Global Refugee Fund

Since January, IsraAID Malawi has supported over 7,000 refugees fleeing political violence in Mozambique amid a growing humanitarian crisis. Faced with critical challenges, including limited access to healthcare and poor sanitation,IsraAIDis providing urgent support and strengthening the foundation for long-term resilience for displaced families 

Initially,IsraAIDdistributed vital WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) supplies to over 100 households at the Mnembe CBCCevacuation site, including 206 handwashing and water storage buckets and 824 bars of soap. As refugees relocated from temporary evacuation sites to the Nyamithuthu and Tengani Camps in the Nsanje District, IsraAID Malawi partnered with the Nsanje District Hospital to facilitate a mobile clinic. Together, wehave delivered healthcare services directly to over 200 Mozambican refugees. To further strengthen public health measures, IsraAIDdesigned and posted illustrated hygiene instructions throughout the camps. 

Recognizing that community leadership is key to long-term impact, IsraAID trained health promoters from across all sectors of the camp. These dedicated leaders now spearhead door-to-door awareness campaigns, mobilizing volunteers to educate their communities about sanitation and disease prevention. 

Among them is C, a 60-year-old asylum seeker from Mozambique now living in Nyamithuthu Camp. Despite the hardships of displacement, C has found renewed purpose in serving her community. 

Trained by IsraAID, Chelps coordinate water collection schedules, supervise latrine and bathroom cleaning, and monitor overall sanitation. Her responsibilities also include community education in areas such as family planning, Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response, WASH, and nutrition, as well as developing communication skills to effectively engage fellow camp residents. 

“It makes me happy that I am serving my community, ensuring every household has a clean surrounding and access to safe and hygienic latrines. In doing so, we are helping to prevent diseases like cholera,” she explained. “Unlike before, we can now share health and sanitation knowledge and communicate effectively with our community.”