Cyclone Freddy: Nchalo Health centre closed due to flooding
An areal view of Nchalo Health Centre- picture by UNICEF
As the number of people in need of medical care increases in the aftermath of the devastation left by cyclone Freddy, Nchalo Community Health Centre in Chikwawa district has been closed indefinitely.
UNICEF has confirmed in a Tweet.
According to the UNICEF team, the community health center has been closed due to floods caused by cyclone that have caused damage to the hospital’s wards, maternity wing, & pharmacy.
The international organization further reports that 100s of health centers in affected districts have also been heavily damaged.
Chikwawa district’s Director of Health Grace Momba, has so far expressed fears that the situation will put pressure on the district hospital.
“The closure of Nchalo Health Centre could cause an influx of patients at the district hospital. This situation could put extra pressure on an already stretched healthcare system,” she said.
She has further expressed fear that the situation may worsen the current cholera challenge.
In times of disasters UNICEF works with government and other partners such as World Health Organization, World Food Program and Red Cross to facilitate access to humanitarian assistance for affected families and places.
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