have already begun immediate response measures. They're committing to rehabilitate damaged infrastructure, restore medical equipment, replenish essential supplies, and repair water and sanitation systems that protect public health.

The mission goes beyond patching up what broke. Madagascar and its partners are focused on building back a more resilient health system, one that can withstand future climate shocks as extreme weather events become more frequent.

Vulnerable communities in Toamasina now have a coordinated team working to restore their access to essential healthcare, showing what's possible when governments and humanitarian organizations work together with speed and purpose.