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. 

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