The current state of affairs in Mozambique is alarming. The country is dealing with surging cases of coronavirus, extremist attacks, and Cyclone Eloise. Because of the looming danger, health professionals in the country have started fleeing. Already 700 health workers have left the country. If that goes on for the next couple of days, the country’s health system will be crippled.
Coronavirus Pandemic
As of now, coronavirus cases in Mozambique stand at 52629. A total of 32857 people have recovered from the virus, while 561 died. Mozambique was among the last states to report the virus. Howey, as at on it, is sailing in the same boat as those topping the list. The delay in covid vaccines continues to alter plans to curb the virus as new cases continue to emerge daily.
Following the increasing cases, Health workers in the country live in fear of contracting the virus. The scarcity of PPEs for the medical officers in Mozambique and the continent has been a significant concern. Proper protective clothing is mandatory when it comes to preventing the highly contagious virus.
The Cyclone Eloise
Cyclone Eloise is the fourth cyclone to occur in Mozambique. It devastated residents leaving many homeless. Occasionally, cyclones are accompanied by strong winds and heavy downpours, and it was not any different with Eloise. The storm destroyed and damaged farmland, infrastructure, and multiple homes. Some families have not recovered since cyclone Idai struck; thus, Eloise made it worse for them.
According to Mozambique’s Government, about 250000 people, including children in central Mozambique, are likely to need humanitarian assistance. More so from the impacted areas, the children are in danger of contracting waterborne diseases like diarrhea. And with that, hospitals are likely to be overcrowded, making it difficult for health workers to function. Overcrowding also promotes high chances for the virus to spread.
Militia Attacks
Islamist attacks in Mozambique’s remote areas have seen an escalation, rendering the region unsafe. The Shadowy jihadists, the infamous militia group in the area, have tremendously impacted residents living in the region. These attacks have contributed to many health facilities being closed down in Cabo Delgado districts.
According to NGOs, 71%, i.e., 39 out of 51 health facilities in the country, are non-operational. And the main reason is extremist attacks. These rebels have burnt, vandalized, and destroyed the health facilities.
“They have been vandalized, they have been burned, or they have been simply destroyed,” said ICRC health delegate Emilio Mashant.
The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Peter Maurer, plans to meet up with those in need of the ICRC’s programs. He stated that Mozambique’s people dealt with triple humanitarian crises with persistent threats due to climate change, an upsurge of violence, corona, and cholera. Mr. Maurer affirmed that they would remain on the side of Mozambique amid the challenging times.
The ICRC is doing its best to assist the victims of armed conflicts. However, such communities are prone to contracting the virus. ICRC is currently rehabilitating over 175400 patients in Pemba.
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