M
Nation / PlaceMG
Madagascar
Island nation in Indian Ocean, Africa's leading mpox outbreak.
Last refreshed: 12 May 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Common Questions
- Where is Madagascar located?
- Madagascar is an island nation in the Indian Ocean off southeastern Africa, the world's second-largest island.Source: general knowledge
- What is Madagascar's population?
- Approximately 30 million people, with the capital Antananarivo located at 1,300 metres.Source: UN demographics
- Why is Madagascar significant in the 2026 mpox outbreak?
- Madagascar is the global epicentre of mpox clade I transmission, with over 357 confirmed cases in recent windows.Source: Africa CDC mpox surveillance
- What language is spoken in Madagascar?
- Malagasy is the official language, with French widely spoken due to colonial history.Source: general knowledge
Background
Island nation in the Indian Ocean, population ~30m. Capital: Antananarivo (1,300m elevation). Administratively 22 regions. Leading reporter of mpox clade I in 2026 (357+ cases), making it the global epicentre of the current outbreak.
How the World Sees Them
Uganda Ministry of Health / Diana Atwine
This is an imported case from DRC. The country has not yet confirmed a local case.
Africa CDC / Jean Kaseya
The situation requires speed, scientific rigour and regional solidarity.
WHO / Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
The Director-General will be convening an Emergency Committee, as soon as possible.
World Health Organization
The outbreak is serious but is not the next COVID.