Recently I had the amazing opportunity to meet Sonia Sukdeo, Education Specialist and Gender Focal Point with UNICEF Madagascar, who was visiting the U.S. Fund for UNICEF offices in New York. During a staff discussion, Sonia shared with us information about Madagascar and what UNICEF is doing there to ensure that all children have an opportunity at a healthy and productive life. For many of us who are fortunate enough to live in a developed country, Madagascar may be an afterthought or a tourist destination, but the political, social and economic issues of the Madagascan people are very real—especially for young girls.

Budgetary shortfalls have squeezed the Madagascar government, endangering the measles immunization drive. Learn how you can help make sure Madagascar’s children receive preventative health care.

The vaccine for measles has been available for 40 years, but for children who don’t get it, measles is a swift, contagious, deadly disease. It spreads quickly, weakening children’s immune systems so that a simple cold becomes a life-threatening situation.

Tyler Lewis has been interning in the U.S. Fund’s PR and Creative Services departments. This is her last Fieldnotes post–we are sad to see her go!

When you think of major global causes for humanitarian aid over the past few years, you probably think of well-publicized emergencies like the earthquake in Haiti, the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, and the conflict in Darfur. We know that there are people in the world who suffer from famine, poverty and disease, but naming specific instances of their suffering can sometimes prove to be a challenge.

Last week we were celebrating the drop in child mortality to 24,000 a day. For me, this photo captures one aspect of what we were so happy about, and what we continue working for: two kids, alive and happy, in school and energized by their education:

© UNICEF/NYHQ2009-1243/Pirozzi

These boys are in a pre-school class at a public primary school in Madagascar. It’s one 360 schools that offers public pre-school classes. The Government, with assistance from UNICEF, is introducing early childhood development programs in schools throughout the country.

On a Monday morning, this smile is going to keep me believing in zero.

Cyclone Ivan pummeled the island nation of Madagascar last month, leaving a vast trail of mangled roads and bridges, smashed homes and schools and ruined crops.

Several news agencies, including the AP, Reuters and Voice of America, reported on the storm, its initial aftermath and the response of UNICEF and others. Commendably, the BBC ran a fairly in-depth story several weeks after the storm. Stories appeared in American newspapers mostly as briefs.