Following devastating flash floods on 11 April, the scale of damage to water, sanitation and sewage treatment systems in KwaZulu-Natal’s eThekwini Municipality is now clear.

To mitigate outbreaks of water-borne diseases, MSF mobile medical teams are consulting daily in the many halls, churches, tents and schools that serve as temporary shelters. These teams are supported by four MSF health promoters who walk the surrounding communities sharing information about water quality issues and risks, and connecting individuals left traumatised by the floods to MSF counsellors.

Charles, Tobeka, Din, Nandita, and baby ‘Janey’. Four of these people have struggled for their lives. One of them has lost her life. All because pharma companies put profits before people.