Madagascar is at the forefront of cyclone and storm activity in Africa and faces multiple overlapping risks, including floods, droughts, epidemics and locust infestations. Since 2020, repeated disasters have caused severe human and economic losses, while response capacities have become increasingly insufficient due to reduced presence on non-governmental organizations, funding constraints, limited physical access and inadequate emergency stocks.

In the first quarter of 2026, the country was recovering from the devastating impacts of successive tropical systems - Cyclone Fytia and Intense Tropical Cyclone Gezani - which struck within a short period. These storms brought strong winds, heavy rainfall and widespread flooding, causing extensive damage to homes, socio‑economic infrastructure, agricultural land and essential services across several regions, particularly Atsinanana and Boeny. The cumulative shocks have deepened vulnerabilities in already fragile communities and further strained national response capacities.

Compounding these challenges, mpox is spreading across more than 20 regions. Health authorities have reported hundreds of suspected cases, with a significant number confirmed since mid‑December.

Results of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis conducted in December 2025 indicate mixed trends in food security across southern Madagascar. While the situation in the Grand Sud shows slight improvement, conditions are expected to deteriorate in the Grand Sud-Est from January to April 2026. The projected improvement in the Grand Sud reflects a modest reduction in the number of people facing crisis and emergency levels of food insecurity. However, this progress remains fragile.

In contrast, the Grand Sud-Est is expected to experience worsening food insecurity, largely due to limited humanitarian assistance and the risk of cyclones during the peak season (January to April). Overall, the number of people experiencing severe levels of food insecurity across both regions is projected to rise compared to the July 2025 projections.

The nutrition situation remains a major concern. Although severe acute malnutrition stabilized toward the end of 2025, a large number of children will still require urgent treatment in the months ahead. Most cases are concentrated in the Grand Sud and Grand Sud-Est, including Ikongo District, where admissions for severe acute malnutrition increased sharply. The situation may be further aggravated by the high prevalence of malaria in affected areas. Food security and nutrition sectors were also preparing in-depth assessments to inform the next IPC analysis planned for May, which was expected to examine the mid-term impact of the recent cyclones in the most affected areas.

For the acute food insecurity and malnutrition crisis in the south and south-east, the Government and humanitarian partners launched an appeal of US$80.8 million in January 2026 to address remaining needs under the National Humanitarian Response Plan and support affected populations. The response focuses on the food and nutrition emergency in the Grand Sud and Grand South-East, which began in 2025 and was expected to worsen during the lean season (February–April 2026). 

In February 2026, following the passage of two cyclones, the Government declared a state of emergency and requested international assistance. In response, the Humanitarian Country Team launched a Flash Appeal of $67.9 million, covering February to May 2026.

 Meanwhile, authorities have intensified efforts to contain an outbreak of mpox. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with partners, has scaled up prevention and response measures, including establishing health checkpoints at entry and exit points in affected areas and conducting screening at the port and airport of Mahajanga. The outbreak was confirmed following laboratory detection of cases in Mahajanga District, identified as the epicentre. 

At the same time, the national anti-locust campaign has been relaunched with partner support to protect agricultural production and livelihoods. The campaign focuses on surveillance and large-scale treatment of affected areas through ground and aerial operations, building on previous efforts.