Humanitarian Response to Cyclone Freddy – UNICEF 2023

April 2023 - Tropical Cyclone Freddy made landfall in southern Africa in February and March bringing heavy rains flooding and landslides to Mozambique and Malawi. Altogether it is estimated that more than 3.3 million people in these countries had been affected by Freddy including more than 700 dead and nearly 850 000 displaced from their homes. The risk of water-borne disease is a key concern given the flooding and ongoing cholera outbreaks. With GAC’s support UNICEF addresses the water sanitation and hygiene health and nutrition and protection needs of cyclone-affected people in both Mozambique and Malawi. Project activities include: (1) restoring damaged water and sanitation facilities and distributing essential hygiene supplies; (2) providing access to emergency healthcare services and medical supplies; (3) screening for and treating acute malnutrition; and (4) providing protection services and psychosocial support for at-risk children.

The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) improved access to safe water and sanitation; (2) improved access to emergency health care; (3) reduced rates of acute malnutrition; and (4) improved access to protection services for vulnerable children amongst cyclone-affected populations in Malawi and Mozambique. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.