Wildlife Madagascar recently had the privilege of joining Arnaud Harisaina from the Lemur Conservation Foundation to observe its long-standing partnership with Marie Stopes Madagascar. For eight years, Arnaud has helped coordinate this important health program, bringing voluntary family planning information and services to rural communities surrounding Marojejy National Park and Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve (ASSR).
During the day-long clinic, three outstanding Marie Stopes nurses provided community members with an excellent overview of the family planning options available to them, answered questions, and offered compassionate, respectful care. Wildlife Madagascar was incredibly impressed by their professionalism and the trust they have built within the community.
Programs like this demonstrate how conservation and community well-being go hand in hand. When women and families have access to healthcare and the ability to make informed choices about their futures, both people and the landscapes they depend upon can thrive.
Many thanks to Arnaud, the Lemur Conservation Foundation, and Marie Stopes Madagascar for their incredible hospitality and for allowing Wildlife Madagascar to learn from this inspiring program. Wildlife Madagascar looks forward to exploring how it can help bring these vital services to additional communities surrounding Anjanaharibe-Sud Special Reserve.