Belfort Village

Belfort Village in Mahevadoany is a so-called leprosy village, located six kilometres outside the town of Antalaha along the road direction Sambava. The village is home to lepers as well as former lepers and their families. Belfort Village is supported by the NGO CALA (Comité d'Aide aux Lépreux d'Antalaha).

As in many other places in the world, leprosy is a feared disease. Also in Madagascar, people suffering from leprosy are often forced to leave their village community. But also after treatment, very often former lepers are not welcome back in their village. In 1988, Marie-Hélène KAM HYO Zschocke founded the non-governmental organisation CALA to help former leprosy patients to socially and professionally reintegrate. Today there are over 100 people living in Belfort village, half of which are children. Belfort village is named in memory of a deceased patient. On the grounds of the village is a school with a canteen and various workshops were villagers can learn profitable activities such as basket and mat weaving, farming or jewellery making. CALA does not only support the villagers financially or technically, CALA also donates drugs, food and clothes when needed.

GPS Coordinates
S 14°51.434'
E050°15.600'
18m elevation

Additional Information
CALA - Comité d'Aide aux Lépreux d'Antalaha or Leprosy Relief Committee of Antalaha