Meet Rodrigue: the surgeon changing lives in Madagascar

Rodrigue’s full name is Randrianantenaina Jean Rodrigue. He is 31 years old and works as a surgeon at the local primary health centre in Bevaho, Madagascar. Single and without children, he joined the Tanan-kavana ho an’ny Fahasalamana (TKF) project in June 2025 – marking his first experience working with Medair.

Every day, Rodrigue supports patients facing severe economic hardship and limited access to healthcare. Before the TKF project, many families were unable to afford treatment costs or transfers to referral hospitals.

“At the health centre, we can only manage children with moderate acute malnutrition. For more severe cases or surgical interventions, families often did not have the means to pay for transport.”

Through Medair’s support, access to healthcare has significantly improved. The project provides free care for children under five, pregnant and breastfeeding women, persons with disabilities, and survivors of gender-based violence. It also covers referral and transfer costs for patients requiring higher-level care, including surgical interventions in Vangaindrano or Midongy.

“When a woman needs surgery, or when a child must be referred to the intensive nutritional recovery centre (CRENI), Medair covers the transfer costs. This support truly changes lives.”

Rodrigue witnesses daily how this support eases the burden on families and improves trust in health services.

“The project truly responds to the population’s needs. Beneficiaries are relieved to receive free care, and often express their gratitude to Medair.”

For Rodrigue, this work reflects the commitment that led him to choose a career in healthcare.

“This is a profession we chose as a challenge from our student years: to care for the population. When people are healthy, we as healthcare workers feel a deep sense of fulfilment.”

About the TKF project:
The “Tanan-kavana ho an’ny Fahasalamana” (TKF) project reduces morbidity and excess mortality among vulnerable populations living in remote rural areas of southeastern Madagascar. Implemented by Medair in Bevaho, Mahatsinjo, Anandravy, Antokonala, and Ivato, it provides free healthcare, especially for mothers and children. The project is co-funded by the European Union and runs from May 2025 to April 2026 (HIP25).

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This content was produced with resources gathered by Medair field and headquarters staff. The views expressed herein are those solely of Medair and should not be taken, in any way, to reflect the official opinion of any other organisation.

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