Evaluation of UNICEF’s Response to the L2 Cholera and Floods Emergency in Malawi and Mozambique
In 2023, Malawi and Mozambique faced a double blow of natural disasters and public health crises. The devastation caused by Cyclone Freddy, coupled with a severe cholera outbreak, left communities grappling with loss, destruction, and a lack of basic services. In response, UNICEF activated its Level 2 Corporate Emergency Activation Procedure (CEAP) to address the urgent needs of those affected. A recent evaluation by hera sheds light on the effectiveness and impact of UNICEF’s response to these concurrent emergencies, offering critical insights for future humanitarian efforts.
© UNICEF/MOZA2023-00492/Alfredo Zuniga
Understanding the Context: A Dual Crisis
Both Malawi and Mozambique were already struggling with a cholera outbreak that had resulted in over 68,000 cases across 11 countries in Eastern and Southern Africa. On March 10, 2023, UNICEF triggered the L2 CEAP for Malawi’s cholera outbreak. Just days later, on March 12, Cyclone Freddy made a record-breaking second landfall in Mozambique, causing widespread destruction across both countries. Homes, health facilities, roads, and bridges were damaged or destroyed, and access to health and other basic services was severely hampered. The cyclone's aftermath worsened the cholera outbreak, creating an even more complex humanitarian situation, particularly in Mozambique, where conflict in the northern provinces had already displaced millions.
UNICEF's Comprehensive Response
UNICEF’s emergency response in Malawi and Mozambique was multi-faceted, aiming to address both the immediate needs caused by the cyclone and the ongoing cholera outbreak. The organization focused on several key areas:
Provision of Basic Supplies: UNICEF mobilized essential supplies such as food, safe water, tents, medical supplies, and emergency latrines.
Hygiene Promotion and Supplies: Efforts were made to promote hygiene practices and distribute necessary hygiene supplies to curb the spread of cholera.
Health and Education Support: UNICEF worked to restore access to critical health services and education by providing medical supplies and temporary learning spaces.
Psychosocial Support and Protection: Recognizing the mental and emotional toll of the crisis, UNICEF provided psychosocial support and took measures to protect children and vulnerable groups from potential abuse.
On March 23, 2023, the L2 CEAP was expanded to include Mozambique, encompassing not only the response to the cholera outbreak but also to the floods and the broader impact of Cyclone Freddy. This emergency activation remained in effect until September 9, 2023.
Evaluating the Response: Key Findings
As per UNICEF’s Evaluation Policy 2023, all Level 2 emergencies must be evaluated at least once to ensure accountability and improve future responses. The evaluation conducted by hera assessed UNICEF’s response in Malawi and Mozambique against several criteria:
Effectiveness: Did UNICEF’s actions achieve the desired outcomes in mitigating the crisis?
Impact: What was the overall impact of UNICEF’s interventions on affected populations?
Relevance: How well did UNICEF’s response address the actual needs on the ground?
Coordination: How effectively did UNICEF coordinate with other partners and stakeholders?
Efficiency: Were resources used optimally to achieve the best possible outcomes?
Sustainability: Will the benefits of UNICEF’s interventions continue beyond the immediate crisis?
Read the full evaluation here →
Delivering Actionable Insights
hera's evaluation culminated in comprehensive final reports for each country, along with a synthesis of the overall response across both Malawi and Mozambique. The reports provided actionable and strategic recommendations, validated by key stakeholders, in line with UNICEF’s Evaluation Report standards and the GEROS Quality Assessment System.
Building Resilience for Future Emergencies
The evaluation of UNICEF’s response to the cholera outbreak and Cyclone Freddy in Malawi and Mozambique highlights the organization's commitment to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in humanitarian efforts. By learning from past emergencies and refining its strategies, UNICEF aims to strengthen its preparedness and response capabilities, ultimately contributing to building resilience and fostering a stronger humanitarian-development-peace nexus in crisis-prone regions. If you are interested in reading more about this
As the global community faces an increasing number of complex emergencies, such evaluations are crucial for ensuring that humanitarian interventions are effective, sustainable, and truly meet the needs of those most affected.