Lovasoa is just 18 months old. We met him during our recent Madagascar Medical Safari (MMS) to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina. He has a serious spinal condition, most likely spina bifida, and our visiting surgeon confirmed that he urgently needs specialist neurosurgery.

His family had no means of reaching the capital, Antananarivo (Tana), where the surgery could be performed. They were considering the long and dangerous journey by taxi-brousse (bush taxi), which would have caused him further harm. Instead, they reached out to us for help.

14th May

We launched an urgent appeal to raise £1,500 to cover the cost of medical treatment and allow Lovasoa’s mother to accompany him to Tana. Thanks to our partners at MAF, a flight was arranged to airlift Lovasoa the 800km from Belo-sur-Tsiribihina to Antananarivo.
The neurosurgeon at HJRA Hospital had already been briefed and was ready to receive him.

12th June

Lovasoa arrived safely in Antananarivo with his mother and aunt, thanks to MAF’s help. He was admitted to the neurosurgery department at HJRA Hospital. He went into the operating theatre early that morning for two major procedures:

1. Surgery for spina bifida
2. Valve replacement to treat hydrocephalus

He will need to remain in Tana for some time to recover. We began seeking temporary accommodation for the family once discharged from hospital, and asked whether Nehemia could host them.

13th June

Lovasoa remains in HJRA Hospital with his mother and aunt. He may need to stay at least another week. The surgical team continues to monitor his condition closely.

17th June

Four days after surgery, Lovasoa initially seemed to be recovering well. However, his mother contacted us with concerns. His blood count had dropped significantly, and he required an emergency blood transfusion.

19th June

We are relieved to report that Lovasoa is stabilising again. His mother calls us daily with updates. We have now confirmed with Nehemia that they will be able to host Lovasoa and his family once he is discharged.

Thanks to the generous support of donors, Lovasoa was airlifted to Tana for life-saving treatment. While he has already undergone a major operation and a transfusion, further medical care may still be required. He remains seriously ill and is not out of danger.

Please continue to keep him and his family in your prayers.

26th June

Lovasoa’s mother shared a positive update today. The pus from his wound has reduced significantly, his appetite is strong, and he no longer has a fever. If his wound heals well, he may be discharged soon.

However, they are struggling financially. They have just 100,000 Ariary left for food and medicine, but their daily expenses are around 200,000 Ariary. We’re aiming to raise an additional 1,500,000 Ariary to support them through this critical period.

27th June

Lovasoa is still in hospital but continuing to improve. Out of respect for privacy and emotion, we haven’t taken photos inside the hospital room, but Antsa from MAF will visit on Monday and share updates.

16th July

Last week, Antsa (Head of Communications at MAF) visited Lovasoa and took photos and videos of his condition.

Although the surgeon initially considered discharging him and arranging for dressing changes every two days, they decided it was too risky. The wound on his back remains open, and he must stay in hospital for daily monitoring.

His mother tells us that the wound is starting to improve, and the doctor has now prescribed growth milk to help speed up tissue regeneration. However, they continue to need funds for:
– Daily wound care supplies (~50,000 Ariary per day)
– Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
– Meals and essential needs

We’re staying in daily contact with Lovasoa’s mother and doing all we can to support them.

21st July

Good news: Lovasoa’s doctor called this morning – he can be discharged later this week! His wound has started to heal, and they will continue dressing changes from home.

Nehemia are ready to welcome Lovasoa and his mother. They’ll cover meals and accommodation, but we will need to cover:
– Nurse visits for wound dressing
– Medical supplies
– Transport to and from hospital

25th July

We’re so pleased to share a positive update on little Lovasoa, written by our colleague Maholy in Madagascar.

Lovasoa’s condition has improved significantly. He has gained weight, and the swelling in his head has reduced — a sign that the valve fitted to drain excess fluid from his hydrocephalus is working effectively. One of the wounds on his spine is beginning to close, and the second is also showing progress. New tissue is starting to grow back, and with continued dressing changes, his doctor is confident it will heal fully.

Lovasoa is expected to be discharged from hospital tomorrow. He and his mother will stay at Nehemia, where he will continue receiving care from a specialist nurse. HoverAid will cover the cost of the nurse’s transport, her time, and the dressings and medication needed for his continued treatment.

We are incredibly thankful to everyone who has supported Lovasoa’s journey so far. Your generosity is giving him the chance to live a healthy, hopeful life.

Maholy also shared a message from Lovasoa’s mother:

“Thank you very much to HoverAid, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thanks to you, Lovasoa has the chance to have a real life like my other children. When he is completely healed, he will be able to walk like all of them. HoverAid gave us real hope and a glimmer of light for Lovasoa. You saved my child. May God bless you.”

She was overwhelmed with emotion and cried as she spoke — filled with gratitude and hope for her son’s future.

This journey has only been possible thanks to the kindness of our supporters, MAF’s incredible partnership, and the resilience of Lovasoa and his family. We continue to stand by them – and hope you will too.

Please keep Lovasoa in your thoughts and prayers as he enters the next stage of his recovery.