The devastating Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which has ripped through southern Africa in a rare second landfall on March 5, has killed over 507 people in Malawi, and the death toll is rising. At least 537 people are still missing, and over 553,600 are displaced in more than 540 sites. The flooding in Malawi will only exacerbate the current cholera epidemic, the worst in Malawi’s history.

Baylor College of Medicine Children’s Foundation-Malawi (Baylor Foundation Malawi), our longstanding implementing partner for Texas Children’s Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine, was not spared the destruction of Cyclone Freddy. According to Phoebe Nyasulu, Baylor Foundation-Malawi executive director, “We are devastated and praying for our employees, patients and their families affected by the storm. We know of at least 70 staff whose homes were seriously affected by wind, rain and flood. Despite these challenges, these staff members are working diligently to source belongings and safe shelter. Our Nkhulambe Health Centre was washed away and we are still assessing the effect and impact on patients, which could take days or weeks.”

Heavy rains that triggered floods and mudslides have displaced approximately 345,000 people people in Malawi. President Lazarus Chakwera declared a “state of disaster” in the country’s southern region and the now-ravaged commercial capital, Blantyre. Over 79,000 households in the south of the nation have been displaced, and 282 missing, according to Malawi’s Disaster Management Affairs.

100% of your tax-deductible gift goes directly to Baylor Foundation Malawi, helps us support those patients and staff members affected by this tragic event, and helps Texas Children's Hospital and Baylor College of Medicine continue to provide hope and healing for the many women and children in our global community. Thank you for your generous support!