Cyclone Idai and continued heavy rains and flooding have had a devastating impact on Southeast Africa, with the countries of Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe hit especially hard. According to the UN, significant aid is needed to address emerging cholera and malaria threats, as well as to meet continued needs for food, water, shelter and medical care across the region.

Targeted Aid to Meet Local Needs

To help address these urgent needs, Abbott and its foundation, the Abbott Fund, are providing more than $500,000 in grants and healthcare products to support relief efforts for Cyclone Idai in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe.

This includes donating Abbott rapid diagnostic tests for cholera, malaria and other diseases and diabetes care products in Mozambique, the country hit hardest by Cyclone Idai. The Abbott Fund also is providing grants to two of our longtime relief organization partners, Direct Relief and Partners In Health, to provide immediate assistance to affected communities across the region.

"Weeks after Cyclone Idai, families across the region are facing a second wave of emerging health threats, including cholera, malaria and other diseases," said Melissa Brotz, vice president, Global Marketing and External Affairs, Abbott, and president, Abbott Fund. "Together with government and longstanding relief organization partners, we're working to provide relief and support for affected communities."

For details on Abbott's Cyclone Idai relief efforts, click here. And for more information on Abbott's approach to disaster preparation, relief and recovery, click here.

How You Can Support Relief Efforts

For people interested in supporting Cyclone Idai relief efforts, here are links to key organizations and additional information:

• Direct Relief: click here to support their relief efforts in Mozambique.
• Partners In Health: click here to support their relief efforts in Malawi.
• Numerous media outlets are providing additional suggestions for how people can contribute, including the New York Times, PBS, CNN, ABC News.