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Miala tsiny fa tsy mbola misy amin’ny teny malagasy ity lahatsoratra ity.
The Malagasy state has commissioned a polio laboratory in Antananarivo.
It took formal control of the laboratory, which had been used by WHO, on Monday (14 July 2025) and will use it to observe and respond to polio outbreaks if and when they arise.
Nely Alphonse José, head of the plague, emerging and neglected tropical disease control department at the Malagasy Ministry of Public Health, said: ‘This commissioning symbolises our collective commitment. It brings us closer to a future where no child in Madagascar – or anywhere – is at risk of polio.’
The laboratory was opened in 2023, and helped end the Malagasy polio outbreak, which began in 2020 and ended on Tuesday 20 May this year.
As we noted, Madagascar worked with international organisations to overcome the outbreak by reaching more than 19 million people with life-saving vaccinations against polio: the republic’s 32 million-person population reached a 95 per cent vaccination level. The country has recorded no new cases since September 2023.
As we noted then, this achievement is proof that Malagasy people, as individuals and communities, can, with technical and equipmental assistance, overcome great threats and challenges.
Now, the laboratory is both a symbol and a part of Madagascar’s ability to respond and innovate for itself.
Our work, helping Malagasy people reach their potential, lift themselves from hunger and improve their lives through their own efforts and initiative, is a testament to this ability, just as this victory for Madagascar against a dangerous disease is a testament to collective action.
(Photo copyright: UNICEF/UNI591704/Ramasomanana)
