International Women’s Day 2019

en français

During three days each one of them was tirelessly educating, explaining, sharing and examining young and old from all walks of life. Strategically located in the first row in front of Hotel de Ville, the direction of health and hygiene commune urban d’Antananarivo was fully mobilized for « International Women’s Day ».

InternationalWomenDay International Women’s Day 8 March 8March Antananarivo Madagascar direction de la sante el l’hygiene directiondelasanteell’hygiene haddadToni photostory photography #fujifilm fujifilm tana haddad toni — _{the ultrasound machine is usually used to evaluate fetal development and to detect problems in the liver, heart, kidney or abdomen. Dr Elian as she examines a pregnant lady. Lapan ny Tanana, Antananarivo, 2019}

On 7,8 and 9 March 2019, more than 45 personnel from the department participated in delivering four services: testing for VIH/Sida, prenatal consultation, family planning and echography. The personnel who occupied three tents at the event were doctors, paramedics, educators and nurses. They had brought along an exceptional amount of materials, equipment and a relentless attitude to reach out.

The VIH/Sida personnel were on high alert, they tested more than 200 participants during the event. Apprehensive were the patients on entry. They were welcomed and provided with a booklet on the virus, effects and contraception. Once the respective bio data is collected and the patient is ready, a slick needle prick and a drop of blood is placed on the testing slide. The patient has to wait 5 to 10 minutes for the result, for some these were the longest minutes ever. Solofo, a 33 years old, was neurotically pacing the room between the staff and passersby, he simply couldn’t endure the result by himself; ultimately his friends relayed it to him.

Historically, the number of cases of HIV in Madagascar is relatively low due to its geography. The last official estimate of 2014 was at 0.3 % of the total population. But this percentage has been subject to criticism and has been scrutinized by international agencies due to its invalidity and the change in the political arena that has limited foreign development assistance.

The family planning and prenatal consultation desk were less busy. With about 10 consultations per day, they gladly answered questions, explained available methods and offered those interested respective solutions for free. The solutions encompassed distribution of daily (condoms), monthly (pills), quarterly (injection) or annual * (implant) contraceptives.

The echography room was the busiest, reservations were taken on the first day and the list was full. They had more than 90 visits per day. The ultrasound machine is usually used to evaluate fetal development and to detect problems in the liver, heart, kidney or abdomen. The doctors gently welcomed the patients and explained them their diagnosis, passed on a copy of the scan and provided respective recommendations.

For Dr. Herve, the chef médecin in charge, the campaign has succeeded in achieving its objectives, it provided diagnosis and reached out to some of those who can’t afford these basic services. He says however, that this is insufficient to effectuate an actual change, since similar operations must be implemented not only in the capital but the rest of the communes and cities in Madagascar.