Cyclone Chido Strikes Mozambique: FETP Response Mobilized

Following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte, the storm made landfall in Mozambique’s northern provinces of Cabo Delgado and Nampula on December 15. Pemba, the capital of Cabo Delgado, experienced the cyclone as an Intense Tropical Cyclone, comparable in strength to Cyclones Gombe (2022) and Freddy (2023). In anticipation of public health threats, the Government of Mozambique’s Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP), supported by CDC and the National Institute of Health (INS), was prepared to respond.

On December 17, FETP coordinator and resident were deployed to Cabo Delgado to implement a series of critical activities aimed at addressing health risks following the cyclone. These efforts included:

• Identification of Priority Diseases:Defining the main diseases that need monitoring in districts affected by the cyclone.
• Epidemiological Risk Assessment:Analyzing potential risks for disease outbreaks across five districts.
• Data Collection Support:Assisting local health authorities in collecting information on identified priority diseases.
• Development of Monitoring Tools:Creating spreadsheets for ongoing data collection, analysis, and epidemiological monitoring to integrate into the routine surveillance system.
• Outbreak Investigation Training:Providing training for district focal points and health units on effective outbreak investigation and surveillance techniques.
• Risk Assessment and Service Continuity Forms:Developing digital forms for assessing risks and ensuring continuity of health services using Open Data Kit (ODK).
• Remote Data Collection Teams:Establishing teams to gather data from peripheral health units lacking network access in one district.
• Production of Epidemiological Bulletins:Preparing daily updates on priority diseases such as acute diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, acute fevers, respiratory infections, measles, trauma, etc.
• Preparation of Technical Presentations:Developing presentations for multisectoral meetings focused on technical responses to Cyclone Chido.

The initial team concluded their fieldwork on December 25. A new FETP team is set to be deployed on January 5^th to continue supporting the Government of Mozambique’s efforts in managing public health challenges following the cyclone.

In Nampula Province, four FETP graduates stationed within various provincial services contributed to preparedness and response initiatives. Among their efforts, the Nampula team conducted Rapid Response Team Training, providing refresher courses for district teams to improve their skills in outbreak and rumor investigation. They also focused on Strengthening Epidemiological Surveillance, implementing robust surveillance systems aimed at early detection of potential outbreaks related to the cyclone’s aftermath.

The team is continuously Monitoring Priority Diseases, tracking cases of diarrhea, malaria, acute flaccid paralysis (AFP), measles, acute respiratory infections (ARIs), trauma, and other notifiable diseases using data from outpatient and inpatient records at affected health facilities. Additionally, they are conducting Post-Cyclone Trend Analysis by developing case trend charts based on health facility records from the period following the cyclone. This analysis is crucial for understanding disease patterns and informing response strategies.

To further support local health facilities, the team is using Risk Assessment Forms and carrying out detailed investigations into suspected cases of diarrhea. The production of Epidemiological Bulletins is underway, with daily or weekly updates being prepared based on collected health data.

Moreover, the team is actively involved in Community Rumor Investigation, monitoring reports from local communities to ensure swift responses that can mitigate potential outbreaks. Coordination among team members is essential; they prepare and submit daily reports to the Cyclone Chido emergency response coordination team at both the National Public Health Institute and the Ministry of Health.

These comprehensive efforts underscore FETP engagement and commitment to safeguarding public health during this challenging time following Cyclone Chido.