Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition Services in Complex Environments: Insights and Lessons from the Aftermath of Cyclone Freddy in Malawi

Martha Saidi, MOMENTUM Tiyeni Project
Manuel Mulwafu, MOMENTUM Tiyeni Project
Levison Nkhoma, MOMENTUM Tiyeni Project
Madalitso Kanache, MOMENTUM Tiyeni Project
Nitta Kalonga, MOMENTUM Tiyeni Project
Abram Malumbira, MOMENTUM Tiyeni Project
Joel Suzi, MOMENTUM Tiyeni Project

In recent times, public health emergencies in Malawi have disproportionately disrupted the delivery of essential health services, particularly in rural communities. The impact of Cyclone Freddy exacerbated this situation by causing extensive damage to public infrastructure and livelihoods across 16 districts. The MOMENTUM Tiyeni project supported the delivery of integrated screening and treatment of pregnant women, newborns, and children under five years of age to displaced people. From February–June 2023, the project supported 55 evacuation camps spread across five districts. Tiyeni modified a data collection tool for routine outreach services to include clinical services. In the five months following the disaster, health workers provided antenatal care services to 8,339 pregnant women; reached 39,312 under-five children with immunization, growth monitoring, and case management services; and provided 9,639 lactating mothers with nutrition screening and counseling. Mobilizing health workers to evacuation camps ensured continuous access to essential services among other benefits.