Through collaboration with the government, all children less than a year old and women of childbearing age receive free vaccinations. Nutrition is an essential ingredient of good health. A proper diet is especially difficult in poor communities where many restrictive food taboos and superstitions during pregnancy and weaning exist. In Madagascar, one of the world's poorest countries, malnutrition is common. Clean drinking water and basic sanitation aren't adequate.
Few women can plan their families or ensure their children's survival.
More than 160 children out of 1,000 die before their fifth birthday. Adult life expectancy is 54 years. Malaria, parasitic worms, diarrhea, respiratory infections and sexually transmitted diseases are pervasive. AIDS, plague and tuberculosis are an increasing threat. Although leprosy is still a problem, many cases are caught early enough to be treated.