Mpox virus was detected in Madagascar in December 2025. The city of Mahajanga was subsequently declared the main epicenter of the disease. The IOM mission chief, in light blue on the left, during the presentation of the first data at the Baobab Tree Hotel.
As part of a project funded by the Pandemic Fund, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), implemented with the support of IOM Madagascar and Comoros, data on human mobility related to health began to be collected at entry points.
The first data on health-related mobility was officially presented last Tuesday at the Baobab Tree Hotel La Corniche in Mahajanga by the IOM mission chief for Madagascar and Comoros, Roger-Charles Evina.
This data was collected over three months, from March 2 to June 1, through the Flow Monitoring Point (FMP), as part of the Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM). The Boeny region constitutes an important area for population movement. The register established during the FMP/DTM collection period recorded 34,546 people.
"The IOM collects mobility data as part of a health project. The series of activities are conducted within the framework of the Pandemic Fund-financed project, using a One Health approach. The data helps better understand mobility dynamics that may facilitate the spread of certain diseases and epidemics, such as Mpox and HIV/AIDS. In the context of the Mpox response, FMP/DTM data is particularly important for strengthening national health security. Better understanding mobility means better knowing where to concentrate prevention efforts. But data alone is not enough; it must translate into action," said the IOM mission chief in Madagascar.
Reinforced Actions
The collected data allows for better characterization of traveler flows recorded at the main entry points in the region, particularly Mahajanga's international port, Quai Orange, Philibert Tsiranana Airport in Amborovy, and Aranta national bus station. Actions will be further reinforced at these entry points. Prevention efforts will be conducted. The data presentation will be combined with concrete actions to anticipate health risks, prepare interventions, and strengthen emergency response, particularly in the region, a major focus of Mpox. A vaccination and awareness campaign against Mpox at targeted entry points is being organized, as well as HIV/AIDS screening tests since Wednesday in Mahajanga. The capacities of community surveillance agents at border level are also being strengthened," added Dr. Rivomalala Rakotonavalona, representative of the Boeny regional public health directorate.
The IOM supports the government in its efforts to prevent and respond to health threats, particularly through the use of mobility data, strengthening surveillance at entry points, and implementing targeted health interventions.
Vero Andrianarisoa