After conducting a careful assessment, Medair has concluded that the government of Mozambique and existing relief agencies are well-positioned to respond effectively to beneficiary needs in this flood-ravaged country.

With waters levels decreasing in Mozambique, Medair will now be exiting the country. It will maintain a close watching brief on Mozambique until the end of the rainy season.

In the past two weeks, Medair's Emergency Manager, Ian Mills, conducted a thorough assessment of humanitarian needs in Mozambique's most affected areas. It is estimated that the flooding displaced over 180,000 people from their homes. Mr. Mills visited displacement camps, conducted an aerial survey of the Zambezi river area, and gathered information from key stakeholders in the worst-affected Sofala District.

Based on Mr. Mills' assessment, Medair immediately partnered with Food for the Hungry International (FHI) to provide urgently needed supplies to beneficiaries, including tools to construct latrines, and treated mosquito nets to protect against malaria and other infectious diseases. In a short time, latrines were constructed that are supporting 3,700 people, and 3,000 mosquito nets were provided, protecting thousands of flood victims.

With the emergency situation now stabilising, Mr. Mills has assessed that the crisis is under control, and many international agencies are providing support.

"What's been amazing to see is the upscaling of existing in-country NGOs, how they have responded," said Mr. Mills. "Red Cross, Food for the Hungry, World Vision, as well as others, have been able to respond within their capacities".

Food for the Hungry expressed its gratitude for Medair's rapid and professional assistance with the crisis. "It's been a great pleasure working with Medair," said Paul Wagner, FHI Relief Unit. "I hope that Food for the Hungry and Medair can continue these partnerships in the future."

With new cyclones continuing to form in the Indian Ocean, Medair will monitor the country situation closely, maintaining the flexibility to provide immediate assistance once again.

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Founded in 1988, Medair is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) independent of any political, economic, social or religious authority. Its international headquarters are based in Switzerland. Its mission is exclusively humanitarian and it accomplishes its work in a spirit of dedication and solidarity, inspired by its Christian values.

Medair's objectives are to respond to suffering victims in war and disaster situations (especially those which have been forgotten or neglected) through various kinds of emergency and rehabilitative projects.

Medair employs 50 people in Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, France and Holland. In the field, 120 full-time expatriates help populations in difficulty, with the support of 1600 local employees.

The organisation is certified ISO 9001 at world wide level for its quality management system.