Malawi

Cyclone Freddy made his way into Malawi in southeast Africa in March, 2023 dumping months worth of rain in just a few days. The country, already one of the poorest in the world and suffering from malaria and cholera outbreaks, found itself dealing with unprecedented flooding and damage. Homes, crops, and sometimes, entire villages were washed away or submerged. Nearly 650,000 people were displaced, and hundreds killed.

Jamie was able to travel to Malawi shortly after the cyclone with a WHO Type 1 Mobile Medical and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) Team. Although the medical needs are great in Malawi, water is the foundation of health, and the water in many remote areas was contaminated or simply inaccessible.

He worked with the WASH Team and found himself on Chisi Island on Lake Chilwa, and the village of Kachula opposite the island. Two of the hardest hit areas. These communities represent almost 30 villages and over 15,000 people. On Chisi Island alone, flood waters submerged 11 of its 13 water sources. Residents in both communities had resorted to digging holes outside huts and pulling water from them for drinking, cooking, and washing.

The team spent two weeks on Chisi Island and in Kuchulu village delivering training to local leaders and resident on the use of water filtration systems they had brought. Each filtration system can provide clean water to a family of six or seven for up to five years. Over 220 of these systems were distributed on the island to include the only school and clinic. These will service over 1500 people and help reduce the risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases.

It was very privileged to be there and to document those weeks. The people of Malawi are some of the most resilient, positive, and warm hearted Jamie's been lucky to know. It's easy to understand why Malawi is called “the warm heart of Africa”.