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Madagascar Partnership Providing Free Vaccinations and Mosquito Nets ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, October 22, 2007 — The government of Madagascar has begun its twice-yearly "Mother and Child Health Week" campaign targeting children, mothers and pregnant women with free health services. The campaign includes vaccinations against measles for children under the age of five, distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated mosquito nets (LLINs) and vitamin A supplements and de-worming tablets. During the week, thousands of health workers and partners of the campaign are traveling throughout Madagascar to distribute and implement the suite of free services. More than 8,500 sites have been designated as establishments where women and children can receive the health services offered by the campaign. As one of many partners with the government, PSI is promoting the campaign through print and mass media as well as providing logistical support for the storage and distribution of LLINs. A key element of the campaign is to encourage parents to bring their children to their local health center for routine immunizations. Women also receive a package of services that includes tetanus vaccinations, HIV/AIDS counseling and testing and family planning counseling. The government of Madagascar started "Mother and Child Health Week" in 2006 as part of a strategy to reach the most isolated and rural areas of Madagascar with the goal of reducing infant and maternal mortality. With support from its partners, including the WHO, USAID, the Global Fund, UNICEF and the World Bank, the government of Madagascar runs the campaign twice a year and hopes to reach at least 80% of all women and children in Madagascar.
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