Madagascar: the country that's poor but not poor enough for aid

With no terrorism or geo-strategic importance, the island nation slips off lists of global causes despite widespread hunger and harsh impact of climate change

Pictures of emaciated Vorito, Lovasoa, Fanampesoa and Rasoa published on Facebook earlier this year. Photograph: John Strauss Kotovaorivelo

 

Lahie and Njomasy, with the children - Vorito, Lovasoa, Fanampesoa and Rasoa – who gained notoriety on Facebook because of photos of their malnourished bodies. Photograph: Shiraaz Mohamed

David Smith in Ambovombe-Sunday 1 November 2015

She had never heard of Facebook, so when shocking photos of her emaciated children and grandchildren were posted there, Njomasy could little guess the ripples of anger they would send all the way to the president. The family’s plight brought rare public attention to the “silent killer” of child malnutrition.

Madagascar the Country That's Poor but Not Poor Enough for Aid by Thavam Ratna