Madagascar!

The Africa Mercy's anticipated arrival into Madagascar is by the end of October, and the vessel with have a shortened seven-month field service. 

Madagascar is located off the coast of East Africa. More than 43% of its population of 22.6 million is under the age of 20, and the nation is positioned at 151 out of 187 countries and territories in the Human Development Index.  A protracted political crisis in recent years has endangered the nation’s ability to meet a number of millennium development goals and has taken a heavy toll on Madagascar’s economy and people, especially the most vulnerable. More than 92 percent of Madagascar’s population lives on less than $2.50 a day. 

This island nation was last served by the Anastasis in 1996, and has since experienced great civil unrest, leaving an already challenged popoluation in immense need.