Lift up cyclone-devastated families in Mozambique

As the new year approaches,you may find yourselves filled with hope, wishing for the coming year to be a good one.

In rural areas and conflict-affected areas of Mozambique, located in southern Africa, the phrase “a good year” carries particular weight. Amid cyclones that strike almost annually and the ongoing presence of armed groups, people flee with only the clothes on their backs, struggle to regain their normal lives. For them, a “good year” might simply mean regaining that sense of normalcy. We at Peace Winds are working on the ground to connect people's hopes and lives.

We currently focus on three themes: safe water, sanitation, and health. These three are closely interlinked; the absence of any one can endanger health and life. Particularly in regions like Mozambique, where living conditions are drastically altered by disasters and conflict, how quickly these three can be restored is key to protecting people's safety.

Water – While Japanese households use about 250 liters of water daily, rural Mozambique often sees less than 50 liters even under normal conditions. Using contaminated water can spread life-threatening diseases like diarrheal illnesses and cholera. Water is essential for people to protect their health.

Sanitation – Even with access to safe water, the risk of infectious diseases increases in unsanitary environments. For example, a lack of latrines can lead to exposed waste, and without handwashing habits, various bacteria can contaminate food and skin, heightening the risk of disease outbreaks. Establishing and maintaining clean environments further enhances water safety and is a crucial step in protecting community health.

Health Education – Even with access to safe water and proper sanitation, it is vital that local communities possess the correct knowledge and can practice and sustain these behaviors. Activities that disseminate information locally – such as proper handwashing habits and their importance, or appropriate waste disposal methods – form the cornerstone of health education and public health.

In regions like Mozambique, struck annually by cyclones, our work can be complete only when we repair damaged water facilities while simultaneously providing water trucks, emergency latrines, and hygiene education. This ensures the community can sustain these practices. These three elements form an interdependent balance; the absence of any one undermines the whole.

This is how we continue our work supporting water, sanitation, and health in Mozambique. Through this work, we cannot help but hope it will be a “better year” not only for the people of Mozambique, but for every region around the world. We invite you to also think of Africa.