ACI INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECTS 2025-2027

the WELCOME project

Madagascar

The WELCOME project – Welcoming Every Life: Care for Obstetrics, Mothers and Early childhood is a project from that Change ETS in Madagascar.

Change Ets is an Italian NGO with more than 20 years of experience in medical, nutrition, and WASH projects in Madagascar. Founded in Milan by professionals in the medical and international relations fields, the organization opened its first dispensary in 2005 on the island of Sakatia, which previously had no health services. The facility included a delivery room, dental room, and basic medical equipment, and a nurse provided essential care.

Over time, Change ETS expanded its work in the Itasy region, culminating in the opening of the Saint Paul Medical and Surgical Centre in Ampefy in 2014. The center now serves as their headquarters and the main healthcare reference point for the region.

The organization launched a nutrition program in 2016 with NutriAid to combat widespread child malnutrition. In 2017, it acquired land to cultivate nutrient-rich Moringa Oleifera, used to produce fortified flour distributed to children and pregnant women. Local workers manage the plantation under the guidance of an Italian agronomist.

In 2023, facilities were expanded with new inpatient rooms, a rehabilitation gym for children with disabilities, a laundry, and storage areas. Collaboration with the University of Valencia enabled epidemiological research to improve the long-term impact of nutrition interventions, shifting from treatment to prevention.

Since January 2024, Change ETS has also been running a free school canteen at Saint Thérèse Elementary School in Ampefy, providing daily meals to around 300 children.

The organization with the help of Agora International in the WELCOME project wants to support new initiatives for the Malagasy population.