Support for the South-East region needs to be stepped up in the fight against malnutrition. Chronic and severe malnutrition increased after the passage of cyclones Batsiray and Emnati, said the region's governor, Dr. Mahafaky Justin. The rate of chronic malnutrition among children under 5 was 48.5% before the cyclones hit. It increased by around 50% after the cyclones, he explained...

It's slow, but it cuts the link that causes chronic malnutrition, so the region needs support to overcome it, said the governor of the Southeast region, Dr. Mahafaky Justin.

During the lean season, the most severe chronic malnutrition occurs in the South-East region. We need to strengthen the education of rural populations in food preparation," said Governor Dr. Mahafaky Justin.

The Office National de Nutrition or ONN implements the Politique Nationale de Nutrition or PNN in the South-East Region through the Office Régional de Nutrition or ORN. It also implements the national action plan for food security (PNAMN).

The ONN coordinates many aspects of the fight against malnutrition. These include health, education, food production through agriculture, livestock and fisheries, access to drinking water, hygiene and sanitation, and social protection, said Mr. Andrianjafinarivo. Zonandrianina is in charge of basic food security programs at ORN Atsimo-Atsinanana.