Africa

Madagascar

• Lutte contre le SIDA et le cancer du col utérin à Madagascar
• Développement des ressources humaines et stratégies d'intervention en matière de MST-SIDA
• La santé animale pour la santé populationnelle

Développement des ressources humaines et stratégies d'intervention en matière de MST-SIDA

Project purpose: The objective of the project was to reduce the rate of sexually transmitted diseases (STD/AIDS) in Madagascar and their medical and socio-economic effects on the population.

Key results to date: Eight doctors were trained in microbiology, infectious diseases, public health and biological sciences; 30 paramedics received STD/AIDS training; a medical biology laboratory has been set up and staff have been trained to carry out diagnostics, teach and conduct research; the curriculum of the faculty of medicine at the University of Antananarivo has been modified; and the awareness of groups at risk, including pregnant women, prostitutes, women of child-bearing age, soldiers and blood donors, has been raised in the course of evaluative research. Awareness also increased among thousands of patients from different regions of Madagascar who came to the laboratory for biological testing.

La santé animale pour la santé populationnelle

Project purpose: The project aims to strengthen the capacity of l'Université d'Antananarivo to offer regular and continued training programs in veterinary medicine adapted to the needs of the farmers. The collaboration between veterinarians and farmers will lead to an increase in the availability of animal-based nutritional proteins and, as a consequence, will ensure greater stability in food supplies.

Key results to date: At the end of the first year, three students from Madagascar were selected and will undertake a Master's program in veterinary sciences at l'Université de Montréal in September 2008. Their research topics include clinical pharmacology, poultry health and pathology. The rural clinics where students will work have been identified. Discussions regarding action-research protocol relating to the health of farmers' livestock in the project target zones are nearly finalized.

Lutte contre le SIDA et le cancer du col utérin à Madagascar

Project purpose: The objectives of this project are to contribute to the early and rapid detection of cervical cancer and to conduct an epidemiological study of AIDS in target districts in the Fianarantsoa province. The project also involves strengthening the capacity of district hospitals and non-governmental agencies in the region to fight sexually-transmitted infections and cervical cancer.

Key results to date: One faculty member from the Université de Fianarantsoa has received training in molecular biology and medical techniques at Laurentian University. Equipment has been procured for the molecular biology laboratory at the university hospital centre in Fianarantsoa. A questionnaire and consent form for diagnostic testing of women participating in the project has been prepared and will be used following discussions with the six local communities where the project will operate. A brochure about cervical cancer has also been prepared in the local language. Six workshops and meetings have been held with community representatives, local authorities, village heads, health care workers, doctors, midwives and traditional health practioners in each local community. Two students have started their master of molecular biology degree at Laurentian University in September 2008.