Lilongwe- Malawi    Nearly half a million women and girls are in need of sexual and reproductive health services following recent floods in Malawi that have affected 14 out of the 28 districts.

Malawi started to experience flooding during early this year and persistent heavy rains have left close to one million people affected and 56 people dead.

President Prof. Arthur Peter Mutharika, on 8th March, declared a State of Disaster in areas affected by the heavy rains and floods in the country. He called for both local and international organizations to join the Government in providing relief.

The ongoing joint UN assessment is expected reveal the scale of damage and required needs for the population affected. Reports indicate that health facilities have been damaged including roads making access to health services halted.

In response, UNFPA Malawi has prepositioned RH kits and other supplies to support the women and girls affected by the floods.

Under the guidance of the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Maria Jose Torres, UNFPA, alongside other UN agencies, is working with the Malawi Government, through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA) to support a rapid needs assessment and reach those most in need with life-saving rescue and relief assistance.

“We are saddened that thousands of people have been affected by the floods and express our solidarity with the Government of Malawi and the victims of the floods,” said Torres in a recent UN statement. “The UN is closely working with DoDMA, NGOs and development partners to support an efficient and effective humanitarian response.” She said

We are saddened that thousands of people have been affected by the floods and express our solidarity with the Government of Malawi and the victims of the floods,” said Torres in a recent UN statement

With Tropical Cyclone Idai fast approaching Malawi over the next days, more heavy rains and strong winds are expected, raising the likelihood of additional flooding. According to the Department of Climate Change and Meteorological Services, Tropical Cyclone Idai is expected to bring heavy rainfall and strong winds which could likely affect the more southern parts of Malawi and increase the scale of the floods.

-Henry Chimbali-