Nordic Countries Unite to Aid Malawi in the Wake of Cyclone Freddy

CHIKWAWA, Malawi — The aftermath of Cyclone Freddy has seen a new era of cooperation among Nordic countries in the realm of humanitarian aid and development, with the Icelandic Head of Mission to Malawi, Inga Dóra Pétursdóttir, joining forces with Norwegian Church Aid and DanChurchAid in Malawi, writes Francis Botha.

The collaboration has opened new opportunities for development assistance in Malawi.

During her visit to survivors of the cyclone at Mpama Village in the Chikwawa District, Dóra Pétursdóttir expressed condolences and delivered messages of hope to those affected.

Jointly funded by Icelandic Church Aid, Norwegian Church Aid, and DanChurchAid, 700 households received multipurpose cash transfers, while 300 adolescent girls and women received dignity kits.

The activities were implemented by local partner FOCESE.

"This is the first time Icelandic Church Aid has partnered with NCA and DCA to support humanitarian activities in Malawi," Dóra Pétursdóttir said.

"The collaboration with other Nordic countries is based on the same values from the Nordic countries and within the church, and this must be the beginning of something bigger and more meaningful to the people of Malawi."

The households received MWK 35,000 each for three months and will also receive farm inputs to help them replant crops that were washed away by floods.

The move has been commended by Group Village Headman Mpama, who expressed gratitude for the assistance.

FOCESE is creating safer spaces for girls and women in camps and communities where cases of gender-based violence (GBV) have increased.

The organization has made significant progress in eliminating GBV in the affected areas, with one case of incest already busted and the matter in court.

The joint response has been financed to the tune of USD 112,000, and NCA/DCA Country Director Havard Hovdhaugen said the organizations had embarked on long-term recovery projects in Chikwawa.

"This is the first time we are doing a joint Nordic response complementing the Government of Malawi’s efforts,” said Hovdhaugen.