In Malawi, the tropical storm Ana caused important floods end of January 2022. In Makhanga peninsula, on the eastern bank of the Shire in Nsanje district, where around 16,000 people are living, the health center and health post located were flooded and had to close completely from 25th of January. This had an impact on patients’ access to care, especially for HIV+ patients, pregnant women, nutrition follow-up etc.
As a response, MSF supported the MOH to help reopen the health center three days a week pending the District council decision to fully resume health services in Makhanga at the end of the rainy season. MSF provided a logistic support thanks to a WFP lent boat and ferried health staff as well as drugs and medical goods. Incentives were also given to MOH staff.
Mid-march, a first case of cholera appeared in the Nsanje district, as a result of the floods. MSF responded to the emergency by supporting the training of MOH community health workers, setting in place health promotion, disinfection of water points, setting up a treatment center and taking care of the infected patients. The team will also participate in the vaccination of the population along with MOH and WHO.