Story By Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
DOCTORS Without Borders (MSF) has stepped up humanitarian operations in Mueda, Mozambique, following renewed violence that has forced tens of thousands of families to flee their homes in Cabo Delgado and neighbouring Nampula province.
According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 92 000 people have been displaced since late September, with over 23 000 seeking refuge in Mueda.
MSF has strengthened medical services at three displacement sites; Eduardo Mondlane, Nandimba, and Lianda camps, while also opening new services in Nanili, a community near the district border with Mocímboa da Praia.
“Even if we don’t see many acute medical emergencies at the moment, health needs persist. The local system is unable to cope with the continuous arrival of people seeking safety,” said Pedro Basílio, MSF outreach supervisor.
Between October 3 and 15, MSF teams screened nearly 1 000 displaced families, referring over 300 patients to health facilities. More than 4 500 people attended over 400 health education sessions, while 65 mental health group sessions provided support to over 600 participants struggling with anxiety, psychosomatic disorders, and trauma-related symptoms.
The humanitarian agency warned that deteriorating living conditions, limited access to clean water, and inadequate sanitation could exacerbate health risks ahead of the rainy season, when waterborne diseases typically increase.
MSF continues to call for support to strengthen local health capacity and deliver essential services to families displaced by the ongoing conflict, as Mozambique faces one of its most pressing humanitarian crises in recent years.
