The AXIAN Foundation and UNICEF join forces to combat child malnutrition in Madagascar
5,000 children in southern Madagascar will receive vital treatment for severe acute malnutrition
Antananarivo, 27 March 2025 – The AXIAN Foundation and UNICEF Madagascar are launching an initiative to help 5,000 children aged 6 to 59 months suffering from severe acute malnutrition in southern Madagascar. This action is part of the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a financing mechanism supporting countries most affected by child malnutrition, including Madagascar.
The AXIAN Foundation's contribution of $100,000 is matched by the CNF, to which Jeff Bezos, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other global partners contribute. UNICEF will finance the purchase of 3,000 cartons of ready-to-use therapeutic food such as Plumpy'Nut, which is essential for treating these children. This support also includes comprehensive medical follow-up, medicines and regular screening.
An immediate response to a persistent crisis
In southern Madagascar, less than 5 per cent of children aged 6 to 23 months have an acceptable diet. Environmental shocks – recurrent droughts, a loss of biodiversity – exacerbate this situation, with 86 per cent of households lacking access to nutritious food. In Madagascar 24 per cent of children are severely food insecure, consuming only two of the eight food groups essential for their development.
This commitment is also linked to the Nutrition for Growth 2025 summit, a global initiative aimed at strengthening the fight against malnutrition through concrete commitments from public and private actors.
A commitment to the future
This initiative is related to the Nutrition for Growth 2025 summit, held in Paris on 27 and 28 March, where public and private actors are making concrete commitments to combat malnutrition.
Christine Jaulmes, Representative of UNICEF Madagascar, emphasizes: “This collaboration with the AXIAN Foundation shows the positive impact of the private sector on children's lives. Thanks to this support, we will be able to treat more children and offer them a healthier future.”
Hassanein Hiridjee, CEO of the AXIAN Group and Chairman of the AXIAN Foundation, adds: “Fighting malnutrition is not only a humanitarian emergency, but also a moral imperative. Every child who is well nourished 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 reinforces our commitment to the inclusive and sustainable development of Madagascar.”
About the AXIAN Foundation
The AXIAN Foundation works to promote sustainable and inclusive development in Madagascar and Africa. Through initiatives in health, education and economic inclusion, it is committed to having a lasting impact on the most vulnerable communities.
UNICEF does not endorse any company, brand, product or service.
