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Israel sends emergency aid to plague-ridden Madagascar

Israel has sent a humanitarian aid package to disease-stricken Madagascar. 

By: World Israel News Staff

Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Magen David Adom in South Africa have put together an emergency aid package to help Madagascar contend with a devastating outbreak of the “Black Death Plague,” the African News Agency reported Tuesday.

“We expect all packages to be delivered to the International Red Cross in Madagascar in the next few days,” Deputy Israeli Ambassador to South Africa, Ayallet Black, told ANA.

“The delivery of different medical equipment such as gloves to carry out medical procedures is being coordinated between Israel’s Honourary Consul in Madagascar, Benjamin Memmi, and Madagascar’s bureau for natural disasters,” added Ayallet.

Authorities in Madagascar say the death toll from the plague outbreak has reached at least 124 people.

Worst Outbreak in 50 Years

The plague epidemic sweeping across the island, situated off the eastern African coast, has reached a crisis point after it was reported to have spread by 37 percent in just five days. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that this outbreak was the worst in 50 years as suspected cases leapt to 1,192, up from 1,309 last week. More than two-thirds of cases are of the more virulent pneumonic form.

Plague outbreaks are common in Madagascar. This year’s epidemic is unusual, however, because it has reached the nation’s two largest cities, Antananarivo and Toamasina.

“Israel has a longstanding tradition of offering humanitarian assistance and coordinating relief to alleviate disease, hunger and poverty. We have experience in helping countries going through natural and man-made disasters and will always provide assistance to help those in need,” Israel’s Foreign Ministry stated.