How cyclones and jihadists ruin Mozambique clinics

The cyclones that hit northern Mozambique this year destroyed dozens of clinics in the north of the country - an area already hard hit by an Islamist insurgency, the health minister says.

"The cyclones Ana, Dumako and Gombe, which took place only this year, profoundly affected the health sector, causing the destruction of 95 health units - a real setback to the gains we had already achieved," Health Minister Armindo Tiago said.

Since the insurgency began in 2017, the health sector has been badly affected in the northern province of Cabo Delgado.

“We also have the painful record of the destruction of more than 31 health units, as a result of jihadist actions, in the province of Cabo Delgado alone," Mr Tiago said.

The damage to infrastructure has left hundreds of families without access to public health services.

Some areas have long been abandoned by residents, meaning repairs to the clinics have not been possible.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: UNICEF