Preparedness Pays off in Mozambique’s Cyclone Responses

Aerial view of distruction and flooding in Sofala Province, Mozambique, from Cyclone Idai. Photo: Daniel Singer

In early 2019, Mozambique’s coastline was hit by not one, but two, tropical cyclones. This was the first time in recorded history that two strong tropical cyclones hit the country in the same season. The extent of the destruction and impact took days and even months to fully understand. Strong public health institutions and longstanding partnerships helped to reduce the negative health impacts across the affected areas.

Cholera outbreak investigation and alert monitoring training in Cabo Delgado Province. Photo: Erika Rosetto

On March 14 and 15, Cyclone Idai struck central Mozambique, leaving a trail of destruction and flooding. Mozambique’s National Institute of Health (INS) was tapped by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to coordinate all surveillance and outbreak response activities. Within 48 hours, a rapid response team arrived on scene to assess the situation and prepare for disease outbreaks. INS promptly established an emergency surveillance system, including laboratory diagnosis. This provided critical information to guide the response and control a massive cholera outbreak in four districts. Early detection of the cholera outbreak and previous experience with cholera immunization were critical for INS to start a rapid response and vaccinate close to a million people within three weeks of the cyclone landing.

Only six weeks later on April 25, Cyclone Kenneth, the strongest cyclone to ever hit the African continent, struck northern Mozambique. Already stretched thin from the ongoing Cyclone Idai response, Mozambique began another emergency response. INS professionals arrived within days to establish a similar emergency surveillance system. A few days later, INS confirmed a cholera outbreak in three affected districts and began a rapid response.

“Managing two concurrent responses was an extremely challenging task, and INS’s leadership is a key reason why the health impacts were not more severe. Working with the MOH, INS leveraged its own experts and support from partners to mount a coordinated response,” said CDC Mozambique country director Dr. Alfredo Vergara.