In the peaceful city of Antananarivo, nestled in the heart of the magnificent island of Madagascar, a veil of mystery is gradually spreading. The image of the majestic Queen’s Palace, once lit by the rising sun, is now barely visible through thick smoke. At the end of 2024, pollution is invading the streets and neighborhoods, creating a climate of concern and worry among residents.
Alarming statistics reveal a rate of fine particles in the air ten times higher than the standards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). This air pollution, caused largely by the increase in bushfires and the scarcity of rain, poses a threat to the health of the Tananarivian population. The harmful effects of these fine particles on health are multiple, likely to trigger respiratory problems in individuals, even the most robust.
Pulmonologist Michel Harison Tiarey highlights the impact of this pollution on the health of Tananarivians, particularly those suffering from pre-existing lung diseases. However, he warns of the long-term consequences of chronic exposure to these particles, which can lead to serious pathologies, or even genetic mutations that cause cancer.
The situation is all the more worrying since the majority of Antananarivo’s inhabitants have informal employment, making it difficult to apply the recommended containment measures in the event of a pollution peak. In addition, the inaccessibility of quality protective masks, such as FFP2 masks, due to their prohibitive cost compared to the average daily income of Malagasy workers, constitutes a major obstacle to protecting against the harmful effects of pollution.
Faced with this environmental and health crisis, it is urgent that local authorities put in place effective measures to limit the spread of air pollution and protect the health of Antananarivo’s inhabitants. Awareness-raising, regulation of polluting activities and easy access to suitable protective equipment are all levers to be used to preserve air quality and the health of the local population.
In this city steeped in tradition and culture, the veil of pollution that today obscures the urban landscape should be a powerful reminder of the urgency of preserving the environment and the health of future generations. Hope remains that, thanks to concerted efforts and concrete actions, Antananarivo will soon regain its purity and serenity, like the magnificent island on which it flourishes.