(AXIAN) - 5,000 children from the south of Madagascar will benefit from vital treatment for severe and acute malnutrition.

The AXIAN Foundation and UNICEF Madagascar launch and initiative to help 5,000 children aged between 6 and 59 months suffering from severe and acute malnutrition in southern Madagascar. This initiative is part of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a funding mechanism supporting countries affected by child malnutrition such as Madagascar.

The AXIAN Foundation’s contribution of US$ 100,000 is matched by the CNF, to which Jeff Bezos, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and other global partners are contributing. The UNICEF will fund the purchase of 3,000 cartons of ready- to-use therapeutic foods such as «Plumpy’Nut», which are essential for treating these children. This also includes full medical follow-up, medicines, and regular screenings.

A timely response to an ongoing crisis

Less than 5% of children aged between 6 and 23 months in southern Madagascar have access to an adequate diet. The environmental shocks such as recurring drought and biodiversity losses exacerbate this situation, leaving 86% of households without access to nutritious food. 24% of Malagasy children are in severe food poverty and are eating only two of the eight food groups essential to their development.

A commitment for the future

This commitment is aligned with the Nutrition for Growth 2025 Summit, taking place in Paris this 27th and 28th march, where public and private players are making concrete commitments to combating malnutrition.

Christine Jaulmes, UNICEF Madagascar Representative highlights : « This collaboration with the AXIAN Foundation demonstrates the positive impact of the private sector on children’s lives. This support will enable us to treat more children and give them a healthier future.»

Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO of AXIAN Group and Chairman of Fondation AXIAN, added : «Fighting malnutrition is not just a humanitarian emergency, it is a moral imperative. Every well-nourished child today is a contributor to tomorrow’s development.»

Mialisoa Andrianasolo, Executive Director of the AXIAN Foundation, concludes : « We firmly believe that every child has the right to a healthy future. This partnership with UNICEF strengthens our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development in Madagascar.»

About the Fondation AXIAN

The AXIAN Foundation promotes sustainable and inclusive development in Madagascar and across Africa. Through diverse initiatives in health, education and economic inclusion, it is committed to having a durable impact on the most vulnerable communities. « UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service »