IsraAID Malawi launches emergency response amid refugee influx

IsraAID Malawi announced Thursday that they were launching an emergency response amid an influx of refugees and asylum seekers fleeing political violence in Mozambique. Protests and violence ignited following Mozambique’s presidential election in October, leading thousands to seek refuge in neighboring countries. Based out of the organization’s long-term mission in Malawi, IsraAID will work with local partners and government officials to support urgent needs of newly arrived asylum seekers in Nsanje district. The organization has begun distributing hygiene and sanitation supplies and is assessing additional needs across the six evacuation centers in the district.

In December, Mozambique’s constitutional council upheld the results of the October 9 elections, sparking protests and civil unrest. As of Sunday, UNHCR has recorded over 6,000 individuals seeking refuge in Malawi. Six evacuation centers are operating in Nsanje, Malawi’s southernmost district on the border with Mozambique.

IsraAID has already distributed hygiene supplies to over 100 households in the Mnembe evacuation center, including hand washing buckets, water storage buckets, and soap. A dedicated emergency response team will be stationed in Nsanje District for at least three months in the first stage of the response. Working in close collaboration with local government officials and humanitarian partners, IsraAID will work to assess urgent needs and offer support based on our experience in the country and around the world. The team includes experts in emergency response, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, and psychosocial support.

IsraAID first arrived in Malawi in March 2023, responding to both Cyclone Freddy and a major cholera outbreak. Since then, IsraAID has repaired over 100 boreholes across Mulanje and Phalombe districts, operated cholera prevention points, trained local water committees, and implemented mass malnutrition screenings. The organization remains dedicated to the health and well-being of communities across this region.

IsraAID Malawi Country Director Apio Annet, said:

“As with any unfolding refugee crisis, lack of shelter, supplies, and sanitation pose huge humanitarian risks. IsraAID Malawi is proud to bring our expertise across sectors to support vulnerable communities fleeing civil unrest in neighboring Mozambique. Together with humanitarian partners and local authorities, we’re ready to ensure that newly arrived refugees have access to the essential services and supplies that they need. Our team includes experts in water, sanitation, and hygiene, psychosocial support, and health, and is ready to respond for as long as we’re needed.”

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Further information is available on request, including interviews with IsraAID Country Director Apio Annet and other individuals involved in this operation.

PHOTOS:

Photos of our ongoing emergency response in Malawi can be found here. All photos should be credited to IsraAID/Kanchowa Studios

CONTACT:

Shachar May
Email: [email protected]

Notes:

IsraAID is a leading international humanitarian non-governmental organization, based in Israel. Since 2001, IsraAID has become synonymous with a rapid response to humanitarian crises and a long-term commitment to working with affected communities. During and after emergencies, IsraAID partners with communities to re-build their lives – and their futures – together. As of January 2025, IsraAID has responded to more than 100 emergencies, in more than 65 countries.