The aftermath of Cyclone Ana - Jhpiego intervened.

In January 2022, I found myself documenting the aftermath of Cyclone Ana in Chikwawa District, Malawi. My lens captured the extensive damage inflicted upon St. Montfort Hospital and the Majete Health Center. Witnessing the consequences of this natural disaster, over 103,000 mothers, fathers, and children were left stranded without access to basic health care services.

The scenes were heartbreaking – these health centers, crucial lifelines for the community, stood without roofs, electricity, and running water. The absence of these essentials meant that many faced the grim prospect of succumbing to preventable diseases. What struck me the most was the vulnerability of women with obstetric complications during childbirth and individuals with life-threatening conditions. With the health centers in shambles, they were being referred to facilities over an hour away. Poor road conditions and rough terrain further jeopardized their lives, emphasizing the urgent need for support and reconstruction in the wake of Cyclone Ana.