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Interview with Rina RAKOTONAIVO, PluriElles Project Manager

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Rakotonaivo Rina, I’m 33 and I trained as an agricultural engineer. For a number of years now, I’ve been working in the humanitarian field, with a desire to put my skills at the service of the most vulnerable people, with a view to improving their living conditions, particularly in terms of subsistence and health. My experiences have led me to work in the fields of mental health, psychosocial support and, more recently, community health.

I’m originally from Tanna and I’m currently head of the Plurielles project, a position I took up in September 2024.

What are your main day-to-day responsibilities?

I manage the Plurielles project, which involves planning, coordinating and harmonizing activities to ensure they are carried out properly. The project aims to combat the pandemics of HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria and cervical cancer, while strengthening sexual and reproductive health (SRHR) in rural areas, through an integrated, gender-sensitive approach.

I work closely with our team in the field, particularly in Anbanja, one of the intervention areas, and coordinate efforts with our partner network Mad’Aids, to monitor activities in the field. The project is deployed in the Diana and Analamanga regions, and strives to promote access to local healthcare in rural areas.

Our activities include supporting the installation of 12 new midwives in community birthing centers in the Diana region, as well as strengthening the skills of 25 midwives (new recruits and those already working in the Analamanga region). This involves training, technical support and improving their links with the community.

We also provide training on pandemics, and, to guarantee continuity of care, we strengthen the capacities of referral structures, raise community awareness, and support the efforts of Mad’Aids. This partner provides psychosocial support for people living with HIV.

Can you share with us a moment that has stood out for you since your arrival at Santé Sud?

What has impressed me is the excellent dynamic within the Santé Sud Madagascar team and the relationship with the head office team. Before, I wasn’t used to communicating directly with head office, but this has proved very useful in moving our activities forward, because if we run into any difficulties, we can quickly find solutions.

The atmosphere within the team is also very positive: everyone is open and welcoming, which made my integration much easier.

We recently visited a community birthing center. I was impressed by the structure’s impact on the community and its contribution to improving health care. For this type of project to work, community involvement is crucial. Santé Sud verifies community involvement upstream, but it also requires the willingness of local players and authorities to support these initiatives.

If you had to describe Santé Sud in three words?

Santé Sud is a highly committed NGO with close-knit teams working to improve health.