Cyclone Freddy Deepens Infectious Disease Risk in Africa
- More than 300 health facilities have been wrecked or flooded
- Cholera, malaria and Covid-19 cases compounded by malnutrition
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A tropical cyclone that hit southern Africa twice and destroyed health facilities and homes has left the subcontinent at risk of a surge in cholera, malaria and other infectious diseases.
“With a double landfall in less than a month, the impact of Cyclone Freddy is immense and deep-felt,” Matshidiso Moeti, the World Health Organization’s regional director for Africa, said in a briefing Thursday. “Our priority is to ensure that affected communities and families receive health assistance for immediate needs as well as to limit the risks of water-borne diseases and other infections spreading.”