Cyclone Response

In the aftermath of Cyclones Idai (2019) and Eloise (2021) in Mozambique and Seroja in Timor-Leste (2021) Health Alliance International engaged its decades-long relationship with Mozambique and Timor-Leste’s Ministries of Health to provide immediate support and raise resources directed at long-term health system recovery and resilience in Central Mozambique. 

Cyclone Idai hit Beira City on March 14th 2019 with 100+ mph winds, causing substantial damage to ~80% of infrastructure in the city and 94 health facilities across the most affected provinces of Mozambique.  HAI has called Beira and Central Mozambique home for more than 30 years.  In that time, we have built enduring and deep relationships with National Health Service staff and leadership in the two provinces hit hardest by Cyclone Idai, Manica & Sofala. The National Health Service immediately approached HAI for support in the relief effort and we responded to the call.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, HAI was able to build relationships and collect resources to respond directly to the priorities of the provincial health system.  Recovery activities included identification, import and distribution of $3.5 million worth of priority medical supplies, equipment, and medicines; rehabilitation of three damaged health facilities; support for health system engagement in cholera and vaccination rapid-response campaigns; and regional epidemiologic capacity building and preparation for future weather and disease events under Project SPEED.

In 2021, Cyclone Eloise (Mozambique) and Cyclone Seroja (Timor-Leste) displaced tens of thousands of Mozambicans and Timorese, damaged health facilities, and compounded the challenges of COVID-19 prevention in both countries.  HAI contributed support to both countries’ health systems, providing resources and ongoing COVID-19 preventions support. 

HAI-LIGHTS

The HAI model relies on listening to and responding to the priorities of the national health systems where we work. In a crisis situation, this need is particularly strong given that multiple actors are often engaged in a complex relief effort.

In May 2019, Mozambique’s Minister of Health explicitly recognized HAI’s cyclone response activities as a model for other iNGOs to follow, based on our close collaboration with the Sofala Provincial Health System.

Want to dig a little deeper?

News/Media

Cyclone Eloise Overview and HAI Case for Support HAI Media, 2021
Powerful Cyclone Hits During COVID-19 Surge in Mozambique Direct Relief, 2021
Letter from HAI Executive Director & HAI-Mozambique Country Director on Cyclone Eloise HAI Media, 2021
Cyclone Idai Destroyed Their Hospital. These Two Doctors Never Stopped Treating Patients. Direct Relief, 2019
First Two Grants Awarded from the CDP Global Recovery Fund Center for Disaster Philanthropy, 2019
HAI’s Cyclone Idai Response: Keeping things moving HAI Media, 2019
After Cyclones Idai and Kenneth, Recovery in Mozambique Continues Direct Relief, 2019
HAI’s Cyclone Idai Response: Health system infrastructure rebuild HAI Media, 2019
Cyclone Kenneth – what back-to-back cyclones tell us about where response resources should be focused HAI Media, 2019
Cyclone Kenneth sweeps through Mozambique – Photos Club of Mozambique, 2019
Cyclone Kenneth Sweeps Through Mozambique Direct Relief, 2019
Mozambique faces another severe tropical storm All Net Africa, 2019
HAI’s Cyclone Idai Response: High-priority medicines where they’re needed most HAI Media, 2019
With Cholera, Cyclone Idai Deals Another Blow Direct Relief, 2019
Needed Medications Arrive in Mozambique Direct Relief, 2019
More than two million people have been affected by Cyclone Idai 350.org, 2019
Southern Africa/Global: Cyclone Idai and Climate Justice AfricaFocus Bulletin, 2019
Cyclone Idai wreaks havoc in southern Africa 94.1 KPFA UpFront [Radio], 2019
Cyclone Idai: Take Action Now to Support Relief Efforts HAI Media, 2019

Funding

In addition to substantial financial contributions from HAI’s network of supporters, HAI also received grant funding for the following projects related to our cyclone response efforts:

[2021-2021] Operational support grant – Cyclone Eloise & COVID response

This project received funding support from Direct Relief.

[2019-2020] Strengthening Provincial Epidemiological Expertise for Disaster Relief (Project SPEED).

This project received funding support from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy’s Global Recovery Fund.

[2019-2019] Health facility rehabilitation and resiliency initiative.

This project received funding support from Direct Relief.

 

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Our Mission

Our mission is to promote policies and support programs that strengthen government primary health care and foster social, economic, and health equity for all. Our vision is a just world that promotes health and well-being, including universal access to quality health care.

Our History

Health Alliance International began in 1987 as a US-based international solidarity organization committed to supporting the public sector provision of health care for all.  Over 35 years, HAI conducted programs in 17 countries, with flagship programs in Mozambique, Côte d'Ivoire, and Timor-Leste.

Our Evolution

In line with HAI’s commitment to support and strengthen local public health leadership, as of October 2021, HAI fully transitioned global operations and active programs to locally-based, locally-led NGOs. Learn more about this shift toward local autonomy and equity in global health.

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