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Proposal for Mozambique Refugee Clinic
by Stephen Henrichon

1. Executive Summary

In February 2007, heavy rains ravaged Mozambique. An estimated 285,000 people were affected by severe flooding along the banks of the Zambezi River. More than 160,000 Mozambicans have been displaced and have congregated in refugee camps to the north. Just two weeks later, on February 22, 2007, Cyclone Favio added to an already catastrophic situation when it made landfall in the province of Inhambane and devastated the countryside. Essential infrastructure, health centers, educational facilities, and thousands of hectares of crops were destroyed in the aftermath. Cyclone Favio affected an additional 150,000 Mozambicans and many displaced families joined the crowded refugee camps in the north.i (For Maps of Mozambique, see Appendix A and Appendix B)

REUTERS
Grant/Neuenburg
Mozambique
2/07

REUTERS
Grant/Neuenburg
Mozambique
2/07

Refugees have congregated in two camps which are now home to 100,000 and 50,000 refugees respectively. The relocation process for the refugees is further complicated by the presence of many thousands of landmines left behind in the wake of a 16-year civil war. Many landmines have been dislodged and shifted by the floods and much of the countryside is now rendered unsafe.

Many refugees have constructed makeshift homes out of materials they have collected nearby. Even plastic tarps, tin/aluminum siding, and other more sturdy building materials are a luxury and refugees have resorted to using wood, sticks, palm fronds, and grasses in the construction of their homes. The refugee camps lack essential resources such clean water, proper sanitation, basic healthcare, and electricity.

REUTERS
Grant/Neuenburg
Mozambique
2/07

REUTERS
Grant/Neuenburg
Mozambique
2/07

As a whole, the country of Mozambique is one of the most impoverished nations in Africa, ranking very low (96 out of 103) on the UNDP Human Development Scale. 69% of the population lives below the national poverty line.i In the healthcare sector, there exists a mere 700 trained physicians for a country of 20 million people. That equates to 2.4 doctors for every 100,000 people. It is anticipated that the majority of refugees have never received any medical treatment at all.ii (For background/history & Healthcare outlook see Appendix C and Appendix D)

REUTERS
Grant/Neuenburg
Mozambique
2/07

REUTERS
Grant/Neuenburg
Mozambique
2/07

Real Medicine Foundation (RMF) has been approached by the Sole of Africa (SoA) to construct a free medical clinic to service the basic health needs of the refugee camp residents. SoA’s main focus is to rid Mozambique of the landmines which terrorize the countryside however their mission has broadened to include assisting in the country’s rural healthcare, education, and economic development. This is to be done in a sustainable manner by educating and promoting self-reliance. The proposed medical clinic is one component of Sole of Africa’s goal to leave a “footprint” on Mozambique. (For more information on Real Medicine Foundation and Sole of Africa, see Appendix E and Appendix F)

The project will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase, resources will be directed towards opening the clinic in a timely fashion so the refugees can begin receiving medical treatment. Local healthcare practitioners are scarce so emphasis will be placed on implementing an efficient solution which best utilizes the limited personnel resources available to us. A referral system will be initiated so patients requiring more advanced procedures and surgeries can receive the proper care they need from the Pemba Hospital, the closest full-service medical center to the refugee camps albeit an 11-hour drive.

The second phase of the project will be aimed at prevention and education in an attempt to help alleviate public health concerns at the source. Outreach programs to be deployed include HIV/AIDS testing & treatment program, hygiene & sanitation education, and prenatal education.

The target date to open the clinic is October of 2007. This will be slightly before the rainy season. It will be important to have the clinical resources available to the residents at that time as an increase in health issues due to the approaching heavy rains is anticipated.

2. Mission

The Mozambique Clinic will focus on providing comprehensive treatment and health education for physically, mentally, and financially afflicted residents of the refugee camps. To preserve the integrity and efficacy of the project special consideration will be given to the following values and principles:

  • Flexibility -- The clinic will be mobile to best cater to the relocation and permanent placement of the refugees.
  • Sustainability and Self-reliance -- The clinic will be managed and operated by Mozambicans.
  • Accountability -- The project will ensure proper stewardship of all funds.
  • Cultural sensitivity -- The project will be responsive to local culture and customs.
  • Holism -- The project will provide education, prevention and care.

For the full proposal, please contact us at: info@realmedicinefoundation.org

See References.