A Madagascar minister was one of two survivors of a helicopter crash off Madagascar's northeastern coast Tuesday who then swam for almost 12 hours to shore, authorities said.

Police and port authorities said they were still searching for two other passengers after the crash Monday. The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/coronavirus-findings-omicron-no-less-severe-than-delta-covid-impacts-sperm-count-438905" hreflang="en">Coronavirus findings: Omicron no less severe than Delta, Covid impacts sperm count</a>

Apparently, after ejecting themselves from the aircraft, both Serge Gelle, the country's state secretary for police, and a fellow policeman&nbsp;reached land in the seaside town of Mahambo separately on Tuesday morning, port authority chief Jean-Edmond Randrianantenaina said.

In a video post on social media, the 57-year-old Gelle can be seen&nbsp;still wearing his camouflage uniform, lying exhausted on a deck chair.

"My time to die hasn't come yet," says the general, adding he is cold but not injured.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
♦️Le GDI Serge GELLE, un des passagers de l'hélicoptère accidenté hier a été retrouvé sain et sauf ce matin du côté de Mahambo. 
☑️ Les sapeurs sauveteurs de la #4°UPC ont également retrouvé le carcasse de l'hélicoptère au fond de la mer. <a href="https://t.co/sP2abwTMwB">pic.twitter.com/sP2abwTMwB</a>
— Ministère de la Défense Nationale Madagascar (@MDN_Madagascar) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDN_Madagascar/status/1473178643224530946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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He and the others were flying in a helicopter to inspect a shipwreck off the northeastern coast on Monday morning.&nbsp;

Adding 18 more bodies to the previous toll, police chief Zafisambatra Ravoavy announced Tuesday that 39 people died in the disaster.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/17-dead-68-missing-after-cargo-ship-sinks-off-madagascars-northeastern-coast-438641">17 dead, 68 missing after cargo ship sinks off Madagascar’s northeastern coast</a>

In an earlier statement, Ravoavy told news agency AFP that Gelle had used a seat of the helicopter as a flotation device.

"He has always had great stamina in sport, and he's kept up this rhythm as minister, just like a thirty-year-old," he said.

"He has nerves of steel."

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: "Swam for 12 hours" : How This Minister survived a chopper crash

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-swam-for-12-hours-how-this-minister-survived-a-chopper-crash-439132/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

After serving in the police for more than 30 years, Gella became a minister as a result of a cabinet reshuffle in August.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Madagascar minister was one of two survivors of a helicopter crash off Madagascar's northeastern coast Tuesday who then swam for almost 12 hours to shore, authorities said.

A Madagascar minister was one of two survivors of a helicopter crash off Madagascar's northeastern coast Tuesday who then swam for almost 12 hours to shore, authorities said. Police and port authorities said they were still searching for two other passengers after the crash Monday. The cause of the crash wasn't immediately known. Also read | Coronavirus findings: Omicron no less severe than Delta, Covid impacts sperm count Apparently, after ejecting themselves from the aircraft, both Serge Gelle, the country's state secretary for police, and a fellow policeman reached land in the seaside town of Mahambo separately on Tuesday morning, port authority chief Jean-Edmond Randrianantenaina said. In a video post on social media, the 57-year-old Gelle can be seen still wearing his camouflage uniform, lying exhausted on a deck chair. "My time to die hasn't come yet," says the general, adding he is cold but not injured. ♦️Le GDI Serge GELLE, un des passagers de l'hélicoptère accidenté hier a été retrouvé sain et sauf ce matin du côté de Mahambo. ☑️ Les sapeurs sauveteurs de la #4°UPC ont également retrouvé le carcasse de l'hélicoptère au fond de la mer. pic.twitter.com/sP2abwTMwB — Ministère de la Défense Nationale Madagascar (@MDN_Madagascar) December 21, 2021 × He and the others were flying in a helicopter to inspect a shipwreck off the northeastern coast on Monday morning. Adding 18 more bodies to the previous toll, police chief Zafisambatra Ravoavy announced Tuesday that 39 people died in the disaster. Also read | 17 dead, 68 missing after cargo ship sinks off Madagascar’s northeastern coast In an earlier statement, Ravoavy told news agency AFP that Gelle had used a seat of the helicopter as a flotation device. "He has always had great stamina in sport, and he's kept up this rhythm as minister, just like a thirty-year-old," he said. "He has nerves of steel." Watch | Gravitas: "Swam for 12 hours" : How This Minister survived a chopper crash After serving in the police for more than 30 years, Gella became a minister as a result of a cabinet reshuffle in August. (With inputs from agencies)

Amazing feat! Madagascar Minister swims for 12 hours to reach shore after helicopter crash

Madagascar police minister Serge Gelle was inspecting a shipwreck when his helicopter crashed. The minister miraculously managed to survive. Here's how he turned his helicopter seat into a flotation device and swam for 12 hours to return to the shore.

Madagascar police chief Serge Gelle swims for 12 hours after miraculously surviving helicopter crash

A government minister in Madagascar has said he swam for 12 hours to safety after his helicopter crashed at sea during a rescue mission. Two other security officials travelling with him in the helicopter also survived the crash.

'My time to die has not come yet,' Madagascar minister swims for 12 hours, survives helicopter crash

A government minister in Madagascar has said he swam for 12 hours to safety after his helicopter crashed at sea during a rescue mission.

Madagascar minister swims for 12 hours after chopper crashes at sea

At 17 people died and 68 went missing after a cargo ship illegally carrying 130 passengers sank off Madagascar’s northeastern coast.

According to a report from the Maritime and River Port Agency, at least 45 people have been rescued from the waters of the Indian Ocean.

The incident took place on Monday early morning when a cargo ship named Francia left the city of Antanambe, in the northeastern district of Mananara, news agency AP reported.

Since it was registered as a cargo ship, it was not authorised to carry passengers, said Jean Edmond Randrianantenaina, director-general of the Maritime and River Port Agency, while adding that “Antanambe is not an official port”

The port agency chief said that a hole in the ship's hull is believed to have caused it to sink.

“According to the information we were able to gather, water entered the engine room. The water started to rise and it swallowed up all the engines,” he said.

“Then the ship began to sink. We don't know exactly what time the water started to rise, but our interventions began around 9 am (local time),” he added.

Another port authority official, Adrien Fabrice Ratsimbazafy, said that after a "technical problem" affecting the engine, the boat found itself at the "mercy of the waves and foundered on a reef".

Randrianantenaina said three boats from the national navy and the maritime agency are continuing the search for those still missing.

(With inputs from agencies)

At 17 people died and 68 went missing after a cargo ship illegally carrying 130 passengers sank off Madagascar’s northeastern coast. According to a report from the Maritime and River Port Agency, at least 45 people have been rescued from the waters of the Indian Ocean.

At 17 people died and 68 went missing after a cargo ship illegally carrying 130 passengers sank off Madagascar’s northeastern coast. According to a report from the Maritime and River Port Agency, at least 45 people have been rescued from the waters of the Indian Ocean. The incident took place on Monday early morning when a cargo ship named Francia left the city of Antanambe, in the northeastern district of Mananara, news agency AP reported. Since it was registered as a cargo ship, it was not authorised to carry passengers, said Jean Edmond Randrianantenaina, director-general of the Maritime and River Port Agency, while adding that “Antanambe is not an official port” The port agency chief said that a hole in the ship's hull is believed to have caused it to sink. “According to the information we were able to gather, water entered the engine room. The water started to rise and it swallowed up all the engines,” he said. “Then the ship began to sink. We don't know exactly what time the water started to rise, but our interventions began around 9 am (local time),” he added. Another port authority official, Adrien Fabrice Ratsimbazafy, said that after a "technical problem" affecting the engine, the boat found itself at the "mercy of the waves and foundered on a reef". Randrianantenaina said three boats from the national navy and the maritime agency are continuing the search for those still missing. (With inputs from agencies)

17 dead, 68 missing after cargo ship sinks off Madagascar’s northeastern coast

Madagascar is experiencing its worst drought in four decades. Lack of access to food, water and proper sanitation has led to the rise of acute malnutrition cases in the country.

Madagascar drought sparks water shortage and starvation

More than one million people in the south Madagascar are struggling to get enough to eat; even as the global leaders sat down to tackle climate change at the high-stakes COP26 summit.

Madagascar battles hunger crisis, children suffer from acute malnutrition

Madagascar prays for rain as U.N. warns of 'climate change famine'

According to the United Nations, Madagascar is on the brink of experiencing the world's first "climate change famine" as thousands of people are already suffering "catastrophic" levels of hunger and food insecurity.

UN World Food Programme's Shelley Thakral was quoted by the BBC as saying, "These are famine-like conditions and they're being driven by climate not conflict".

She added, "This is unprecedented. These people have done nothing to contribute to climate change. They don't burn fossil fuels… and yet they are bearing the brunt of climate change".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-afghanistan-minister-now-delivers-pizzas-in-germany-report-408316">Also read |&nbsp;Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report</a>

The UN estimates that 30,000 people are currently experiencing the highest internationally recognised level of food insecurity, which is level five.

Also, there are concerns the number affected could rise sharply as Madagascar enters the traditional "lean season" before harvest.

In the remote village of Fandiova, in Amboasary district, families recently showed a visiting WFP team the locusts that they were eating.

The impact of the current drought is now being felt in larger towns in southern Madagascar too as many children are forced to beg on the streets for food.

According to the United Nations, Madagascar is on the brink of experiencing the world's first "climate change famine" as thousands of people are already suffering "catastrophic" levels of hunger and food insecurity.

According to the United Nations, Madagascar is on the brink of experiencing the world's first "climate change famine" as thousands of people are already suffering "catastrophic" levels of hunger and food insecurity. UN World Food Programme's Shelley Thakral was quoted by the BBC as saying, "These are famine-like conditions and they're being driven by climate not conflict". She added, "This is unprecedented. These people have done nothing to contribute to climate change. They don't burn fossil fuels… and yet they are bearing the brunt of climate change". Also read | Former Afghanistan minister now delivers pizzas in Germany: Report The UN estimates that 30,000 people are currently experiencing the highest internationally recognised level of food insecurity, which is level five. Also, there are concerns the number affected could rise sharply as Madagascar enters the traditional "lean season" before harvest. In the remote village of Fandiova, in Amboasary district, families recently showed a visiting WFP team the locusts that they were eating. The impact of the current drought is now being felt in larger towns in southern Madagascar too as many children are forced to beg on the streets for food.

Madagascar on brink of famine, says UN

"Look at my child -- please help us!" cries the woman.

She hurriedly undresses the five-year-old girl, uncovering gaunt arms and ribs that are painfully visible under the skin.

The child allows herself to be pulled around before starting to shake.

The mother and her daughter live in the famine-stricken region of Anosy in Madagascar's far south.

Penniless, they have another 10 kilometres (six miles) to walk from the village of Fenoaivo to the nearest health centre.

Further along the road, a family holds a silent vigil outside the hut where their father has lain since dying of hunger four days ago.

"We can't bury him because we don't have a zebu (cow). We won't have a meal to serve, which is the most important thing for us," says the dead man's daughter Rahovatae by the low-burning fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humanitarian-disaster-clay-quelling-hunger-in-famine-hit-madagascar-348659">Also read |&nbsp;Humanitarian disaster: Clay quelling hunger in famine-hit Madagascar</a>

The family has been digging for roots, the only food available while waiting for help to arrive.

"There's nothing left here where we've been digging," says mother of nine Rahovatae, a spade in her hand in the small wood outside the village.

She tears off a piece of one of the cactuses they have been eating for want of anything better.

"I chop off the spines with a knife. It's horrible, it's bitter and it sticks to the roof of your mouth. Even when you cook it it doesn't taste of anything. It's making us weaker," she complains.

The deserted hamlet where the family lives is one of those known to aid workers as "zombie villages" -- home only to small numbers of wasted people who seem to be waiting for death.

'Horror film'

Rahovatae and her family are among over a million Madagascans in need of food in a vast area spread over 110,000 square kilometres (42,000 square miles) -- around the size of Virginia or New Zealand's North Island.

Years with little rain have made farming impossible, while sandstorms have turned huge stretches of arable land barren -- effects the UN has linked to climate change.

"We planted but there was no rain. Everything that's planted dies. We don't have anything left. Some of what we owned we sold, the rest was stolen by bandits," says Sinazy, a mother of eight in Mahaly.

Her 17-year-old son Havanay is breaking wild nuts inside their little earth-and-straw hut.

"We eat the insides, this white kernel," he says.

"I break these from morning until dusk. But the fat can make you ill. I shake after I've eaten it," Havanay says.

World Food Programme (WFP) chief David Beasley has compared the plight of the starving in Madagascar to a "horror film", saying it was "enough to bring even the most hardened humanitarian to tears."

Around 14,000 people have already reached a stage the WFP defines as level five, a "catastrophe when people have absolutely nothing left to eat," says the organisation's Madagascar chief Moumini Ouedraogo.

The UN estimates it will need $78.6 million to provide vital food aid in the next lean season starting in October.

Leather scraps

Several aid groups have been handing out hundreds of tonnes of food and nutritional supplements for months with government help.

But this isn't nearly enough.

In Ambovombe, the main town in hard-hit Androy region, hundreds have been surviving without help for months.

They beg and eat food scraps from the market -- even leather offcuts given to them by sandal makers.

Boiled with a little salt to soften it or grilled, the leather "tears up our stomachs, but it's because we have nothing. We're suffering badly," says Clarisse.

President Andry Rajoelina has launched "several actions" since his 2019 election aimed at "a true transformation in the south," his chief of staff Lova Hasinirina Ranoromaro said, adding that there is "strong political will".

The president himself has announced via Twitter that "140 major projects" will be launched in agriculture, water supply, public works and health.

Madagascar has gone through 16 recorded food crises since 1896.

Researcher Paubert Mahatante says that as well as climate change, other factors including "the population explosion combined with exhaustion of natural resources," are to blame.

Neither the government nor the WFP publicly tracks the number who have died of starvation, but AFP has tallied at least 340 deaths from local authority figures in recent months.

"Look at my child -- please help us!" cries the woman. She hurriedly undresses the five-year-old girl, uncovering gaunt arms and ribs that are painfully visible under the skin.

"Look at my child -- please help us!" cries the woman. She hurriedly undresses the five-year-old girl, uncovering gaunt arms and ribs that are painfully visible under the skin. The child allows herself to be pulled around before starting to shake. The mother and her daughter live in the famine-stricken region of Anosy in Madagascar's far south. Penniless, they have another 10 kilometres (six miles) to walk from the village of Fenoaivo to the nearest health centre. Further along the road, a family holds a silent vigil outside the hut where their father has lain since dying of hunger four days ago. "We can't bury him because we don't have a zebu (cow). We won't have a meal to serve, which is the most important thing for us," says the dead man's daughter Rahovatae by the low-burning fire. Also read | Humanitarian disaster: Clay quelling hunger in famine-hit Madagascar The family has been digging for roots, the only food available while waiting for help to arrive. "There's nothing left here where we've been digging," says mother of nine Rahovatae, a spade in her hand in the small wood outside the village. She tears off a piece of one of the cactuses they have been eating for want of anything better. "I chop off the spines with a knife. It's horrible, it's bitter and it sticks to the roof of your mouth. Even when you cook it it doesn't taste of anything. It's making us weaker," she complains. The deserted hamlet where the family lives is one of those known to aid workers as "zombie villages" -- home only to small numbers of wasted people who seem to be waiting for death. 'Horror film' Rahovatae and her family are among over a million Madagascans in need of food in a vast area spread over 110,000 square kilometres (42,000 square miles) -- around the size of Virginia or New Zealand's North Island. Years with little rain have made farming impossible, while sandstorms have turned huge stretches of arable land barren -- effects the UN has linked to climate change. "We planted but there was no rain. Everything that's planted dies. We don't have anything left. Some of what we owned we sold, the rest was stolen by bandits," says Sinazy, a mother of eight in Mahaly. Her 17-year-old son Havanay is breaking wild nuts inside their little earth-and-straw hut. "We eat the insides, this white kernel," he says. "I break these from morning until dusk. But the fat can make you ill. I shake after I've eaten it," Havanay says. World Food Programme (WFP) chief David Beasley has compared the plight of the starving in Madagascar to a "horror film", saying it was "enough to bring even the most hardened humanitarian to tears." Around 14,000 people have already reached a stage the WFP defines as level five, a "catastrophe when people have absolutely nothing left to eat," says the organisation's Madagascar chief Moumini Ouedraogo. The UN estimates it will need $78.6 million to provide vital food aid in the next lean season starting in October. Leather scraps Several aid groups have been handing out hundreds of tonnes of food and nutritional supplements for months with government help. But this isn't nearly enough. In Ambovombe, the main town in hard-hit Androy region, hundreds have been surviving without help for months. They beg and eat food scraps from the market -- even leather offcuts given to them by sandal makers. Boiled with a little salt to soften it or grilled, the leather "tears up our stomachs, but it's because we have nothing. We're suffering badly," says Clarisse. President Andry Rajoelina has launched "several actions" since his 2019 election aimed at "a true transformation in the south," his chief of staff Lova Hasinirina Ranoromaro said, adding that there is "strong political will". The president himself has announced via Twitter that "140 major projects" will be launched in agriculture, water supply, public works and health. Madagascar has gone through 16 recorded food crises since 1896. Researcher Paubert Mahatante says that as well as climate change, other factors including "the population explosion combined with exhaustion of natural resources," are to blame. Neither the government nor the WFP publicly tracks the number who have died of starvation, but AFP has tallied at least 340 deaths from local authority figures in recent months.

'Nothing left' for people in famine-struck southern Madagascar

Families in southern Madagascar are on the edge of starvation as the country faces its worst drought in four decades. People are food insecure as severe droughts in Madagascar have led to a total disappearance of food sources.

Madagascar faces its worst drought in four decades, families on edge of starvation

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday. Authorities have said that it foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and arrested several "foreign and Malagasy" suspects.

Madagascar govt reveals plot to kill President Andry Rajoelina, two arrested

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office.

Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives."

Two French nationals were held as part of the probe, according to a diplomatic source.

According to Radio France Internationale, the foreigners detained were Paul Rafanoharana, a Franco-Malagasy, and Philippe Francois, a Frenchman. 
 
Watch | President of Haiti assassinated in private residence: Interim PM

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/president-of-haiti-assassinated-in-private-residence-interim-pm-396588/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Rafanoharana was arrested at his house Tuesday evening, according to the media outlet's unidentified source, while Francois was stopped at Ivato Airport as he was preparing to leave for France.

(With inputs from agencies)

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office. Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives.

Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina survived an assassination attempt on Tuesday, according to the prosecutor general's office. Authorities allegedly foiled an assassination attempt on Rajoelina and apprehended several "foreigners and Madagascar natives." Two French nationals were held as part of the probe, according to a diplomatic source. According to Radio France Internationale, the foreigners detained were Paul Rafanoharana, a Franco-Malagasy, and Philippe Francois, a Frenchman. Watch | President of Haiti assassinated in private residence: Interim PM Rafanoharana was arrested at his house Tuesday evening, according to the media outlet's unidentified source, while Francois was stopped at Ivato Airport as he was preparing to leave for France. (With inputs from agencies)

Madagascar President Andry Rajoelina reportedly survives assassination attempt

Communities in&nbsp;Madagascar&nbsp;are on the verge of starvation, with women and children walking for hours to reach food after the worst drought in four decades devastated the south of the island, the World Food Programme said.

Acute malnutrition has almost doubled over the last four months, the WFP said, with more than a quarter of people suffering in one area.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humanitarian-disaster-clay-quelling-hunger-in-famine-hit-madagascar-348659">Humanitarian disaster: Clay quelling hunger in famine-hit Madagascar</a>

"I met women and children who were holding on for dear life, they'd walked for hours to get to our food distribution points," David Beasley, WFP executive director, said in a statement.

"There have been back-to-back droughts in&nbsp;Madagascar&nbsp;which have pushed communities right to the very edge of starvation. Families are suffering and people are already dying from severe hunger," he added. Beasley blamed climate change for the crisis.

WFP said $78.6 million was needed to fight the crisis.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-sand-eaters-of-madagascar-348681/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Families have been living on raw red cactus fruits, wild leaves and locusts for months now," Beasley said.

Bole, a mother of three from Ambiriky,&nbsp;in southern&nbsp;Madagascar, who also is caring for two orphans after their mother died, told the agency that to survive they relied on cactus leaves for their meals.

"We have nothing left. Their mother is dead and my husband is dead. What do you want me to say? Our life is all about looking for cactus leaves again and again to survive," she said.

Communities in Madagascar are on the verge of starvation, with women and children walking for hours to reach food after the worst drought in four decades devastated the south of the island, the World Food Programme said.

Communities in Madagascar are on the verge of starvation, with women and children walking for hours to reach food after the worst drought in four decades devastated the south of the island, the World Food Programme said. Acute malnutrition has almost doubled over the last four months, the WFP said, with more than a quarter of people suffering in one area. Also read | Humanitarian disaster: Clay quelling hunger in famine-hit Madagascar "I met women and children who were holding on for dear life, they'd walked for hours to get to our food distribution points," David Beasley, WFP executive director, said in a statement. "There have been back-to-back droughts in Madagascar which have pushed communities right to the very edge of starvation. Families are suffering and people are already dying from severe hunger," he added. Beasley blamed climate change for the crisis. WFP said $78.6 million was needed to fight the crisis. "Families have been living on raw red cactus fruits, wild leaves and locusts for months now," Beasley said. Bole, a mother of three from Ambiriky, in southern Madagascar, who also is caring for two orphans after their mother died, told the agency that to survive they relied on cactus leaves for their meals. "We have nothing left. Their mother is dead and my husband is dead. What do you want me to say? Our life is all about looking for cactus leaves again and again to survive," she said.

Madagascar communities on verge of starvation after drought: World Food Programme

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president.

While countries across the globe scrambled to secure doses of the precious shots, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina showed little interest in inoculation and instead continued to promote a locally brewed herbal drink as the only required coronavirus "cure".

But an unprecedented infection resurge last month forced Rajoelina to bow to growing criticism of his handling of the pandemic and agree to a vaccine rollout.

The first shipment of 250,000 Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs landed on the Indian Ocean island nation on Saturday.

The plane was met by a delegation of government officials and United Nations representatives, although Rajoelina himself did not attend the ceremony.

Health Minister Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao said vaccines would be distributed across the country in two phases, without providing further detail.

"The inoculation is among several efficient preventative measures that will be added to strategies already implemented by the state," he added.

Madagascar's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">coronavirus</a> response has so far revolved around an infusion based on the anti-malarial plant artemisia and distributed freely across the island.

Dubbed Covid-Organics (CVO), the drink's effects have not been scientifically tested and the World Health Organization issued several warnings against its use.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/african-countries-importing-madagascars-anti-coronavirus-drink-disputed-by-who-297606">African countries importing Madagascar's anti-coronavirus drink disputed by WHO&nbsp;</a>

Rajoelina, however, has touted the tea as a "miracle" coronavirus remedy and snubbed all vaccines.

The president asserted in March that he had no intention of getting the jab and was in no hurry to launch mass inoculation for his citizens.

Madagascar has meanwhile been grappling to contain a spiralling second wave of coronavirus infections.

'Magic potion'

Over the past month, health facilities in the capital Antananarivo have been overwhelmed by a rising number COVID-19 patients compounded by oxygen shortages.

A weekend curfew was implemented three weeks ago in an attempt to curb the spread of infection in the city, forcing everyone off the streets from Friday evening to Monday.

Antananarivo resident Heritiana Rasoamiaramanana told AFP via telephone the government's delay in securing vaccines had been a "grave mistake".

"Since the beginning, the majority of Malagasy have doubted the effectiveness of CVO," said the 39-year-old business owner.

"But the president has continued to insist... that we can trust this magic potion and do not need to get vaccinated," he exclaimed. "Shame on him!"

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-launches-herbal-cure-for-covid-19-296509">Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19</a>

More than a third of Madagascar's coronavirus cases have been recorded in the past month alone.

Till&nbsp;date, the country of 27 million inhabitants has registered 38,874 infections, including at least 716 deaths.

Covax seeks to ensure poor countries have equitable access to vaccines to combat the pandemic.

The facility is co-led by the World Health Organization, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president.

Madagascar on Saturday received its first batch of coronavirus vaccines through the Covax global sharing scheme, one of the last countries in Africa to obtain the prised jabs following months of resistance by the president. While countries across the globe scrambled to secure doses of the precious shots, Madagascar's President Andry Rajoelina showed little interest in inoculation and instead continued to promote a locally brewed herbal drink as the only required coronavirus "cure". But an unprecedented infection resurge last month forced Rajoelina to bow to growing criticism of his handling of the pandemic and agree to a vaccine rollout. The first shipment of 250,000 Oxford/AstraZeneca jabs landed on the Indian Ocean island nation on Saturday. The plane was met by a delegation of government officials and United Nations representatives, although Rajoelina himself did not attend the ceremony. Health Minister Jean Louis Hanitrala Rakotovao said vaccines would be distributed across the country in two phases, without providing further detail. "The inoculation is among several efficient preventative measures that will be added to strategies already implemented by the state," he added. Madagascar's coronavirus response has so far revolved around an infusion based on the anti-malarial plant artemisia and distributed freely across the island. Dubbed Covid-Organics (CVO), the drink's effects have not been scientifically tested and the World Health Organization issued several warnings against its use. Also read | African countries importing Madagascar's anti-coronavirus drink disputed by WHO Rajoelina, however, has touted the tea as a "miracle" coronavirus remedy and snubbed all vaccines. The president asserted in March that he had no intention of getting the jab and was in no hurry to launch mass inoculation for his citizens. Madagascar has meanwhile been grappling to contain a spiralling second wave of coronavirus infections. 'Magic potion' Over the past month, health facilities in the capital Antananarivo have been overwhelmed by a rising number COVID-19 patients compounded by oxygen shortages. A weekend curfew was implemented three weeks ago in an attempt to curb the spread of infection in the city, forcing everyone off the streets from Friday evening to Monday. Antananarivo resident Heritiana Rasoamiaramanana told AFP via telephone the government's delay in securing vaccines had been a "grave mistake". "Since the beginning, the majority of Malagasy have doubted the effectiveness of CVO," said the 39-year-old business owner. "But the president has continued to insist... that we can trust this magic potion and do not need to get vaccinated," he exclaimed. "Shame on him!" Also read | Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19 More than a third of Madagascar's coronavirus cases have been recorded in the past month alone. Till date, the country of 27 million inhabitants has registered 38,874 infections, including at least 716 deaths. Covax seeks to ensure poor countries have equitable access to vaccines to combat the pandemic. The facility is co-led by the World Health Organization, the Gavi vaccine alliance and the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

Madagascar receives first coronavirus vaccines

Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa reached the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar on Friday with an Indian naval training team on-board.&nbsp;

The Indian naval training team will be deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks.&nbsp;

"INS Jalashwa reaches the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar with a five-member @indiannavytraining team to help capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks," Indian ambassador Abhay Kumar wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

India and Madagascar share wide cooperation in defence sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Cooperation was signed between India and Madagascar in March 2018 during the visit of the President to Madagascar and several bilateral cooperation projects in the area of defence are under discussions between the two countries.&nbsp;

A four-member delegation led by Major General Leon Jean Richard Rakotonirina, Minister of National Defence, Republic of Madagascar visited India from February 3 to 5 to participate in the Aero India 2021 and IOR Defence Ministers Conclave at Bengaluru.&nbsp;

INS Jalashwa will leave for Comoros to deliver 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and then, will head to the Port of Ehoala in Madagascar to deliver a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and 100,000 tablets of HCQ to help Madagascar in dealing with the drought situation in South Madagascar.&nbsp;

The supplies of food assistance and support for capacity building to Madagascar is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region and India's time-tested role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa reached the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar on Friday with an Indian naval training team on-board. The Indian naval training team will be deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks.

Indian Naval Ship Jalashwa reached the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar on Friday with an Indian naval training team on-board. The Indian naval training team will be deployed in Madagascar for capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks. "INS Jalashwa reaches the port of Antsiranana, Madagascar with a five-member @indiannavytraining team to help capacity building and training of the Malagasy Special Forces for two weeks," Indian ambassador Abhay Kumar wrote in a tweet. India and Madagascar share wide cooperation in defence sector. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for Defence Cooperation was signed between India and Madagascar in March 2018 during the visit of the President to Madagascar and several bilateral cooperation projects in the area of defence are under discussions between the two countries. A four-member delegation led by Major General Leon Jean Richard Rakotonirina, Minister of National Defence, Republic of Madagascar visited India from February 3 to 5 to participate in the Aero India 2021 and IOR Defence Ministers Conclave at Bengaluru. INS Jalashwa will leave for Comoros to deliver 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and then, will head to the Port of Ehoala in Madagascar to deliver a consignment of 1,000 metric tonnes of rice and 100,000 tablets of HCQ to help Madagascar in dealing with the drought situation in South Madagascar. The supplies of food assistance and support for capacity building to Madagascar is in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of SAGAR - Security and Growth for all in the Region and India's time-tested role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean Region. (With inputs from agencies)

INS Jalashwa arrives at Antsiranana port, Madagascar with naval training team 

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar&nbsp;has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects.

India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had assured supplies to the foreign minister of Madagascar&nbsp;Tehindrazanarivelo Liva during the telephonic talks on Monday.&nbsp;

He tweeted, "Good conversation with FM of Madagascar @Tehindrazanari1 . Informed him that Indian humanitarian assistance would be delivered in the coming days. Will include food and medical supplies."

This is the&nbsp;first-ever telephonic conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Madagascar and shows signs of increased engagement between the two&nbsp;countries.&nbsp;The last bilateral visit of the President of Madagascar to India was in 1980, with the Indian President visiting the country in 2018.&nbsp;In fact,&nbsp;Madagascar's defence minister had visited India in February for the Aero India show and participated in the Indian ocean defence ministers meet in Bangalore.

In March of 2020, Indian Navy ship INS Shardul had sent 600 tonnes of rice to the country. Under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

Last week, Madagascar’s President inaugurated the advanced digital cobalt therapy machine Bhabhatron-II donated by the Government&nbsp;of India to Madagascar in presence of the country's Health Minister and Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar. It can treat 50 cancer patients every day.

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects.

Reaching out to Madagascar yet again, India will be sending 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicine to the Indian Ocean island country. Southern Madagascar has been impacted by devastating famine and according to a November 2020 report by the World Food Programme, families are forced to eat insects. India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar had assured supplies to the foreign minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo Liva during the telephonic talks on Monday. He tweeted, "Good conversation with FM of Madagascar @Tehindrazanari1 . Informed him that Indian humanitarian assistance would be delivered in the coming days. Will include food and medical supplies." This is the first-ever telephonic conversation between the foreign ministers of India and Madagascar and shows signs of increased engagement between the two countries. The last bilateral visit of the President of Madagascar to India was in 1980, with the Indian President visiting the country in 2018. In fact, Madagascar's defence minister had visited India in February for the Aero India show and participated in the Indian ocean defence ministers meet in Bangalore. In March of 2020, Indian Navy ship INS Shardul had sent 600 tonnes of rice to the country. Under mission Sagar 1, India had sent aid to the country to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Last week, Madagascar’s President inaugurated the advanced digital cobalt therapy machine Bhabhatron-II donated by the Government of India to Madagascar in presence of the country's Health Minister and Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar. It can treat 50 cancer patients every day.

India-Madagascar FMs talk; New Delhi to send 1000 tonnes of rice and malaria medicines

Orchids are not often called ugly, but that is how the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, described a new species of the normally vibrant and delicate flower discovered in the forests of Madagascar.

An orchid only a botanist could love

Indian Ambassador in Madagascar Abhay Kumar on Monday expressed his solidarity with people facing drought situation in South of Madagascar.&nbsp;

Kumar called on Foreign Minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo and expressed his concern over the drought situation in the southern part of Madagascar. He also discussed issues of mutual interest of both the countries with him.

Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister @Tehindrazanari1 today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between #India and #Madagascar, India in Madagascar and Comoros wrote in a tweet.

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Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/Tehindrazanari1?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Tehindrazanari1</a> today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Madagascar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Madagascar</a>. <a href="https://t.co/CohiFzALvs">pic.twitter.com/CohiFzALvs</a>
— India in Madagascar &amp; Comoros (@IndembTana) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndembTana/status/1338421894131953664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Earlier in the month of November, India and Madagascar were going to sign several pacts to enhance ties between the two counties.

"MoUs in the field of traditional medicine, health, culture, tourism, telemedicine and tele-education among others are under discussion," according to sources.

President Ram Nath Kovind visited Madagascar in 2018 on a state visit during which a defence cooperation agreement was signed.

Madagascar has a strong Indian diaspora mostly from Gujarat. Over 20,000 Indians play a key role in the trade and economy of Madagascar.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ambassador in Madagascar Abhay Kumar on Monday expressed his solidarity with people facing drought situation in South of Madagascar. Kumar called on Foreign Minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo and expressed his concern over the drought situation in the southern part of Madagascar.

Indian Ambassador in Madagascar Abhay Kumar on Monday expressed his solidarity with people facing drought situation in South of Madagascar. Kumar called on Foreign Minister of Madagascar Tehindrazanarivelo and expressed his concern over the drought situation in the southern part of Madagascar. He also discussed issues of mutual interest of both the countries with him. Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister @Tehindrazanari1 today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between #India and #Madagascar, India in Madagascar and Comoros wrote in a tweet. Ambassador Abhay Kumar met the Foreign Minister @Tehindrazanari1 today to express solidarity with the drought situation in South of Madagascar and discussed issues of mutual interest between #India and #Madagascar. pic.twitter.com/CohiFzALvs — India in Madagascar & Comoros (@IndembTana) December 14, 2020 × Earlier in the month of November, India and Madagascar were going to sign several pacts to enhance ties between the two counties. "MoUs in the field of traditional medicine, health, culture, tourism, telemedicine and tele-education among others are under discussion," according to sources. President Ram Nath Kovind visited Madagascar in 2018 on a state visit during which a defence cooperation agreement was signed. Madagascar has a strong Indian diaspora mostly from Gujarat. Over 20,000 Indians play a key role in the trade and economy of Madagascar. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian Ambassador Abhay Kumar expresses solidarity with people facing drought in Madagascar

Madagascar is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster. 3 years of drought & a prolonged famine has forced some people to eat 'white clay' to quell their hunger.

Gravitas: The Sand-eaters of Madagascar

In the drought-ravaged south of&nbsp;Madagascar, people are filling their bellies with white clay mixed with tamarind to cope with famine.

"We call it survival soil because it allows the acidic taste of tamarind to seep into our mouths, which staves off hunger," said Doday Fandilava Noelisona, a 35-year-old farmer in the village of Fenoaivo.

"These days we no longer look for food to live on, but for ways to fill the empty stomachs," said the father of six.

The staple food in the arid region is usually cactus fruit.&nbsp;Rows of prickly green succulents surround villages, serving both as perimeter fences and food pantries. But after more than a year without rain, even the cacti have stopped producing fruit.

The rare sight of their wilted skin attests to the gruelling conditions prevailing in the region, around 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of the city of Fort-Dauphin.

In Fenoaivo, villagers dread a repeat of a terrible drought that killed hundreds in the 1990s.

"We called it the era of scattered skeletons because they were all over the roads. People no longer had enough energy to bury the remains of their brothers and sisters," recalled Avianay Idamy, 42.

Swollen bellies

To prevent a similar misfortune befalling his family, Idamy started eking out a living by selling firewood and charcoal.

The father of nine acknowledged the trade was "not the most sensible" for the environment, but said it allowed him to buy food for his family.

"Usually I cultivate alluvial land on river banks, but there is no ran and nothing grows," Idamy told AFP.

"I had also invested my savings in livestock to sell if needed but bandits stole everything from us this year, even our kitchen utensils," he added.

Idamy sells his charcoal for the equivalent of 30 US cents (25 euro centimes) a bag, just enough for his family to eat cassava once a day.

Like their neighbours, they swallow clay mixed with tamarind between meals.

Nine people starved to death in the nearby village of Ankilomarovahetsy in September, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) away.&nbsp;

"Eight children and a mother," said 65-year-old Rafanampy, the community leader, who did not give his surname.

Resident Samba Vaha, 26, lost her one-year-old child Manovondahy.&nbsp;

"My son died after two days of illness, I couldn't take him to see a doctor," she said.

Children have particularly struggled to digest the clay and tamarind mixture, "which causes belly swelling," explained Theodore Mbainaissem, local head of the World Food Program (WFP).

Hunger emergency

According to the&nbsp;World Food Program (WFP), half of the population in the southern region of the Indian Ocean island,&nbsp;1.5 million people,&nbsp;is&nbsp;currently in need of emergency food aid. Around 31 million euros ($37.6 million) are urgently needed to feed the hungry.

The World Food Program says hundreds of thousands of people in southern Madagascar are in the grips of a hunger emergency brought on by consecutive years of drought and ruined harvests.&nbsp;

Three years of consecutive drought have wiped out Madagascar’s harvests and driven desperately hungry people to fall back on extreme measures to put food on their tables.&nbsp;

The World Food Program says hunger has spread across 10 districts in southern Madagascar.&nbsp; It says one-and-one-half-million people, or half the region’s population, are struggling to feed themselves.&nbsp; It says women and children are most affected and in need of immediate food and nutrition assistance.

WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri says Madagascar has the world’s highest stunting rate, a condition that impairs a child’s growth and physical and mental development.&nbsp; He says nearly half of children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition.

"As hunger numbers rise, so does the proportion of families who are resorting to crisis coping mechanisms," said Phiri . "The majority of them are having to eat bugs.&nbsp; They are selling off life-saving livelihoods, assets, farm implements, kitchen utensils.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

An assessment in the southern district of Amboasary finds three-quarters of children have dropped out of school so they could help their parents forage for food.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The WFP has been providing emergency food aid for 100,000 people in the hard-hit area since the end of September.&nbsp; It also is helping more than half-a-million people in nine other drought-stricken districts through December.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Given the gravity of the hunger crisis, the WFP is scaling up its humanitarian operation to assist nearly 900,000 of the most vulnerable people through June.&nbsp;&nbsp; It is appealing for international support, noting $37.5 million is needed to implement its humanitarian operation over the next six months.

Climate change

A few kilometres (miles) away in the town of Beraketa, global charity Action Against Hunger (ACF) has set up shop in coordination with the WFP.

"Child malnutrition here is cyclical," and this year it started earlier in October instead of January, said ACF's head of nutrition, Annick Rakotoanosy.

The centre attends to around 50 severely malnourished children -- swollen bellies and lean legs -- and 100 other patients each week.

The children are at risk of death, especially if malnutrition is complicated by diarrhoea, respiratory infections or malaria.

While droughts are not uncommon in the area, this dry spell has been compounded by climate impact.

"For three years in some communities, two in others, there has been no rain," said the WFP's Mbainaissem.

Mounting insecurity and livestock thefts have exacerbated poverty and complicated humanitarian relief efforts.

"The whole north of Amboasary (district), for example, is deprived of it," Mbainaissem deplored.

Madagascar's government has deployed the military to distribute food and first aid in the area.

Early in October, President Andry Rajoelina, his wife and son doled out rations in villages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Without emergency food assistance, "we are facing disaster", Mbainaissem warned.

"Now even tamarind is starting to become scarce."

In the drought-ravaged south of Madagascar, people are filling their bellies with white clay mixed with tamarind to cope with famine. "We call it survival soil because it allows the acidic taste of tamarind to seep into our mouths, which staves off hunger," said Doday Fandilava Noelisona, a 35-year-old farmer in the village of Fenoaivo.

In the drought-ravaged south of Madagascar, people are filling their bellies with white clay mixed with tamarind to cope with famine. "We call it survival soil because it allows the acidic taste of tamarind to seep into our mouths, which staves off hunger," said Doday Fandilava Noelisona, a 35-year-old farmer in the village of Fenoaivo. "These days we no longer look for food to live on, but for ways to fill the empty stomachs," said the father of six. The staple food in the arid region is usually cactus fruit. Rows of prickly green succulents surround villages, serving both as perimeter fences and food pantries. But after more than a year without rain, even the cacti have stopped producing fruit. The rare sight of their wilted skin attests to the gruelling conditions prevailing in the region, around 100 kilometres (62 miles) west of the city of Fort-Dauphin. In Fenoaivo, villagers dread a repeat of a terrible drought that killed hundreds in the 1990s. "We called it the era of scattered skeletons because they were all over the roads. People no longer had enough energy to bury the remains of their brothers and sisters," recalled Avianay Idamy, 42. Swollen bellies To prevent a similar misfortune befalling his family, Idamy started eking out a living by selling firewood and charcoal. The father of nine acknowledged the trade was "not the most sensible" for the environment, but said it allowed him to buy food for his family. "Usually I cultivate alluvial land on river banks, but there is no ran and nothing grows," Idamy told AFP. "I had also invested my savings in livestock to sell if needed but bandits stole everything from us this year, even our kitchen utensils," he added. Idamy sells his charcoal for the equivalent of 30 US cents (25 euro centimes) a bag, just enough for his family to eat cassava once a day. Like their neighbours, they swallow clay mixed with tamarind between meals. Nine people starved to death in the nearby village of Ankilomarovahetsy in September, about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) away. "Eight children and a mother," said 65-year-old Rafanampy, the community leader, who did not give his surname. Resident Samba Vaha, 26, lost her one-year-old child Manovondahy. "My son died after two days of illness, I couldn't take him to see a doctor," she said. Children have particularly struggled to digest the clay and tamarind mixture, "which causes belly swelling," explained Theodore Mbainaissem, local head of the World Food Program (WFP). Hunger emergency According to the World Food Program (WFP), half of the population in the southern region of the Indian Ocean island, 1.5 million people, is currently in need of emergency food aid. Around 31 million euros ($37.6 million) are urgently needed to feed the hungry. The World Food Program says hundreds of thousands of people in southern Madagascar are in the grips of a hunger emergency brought on by consecutive years of drought and ruined harvests. Three years of consecutive drought have wiped out Madagascar’s harvests and driven desperately hungry people to fall back on extreme measures to put food on their tables. The World Food Program says hunger has spread across 10 districts in southern Madagascar. It says one-and-one-half-million people, or half the region’s population, are struggling to feed themselves. It says women and children are most affected and in need of immediate food and nutrition assistance. WFP spokesman Tomson Phiri says Madagascar has the world’s highest stunting rate, a condition that impairs a child’s growth and physical and mental development. He says nearly half of children under the age of five suffer from chronic malnutrition. "As hunger numbers rise, so does the proportion of families who are resorting to crisis coping mechanisms," said Phiri . "The majority of them are having to eat bugs. They are selling off life-saving livelihoods, assets, farm implements, kitchen utensils.” An assessment in the southern district of Amboasary finds three-quarters of children have dropped out of school so they could help their parents forage for food. The WFP has been providing emergency food aid for 100,000 people in the hard-hit area since the end of September. It also is helping more than half-a-million people in nine other drought-stricken districts through December. Given the gravity of the hunger crisis, the WFP is scaling up its humanitarian operation to assist nearly 900,000 of the most vulnerable people through June. It is appealing for international support, noting $37.5 million is needed to implement its humanitarian operation over the next six months. Climate change A few kilometres (miles) away in the town of Beraketa, global charity Action Against Hunger (ACF) has set up shop in coordination with the WFP. "Child malnutrition here is cyclical," and this year it started earlier in October instead of January, said ACF's head of nutrition, Annick Rakotoanosy. The centre attends to around 50 severely malnourished children -- swollen bellies and lean legs -- and 100 other patients each week. The children are at risk of death, especially if malnutrition is complicated by diarrhoea, respiratory infections or malaria. While droughts are not uncommon in the area, this dry spell has been compounded by climate impact. "For three years in some communities, two in others, there has been no rain," said the WFP's Mbainaissem. Mounting insecurity and livestock thefts have exacerbated poverty and complicated humanitarian relief efforts. "The whole north of Amboasary (district), for example, is deprived of it," Mbainaissem deplored. Madagascar's government has deployed the military to distribute food and first aid in the area. Early in October, President Andry Rajoelina, his wife and son doled out rations in villages. Without emergency food assistance, "we are facing disaster", Mbainaissem warned. "Now even tamarind is starting to become scarce."

Humanitarian disaster: Clay quelling hunger in famine-hit Madagascar

Twenty inmates were killed in a shootout with police during a prison breakout in Madagascar on Sunday, the justice ministry said.

Scores of prisoners attacked guards with rocks and grabbed a gun as they tried to flee the Farafangana prison in the southeast of the Indian Ocean island, it said.

The police and army moved in, capturing 37 of the 88 escapees, while another 20 were killed and eight wounded in a shootout.

Thirty-one inmates are still on the run, the ministry said, vowing to boost security at all penitentiaries across the country.

Mass prison escapes are not uncommon in Madagascar. In 2016, around 40 detainees broke out from a high-security prison in Toliary in southern Madagascar.

Twenty inmates were killed in a shootout with police during a prison breakout in Madagascar on Sunday, the justice ministry said. Scores of prisoners attacked guards with rocks and grabbed a gun as they tried to flee the Farafangana prison in the southeast of the Indian Ocean island, it said.

Twenty inmates were killed in a shootout with police during a prison breakout in Madagascar on Sunday, the justice ministry said. Scores of prisoners attacked guards with rocks and grabbed a gun as they tried to flee the Farafangana prison in the southeast of the Indian Ocean island, it said. The police and army moved in, capturing 37 of the 88 escapees, while another 20 were killed and eight wounded in a shootout. Thirty-one inmates are still on the run, the ministry said, vowing to boost security at all penitentiaries across the country. Mass prison escapes are not uncommon in Madagascar. In 2016, around 40 detainees broke out from a high-security prison in Toliary in southern Madagascar.

20 inmates killed in Madagascar prison breakout

An education minister in Madagascar has been sacked after an alleged plan to order lollipops worth $2 million for school children.

Madagascar minister sacked over $2M candy plan

An education minister in Madagascar has been sacked after an alleged plan to order lollipops worth $2 million for school children.

Rijasoa Andriamanana, Madagascar’s education minister, had ordered the candies to help mask the bitter aftertaste of a still-untested herbal remedy for coronavirus, according to the BBC.&nbsp;

The plan was -- obviously -- called off, and he was fired by Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina.

Rajoelina is pushing the unproven tonic, called Covid-Organics, as a coronavirus cure in the country which has 1,000 cases of the virus and seven COVID-linked deaths.

The medicine is derived from artemisia -- a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment -- and other indigenous herbs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/madagascar-president-launches-herbal-cure-for-covid-19-296509">Also read |&nbsp;Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19</a>

The herbal remedy is mandatory for children returning to school. The drink is being distributed for free in some schools that are reopening and in poor neighbourhoods.

Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island nation of 26 million people, currently has 1,000 recorded cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths.&nbsp;

An education minister in Madagascar has been sacked after an alleged plan to order lollipops worth $2 million for school children. Rijasoa Andriamanana, Madagascar’s education minister, had ordered the candies to help mask the bitter aftertaste of a still-untested herbal remedy for coronavirus, according to the BBC.

An education minister in Madagascar has been sacked after an alleged plan to order lollipops worth $2 million for school children. Rijasoa Andriamanana, Madagascar’s education minister, had ordered the candies to help mask the bitter aftertaste of a still-untested herbal remedy for coronavirus, according to the BBC. The plan was -- obviously -- called off, and he was fired by Madagascar’s president, Andry Rajoelina. Rajoelina is pushing the unproven tonic, called Covid-Organics, as a coronavirus cure in the country which has 1,000 cases of the virus and seven COVID-linked deaths. The medicine is derived from artemisia -- a plant with proven efficacy in malaria treatment -- and other indigenous herbs. Also read | Madagascar President launches 'herbal cure' for COVID-19 The herbal remedy is mandatory for children returning to school. The drink is being distributed for free in some schools that are reopening and in poor neighbourhoods. Madagascar, an Indian Ocean island nation of 26 million people, currently has 1,000 recorded cases of COVID-19 and seven deaths.

The Prime minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay has thanked India for the relief assistance it has provided to the African country in the aftermath of the devastating floods and said Indian Navy's presence is a "welcomed" one.

Madagascar welcomes India's help in dealing with floods

The Prime minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay has thanked India for the relief assistance to the African country in the aftermath of the devastating floods. PM Ntsay said Indian Navy's presence is a "welcomed" one. India, last week, launched Operation Vanilla and diverted INS Airavat with relief material to the country.

Speaking in the presence of Indian envoy to Madagascar, Abhay Kumar and Commander Sunil Sankar, Commanding Officer Airavat, PM Ntsay while expressing his country's "deep gratitude and deep thanks for the welcome aid" said, "We have a close history between India and Madagascar and we are proud of this, the witness of solidarity and generosity and brotherhood between" both the countries.

He said both countries enjoy, "excellent relation", adding, he is "proud" to "witness of solidarity and generosity and brotherhood between" the two countries.

The Navy Ship Airavat brought with it much needed relief material comprising disaster relief stores, tents, blankets, clothing, food and medicines. The medical team that arrived on the ship has set up a medical camp at the northern port city of Antsiranana to provide help to the locals impacted by the flooding. 
&nbsp;

The Prime minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay has thanked India for the relief assistance to the African country in the aftermath of the devastating floods. PM Ntsay said Indian Navy's presence is a "welcomed" one.

The Prime minister of Madagascar Christian Ntsay has thanked India for the relief assistance to the African country in the aftermath of the devastating floods. PM Ntsay said Indian Navy's presence is a "welcomed" one. India, last week, launched Operation Vanilla and diverted INS Airavat with relief material to the country. Speaking in the presence of Indian envoy to Madagascar, Abhay Kumar and Commander Sunil Sankar, Commanding Officer Airavat, PM Ntsay while expressing his country's "deep gratitude and deep thanks for the welcome aid" said, "We have a close history between India and Madagascar and we are proud of this, the witness of solidarity and generosity and brotherhood between" both the countries. He said both countries enjoy, "excellent relation", adding, he is "proud" to "witness of solidarity and generosity and brotherhood between" the two countries. The Navy Ship Airavat brought with it much needed relief material comprising disaster relief stores, tents, blankets, clothing, food and medicines. The medical team that arrived on the ship has set up a medical camp at the northern port city of Antsiranana to provide help to the locals impacted by the flooding.

Madagascar welcomes India's help to deal with floods; PM Ntsay says Indian Navy's presence is welcomed

Two people were killed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/20-dead-as-powerful-storm-hits-madagascar-36488">Madagascar</a> after Cyclone Belna landed in the northwest of the country, causing heavy flooding and displacing hundreds, local authorities said Tuesday.

The tropical cyclone hit the impoverished island nation's Boeny region on Monday after brushing past the island of Mayotte and the Comoros archipelago.

"A child and an elderly person were unable to save themselves" after a dam collapsed, said the head of Madagascar's National Office for Disaster Risk Management (BNGRC), Elack Andriakaja.

The cyclone brought torrential rain and reached a&nbsp;maximum wind speed of 180 kilometers per hour (112 mph), tearing off roofs and causing widespread damage.

The BNGRC said 1,300 people were displaced in the town of Soalala and 172 including 120 children in the port city of Mahajanga.

Both of the deaths reported so far occurred in Soalala, which was flooded after the dam gave way.&nbsp;

"The cyclone will disappear before long but danger from flooding has not yet been averted," Andriakaja said, adding that access by air remained "complicated".&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) has distributed medicines for 1,500 people and supplies will be sent out via boat on Wednesday.

Cyclone Belna bypassed Mayotte on Sunday after initial forecasts put the French island in its direct path.

Neither Mayotte nor Comoros are reported to have suffered significant damage.

Madagascar, a former French colony off Africa's southeastern coast, is regularly hit by cyclones and other tropical storms.

Cyclone Ava killed 51 people in January last year, and two months later tropical storm Eliakim displaced around 19,000 inhabitants.

Two people were killed in Madagascar after Cyclone Belna landed in the northwest of the country, causing heavy flooding and displacing hundreds, local authorities said Tuesday.

Two people were killed in Madagascar after Cyclone Belna landed in the northwest of the country, causing heavy flooding and displacing hundreds, local authorities said Tuesday. The tropical cyclone hit the impoverished island nation's Boeny region on Monday after brushing past the island of Mayotte and the Comoros archipelago. "A child and an elderly person were unable to save themselves" after a dam collapsed, said the head of Madagascar's National Office for Disaster Risk Management (BNGRC), Elack Andriakaja. The cyclone brought torrential rain and reached a maximum wind speed of 180 kilometers per hour (112 mph), tearing off roofs and causing widespread damage. The BNGRC said 1,300 people were displaced in the town of Soalala and 172 including 120 children in the port city of Mahajanga. Both of the deaths reported so far occurred in Soalala, which was flooded after the dam gave way. "The cyclone will disappear before long but danger from flooding has not yet been averted," Andriakaja said, adding that access by air remained "complicated". The World Health Organization (WHO) has distributed medicines for 1,500 people and supplies will be sent out via boat on Wednesday. Cyclone Belna bypassed Mayotte on Sunday after initial forecasts put the French island in its direct path. Neither Mayotte nor Comoros are reported to have suffered significant damage. Madagascar, a former French colony off Africa's southeastern coast, is regularly hit by cyclones and other tropical storms. Cyclone Ava killed 51 people in January last year, and two months later tropical storm Eliakim displaced around 19,000 inhabitants.

At least two dead after Cyclone Belna hits Madagascar

Pope&nbsp;Francis, on a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;to Madagascar, on Sunday condemned what he said was its&nbsp;clan&nbsp;culture&nbsp;of&nbsp;privilege&nbsp;and corruption that allows a very few to live in wealth while the vast majority languish in grinding poverty.

He spoke in a homily of a Mass on a sprawling field on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo for hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom had spent the night outdoors in unseasonably cool weather. The Vatican said local organisers had estimated the crowd at about a million people.

As he has since the start of his three-country swing through sub-Saharan Africa, Francis spoke out about the gap between the haves and have-nots on the continent. He has already&nbsp;visited Mozambique and will move on to Mauritius on Monday.

Francis decried a&nbsp;clan&nbsp;culture&nbsp;that provided a boost only to those connected to it while leaving many others permanently excluded, or at best marginalised without opportunities to improve their lives.

"When 'family' becomes the decisive criterion for what we consider right and good, we end up justifying and even

'consecrating' practices that lead to the&nbsp;culture&nbsp;of&nbsp;privilege&nbsp;and exclusion: favouritism, patronage and - as a consequence - corruption," the pontiff said in his homily.

Madagascar&nbsp;is the world's fourth-largest island and one of its poorest countries.

The UN&nbsp;World Food Programme estimates that more than 90 per cent&nbsp;of&nbsp;Madagascar's 26 million population live on less than $2 a day, with chronic child malnutrition widespread.

Corruption is rampant among the country's political and business class, according to organisations such as Transparency International, which ranks&nbsp;Madagascar&nbsp;in the lowest quarter of its global Corruption Perceptions Index.

"As we look around us, how many men and women, young people and children are suffering and in utter need!" the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-stuck-in-elevator-for-25-minutes-freed-by-fire-brigade-246992">pope</a>&nbsp;said.

While in Antananarivo, Francis's motorcade passed by people plying trades like metalworking and carpentry on the sides of dusty roads, followed minutes later by walled-off, European-style villas with gardens and pools.

Francis has often called for greater income equality and a fairer distribution of wealth between prosperous and developing countries, and he has defended the right of countries to control their mineral resources.

After the Mass, Francis was due to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;Akamasoa, a district of the capital known as "The City of Friendship."

It was founded by Father Pedro Opeka, a 71-year-old missionary who studied theology under the future&nbsp;pope&nbsp;in their native Argentina before dedicating his life to building communities for the families of&nbsp;Madagascar.

Over the last 50 years, an organization founded by Opeka has built homes for 25,000 people, 100 schools, six clinics, and&nbsp;two football stadiums. Next year they plan to build a college for paramedics.

Pope Francis, on a visit to Madagascar, on Sunday condemned what he said was its clan culture of privilege and corruption that allows a very few to live in wealth while the vast majority languish in grinding poverty.

Pope Francis, on a visit to Madagascar, on Sunday condemned what he said was its clan culture of privilege and corruption that allows a very few to live in wealth while the vast majority languish in grinding poverty. He spoke in a homily of a Mass on a sprawling field on the outskirts of the capital Antananarivo for hundreds of thousands of people, many of whom had spent the night outdoors in unseasonably cool weather. The Vatican said local organisers had estimated the crowd at about a million people. As he has since the start of his three-country swing through sub-Saharan Africa, Francis spoke out about the gap between the haves and have-nots on the continent. He has already visited Mozambique and will move on to Mauritius on Monday. Francis decried a clan culture that provided a boost only to those connected to it while leaving many others permanently excluded, or at best marginalised without opportunities to improve their lives. "When 'family' becomes the decisive criterion for what we consider right and good, we end up justifying and even 'consecrating' practices that lead to the culture of privilege and exclusion: favouritism, patronage and - as a consequence - corruption," the pontiff said in his homily. Madagascar is the world's fourth-largest island and one of its poorest countries. The UN World Food Programme estimates that more than 90 per cent of Madagascar's 26 million population live on less than $2 a day, with chronic child malnutrition widespread. Corruption is rampant among the country's political and business class, according to organisations such as Transparency International, which ranks Madagascar in the lowest quarter of its global Corruption Perceptions Index. "As we look around us, how many men and women, young people and children are suffering and in utter need!" the pope said. While in Antananarivo, Francis's motorcade passed by people plying trades like metalworking and carpentry on the sides of dusty roads, followed minutes later by walled-off, European-style villas with gardens and pools. Francis has often called for greater income equality and a fairer distribution of wealth between prosperous and developing countries, and he has defended the right of countries to control their mineral resources. After the Mass, Francis was due to visit Akamasoa, a district of the capital known as "The City of Friendship." It was founded by Father Pedro Opeka, a 71-year-old missionary who studied theology under the future pope in their native Argentina before dedicating his life to building communities for the families of Madagascar. Over the last 50 years, an organization founded by Opeka has built homes for 25,000 people, 100 schools, six clinics, and two football stadiums. Next year they plan to build a college for paramedics.

Pope Francis, on Madagascar visit, condemns clan culture of privilege, graft

The world is backsliding in the fight against measles, which can disable or kill, especially children, with a record number of cases recorded up to August only since 2006 and nearly three times as many cases than in July 2018 at that time, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Thursday. The biggest outbreaks of the highly contagious disease -- one person with measles can spread it up to 18 non-immunized other people -- are raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (155,460 cases), Madagascar (127,454) and Ukraine (54,246) it said.

Global measles cases three times higher than last year - WHO

Pope Francis will visit disaster-hit Mozambique and Indian Ocean nations Madagascar and Mauritius in September, the Vatican announced on Wednesday.

The visit is scheduled at a time when the countries are&nbsp;reeling under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/185-million-people-affected-by-cyclone-idai-un-agency-205777">adverse consequences of the disaster</a> that hit the East-African and Indian ocean nations early this month.

The pope will visit the capitals of Maputo, Antananarivo and Port Louis during the September 4-10 visit, a statement said, with the precise programme to be decided later.

Days after the disaster, Mozambique said on Wednesday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mozambique-confirms-first-cholera-cases-in-wake-of-cyclone-206016">five cases of cholera&nbsp;were confirmed </a>around the badly damaged port city of Beira.

Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique&nbsp;around midnight on March 14 before tearing through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wrecking an area of 3,000 sq km (1,200 sq miles).

The powerful cyclone has killed more than 700 people across a swathe of southern Africa in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi.

(With input from agencies)

Pope Francis will visit disaster-hit Mozambique and Indian Ocean nations Madagascar and Mauritius in September, the Vatican announced on Wednesday. The visit is scheduled at a time when the countries are reeling under the adverse consequences of the disaster that hit the East-African and Indian ocean nations early this month.

Pope Francis will visit disaster-hit Mozambique and Indian Ocean nations Madagascar and Mauritius in September, the Vatican announced on Wednesday. The visit is scheduled at a time when the countries are reeling under the adverse consequences of the disaster that hit the East-African and Indian ocean nations early this month. The pope will visit the capitals of Maputo, Antananarivo and Port Louis during the September 4-10 visit, a statement said, with the precise programme to be decided later. Days after the disaster, Mozambique said on Wednesday that five cases of cholera were confirmed around the badly damaged port city of Beira. Cyclone Idai smashed into Mozambique around midnight on March 14 before tearing through neighbouring Zimbabwe and Malawi, displacing hundreds of thousands of people and wrecking an area of 3,000 sq km (1,200 sq miles). The powerful cyclone has killed more than 700 people across a swathe of southern Africa in Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Malawi. (With input from agencies)

Pope to visit disaster hit Mozambique, Madagascar, Mauritius in September

Madagascar`s president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, conceded defeat in his bid for a second term after managing a distant third in the first round of voting in the island`s presidential vote.&nbsp;

Rajaonarimampianina got just 8.82 per cent in the November first round, the High Constitutional Court said on Wednesday, behind former presidents Marc Ravalomanana, who got 35.35 per cent, and Andry Rajoelina, who got 39.23 per cent.

He will not take part in the second round, due on December 19. The court rejected his request to have the election cancelled.

"The people’s choice must be respected," Rajaonarimampianina said in a televised statement late on Friday.&nbsp;

"If this is not respected, the authorities that will come after will not be stable."

Madagascar is hoping for a second peaceful election since upheaval in 2009, when Ravalomanana was forced out of office by protests led by Rajoelina in what the African Union and other international organisations said was a coup.

Total voter turnout was 53.95 per cent of registered voters.

Rajaonarimampianina said he would not endorse any of the remaining candidates and appealed for calm.

"I wish that this second round will bring peace and stability to our country," he said.&nbsp;

"We have all seen the irregularities during the first round. The Malagasy (people) hope that this will not happen during the second round." 
&nbsp;

Madagascar`s president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, conceded defeat in his bid for a second term after managing a distant third in the first round of voting in the island`s presidential vote.

Madagascar`s president, Hery Rajaonarimampianina, conceded defeat in his bid for a second term after managing a distant third in the first round of voting in the island`s presidential vote. Rajaonarimampianina got just 8.82 per cent in the November first round, the High Constitutional Court said on Wednesday, behind former presidents Marc Ravalomanana, who got 35.35 per cent, and Andry Rajoelina, who got 39.23 per cent. He will not take part in the second round, due on December 19. The court rejected his request to have the election cancelled. "The people’s choice must be respected," Rajaonarimampianina said in a televised statement late on Friday. "If this is not respected, the authorities that will come after will not be stable." Madagascar is hoping for a second peaceful election since upheaval in 2009, when Ravalomanana was forced out of office by protests led by Rajoelina in what the African Union and other international organisations said was a coup. Total voter turnout was 53.95 per cent of registered voters. Rajaonarimampianina said he would not endorse any of the remaining candidates and appealed for calm. "I wish that this second round will bring peace and stability to our country," he said. "We have all seen the irregularities during the first round. The Malagasy (people) hope that this will not happen during the second round."

Madagascar president concedes defeat in polls: Statement

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