Macron's visit to Réunion: Addressing chikungunya outbreak and cyclone Garance damage
In a five-day tour of the Indian Ocean region, French President Emmanuel Macron visited Réunion on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, to assess the damage caused by Cyclone Garance and address the ongoing chikungunya outbreak. The outbreak has resulted in seven deaths since the beginning of the year, with a recent fatality confirmed at the Saint-Pierre hospital. Macron discussed the 40,000 doses of the newly approved Ixchiq vaccine, highlighting that France is the first country to secure such a large supply of the vaccine. These doses are currently being administered in a vaccination campaign targeting individuals over 65 with pre-existing health conditions.
Macron also stressed the importance of protective measures, particularly for pregnant women, as the epidemic continues to spread, with nearly 100,000 people in Réunion potentially infected. The number of cases is still lower than the 2005-2006 outbreak, which saw over 260,000 infections and more than 250 deaths. Despite this, local healthcare systems are under significant strain, with the island's hospital chief, Lionel Calenge, requesting additional medical reinforcements to cope with the surge in chikungunya patients.
In addition to the health crisis, Réunion faces severe economic damage from Cyclone Garance, which struck on February 28, 2025, causing an estimated 250 million euros in losses, particularly in the agricultural sector. Macron announced a new emergency aid program for farmers, with a special focus on cane sugar producers, who have been heavily impacted by both the cyclone and ongoing drought conditions. Emergency military reinforcements have also been mobilized to support recovery efforts.
Finally, Macron reaffirmed the strategic role of Réunion in the Indo-Pacific region, as France continues to strengthen its military and diplomatic presence there. He highlighted the upcoming Indian Ocean Commission summit in Madagascar, where food sovereignty will be a key topic of discussion.
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