Mozambique and Malawi –
The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) has donated the sum of $200,000 to CARE International, an international humanitarian agency, to urgently support local efforts to mitigate the impact of Cyclone Freddy on citizens in Malawi and Mozambique. The cyclone, which lasted over five weeks and impacted Mozambique twice, left in its wake a trail of destruction and sadly, claimed hundreds of lives.
This emergency relief funding from TCCF complements the efforts of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA), which has contributed about $64,000 in emergency relief supplies to affected communities in both countries.
The flooding and destruction of water infrastructure in both countries have resulted in cholera outbreaks. Many communities which rely on wells have reported increased contamination from sewage overflow and other sources of bacteria.
In Mozambique, CCBA donated essential goods comprising of non-perishable food to communities in need. These items included rice, corn, beans, sugar and oil, bottled drinking water, mosquito nets, and water filters as well as other products to communities in need, while its employees also made clothing and cash donations. In Malawi, CCBA assisted through donations of drinking water, food, blankets, and shelter supplies.
Speaking on the disaster relief support, Saadia Madsbjerg, President of The Coca-Cola Foundation shared her thoughts: “We remain committed to making a difference in communities, particularly during challenging times like these. By leveraging the expertise and generosity of our partners and key stakeholders, we are working together to protect the lives and livelihoods of those who have been impacted by this unfortunate event”. She further added, “The devastation left by Cyclone Freddy has created an urgent need for aid in the affected areas, and we are honored to contribute to efforts that address the pressing needs.” Saadia concluded.
Speaking in Mozambique, General Manager, CCBA, Duncan Wyness said he was proud of the company’s employees, who had responded generously to the need of communities.
“We are passionate about making a difference in the communities where we live and work and in times like tis, we feel this commitment even more deeply,” said Wyness.
Seutloadi Thaanyane, General Manager of CCBA in Malawi, said the support provided by both CCBA and The Coca-Cola Foundation would go a long way in helping communities to get back on their feet.
“Our vision is to refresh Africa every day and make the continent a better place for all and this is the time to show how we put that into practice,” said Thaanyane.
CARE will distribute cholera and hygiene kits in the districts of Govuro, Mabote and Inhassoro in Mozambique’s northern Inhambane Province, where access to potable water is extremely limited and the risk of cholera infection on the rise. The kits include materials for complete surface disinfection, which reduces cholera transmission, water purification tablets, and oral rehydration solution. The intervention has, so far, reached over 2,200 households in critical need of support.
In Malawi, CARE will support the efforts to mitigate the imminent food crises affecting residents in Machinga district, particularly in Traditional Areas (TAs) of Mchinguza and Mlomba. This will be done through cash transfers to 2,500 households living in displacement camps. These cash transfers will go towards their food needs for those who were forced to abandon their homes. About 20,000 critically impacted people, in both countries, will receive much-needed support from this intervention exercise.
