Since the beginning of the Mpox epidemic in December 2025, sex workers in Antananarivo are being educated about prevention strategies as they are particularly at risk.
Since the outbreak of Mpox began in Madagascar in mid-December 2025, over 850 cases have been reported, prompting urgent public health measures. This weekend, the public health ministry announced that 209 patients have recovered without any associated fatalities. Targeted awareness campaigns have started in the country's major cities, focusing primarily on vulnerable populations, with sex workers being a key group due to their heightened risk of contracting and transmitting the virus.
In the streets of Antananarivo, sex workers are taking time out of their routine to engage with peer educators from the Samaritan Women's Association, who provide essential information about Mpox and its prevention. The outreach initiative underscores the importance of educating vulnerable communities, which are often overlooked in broader public health strategies. Through these dialog sessions, the initiative aims to empower sex workers by equipping them with knowledge about safe practices and health resources.
The implications of these awareness campaigns are significant in the context of Madagascar’s healthcare landscape, where access to reliable health information can mean the difference between life and death. By proactively educating sex workers about Mpox, health officials hope to reduce transmission rates and protect both the workers themselves and the wider community. This strategic focus represents a growing recognition of the need to address the vulnerabilities faced by marginalized groups during health crises.
