WHO supports continuity of healthcare with temporary tents in Gaza

Gaza, Mozambique – As the rains continue to fall in Gaza province following the recent floods, health facilities are reorganising their services to ensure continuity of care for the population, despite the challenges posed by the devastating effects of the floods on their infrastructure. 

At the Barragem Health Centre in the district of Chókwè, the main facility is currently being cleaned, with support from the World Health Organisation (WHO). To strengthen the response and ensure the continuity of services during this period, the WHO has provided a 24-square-metre temporary tent, significantly expanding the space available for consultations and triage, thereby allowing for better organisation of patient flow.

© WHO / Felipe Moraes
According to the director of the health centre, Elias Brás, the facility has been essential for keeping services running. “Our health centre is not yet in a condition for us to work normally, but this tent is helping us to continue seeing patients,” he explained.

“It is a safe and large tent that allows us to work even in rain and wind. Every day we manage to treat around 120 people here without any major difficulties,” he added.
© WHO / Felipe Moraes
With a sturdy, quick-assembly frame that can be set up by just three people, the tent material can withstand cleaning and disinfection with chlorine, which is essential in a context where there is a heightened risk of communicable diseases. The structure is fitted with mosquito nets on the windows, preventing malaria-carrying mosquitoes from entering, as well as providing adequate ventilation and protection against rain and various weather conditions.
© WHO / Felipe Moraes
On the other hand, due to a second wave of heavy rains that continues to affect southern Mozambique, the authorities in Mandlakazi district opened the Caipe Accommodation Centre last week to take in around 180 affected and displaced families. With support from WHO, the site now has two tents set up to run a medical post.
© WHO / Felipe Moraes
“When we arrived, consultations were being carried out in a improvised space that did not meet the necessary standards to ensure safe and dignified care,” noted Isabel João, a technical officer from WHO. “With the setup of these tents, we have been able to organise a fully functional medical post and ensure the continuity of healthcare services for the families living here.”
© WHO / Felipe Moraes
At the site, healthcare teams provide screening services for adults and children, vaccinations, maternal and child healthcare, psychosocial support and medicine distribution, as well as running health promotion sessions on hygiene, the prevention of diarrhoeal diseases and malaria.

For the healthcare teams on the ground, the installation of the tents has also significantly improved patient care conditions and privacy.
“Previously, many services were provided in the same space, which compromised confidentiality. With the tents, we’ve been able to better separate the different services, and we’re seeing more people coming forward to access health services, including HIV testing,” explained Donaldo Artur, a health worker and community engagement focal point in the Mandlakazi district.

Since the start of care in the WHO-supported tents, at least 316 people have received medical care. This initiative is part of WHO's support for the flood response in Gaza Province, ensuring that health services remain available to affected communities whilst recovery efforts continue.
For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Florence Erb

External Relations Officer
Rua Beijo da Mulata, 73, Sommerschield, Maputo
P.O. Box 377, Maputo, Mozambique
Telephone: (+258) 21 491 990
Email: erbf [at] who.int (erbf[at]who[dot]int)