It was the last thing Malawi needed.
Last week, flash floods deluged the country, leaving more than 176 dead and 100,000 displaced from their homes.
With one-third of the country declared a disaster zone, there is now an even greater need for international help.
The Scottish-based healthcare charity EMMS International has worked in Malawi for decades. Today, its partner organisation the Palliative Care Support Trust provides home-based care for patients like Aida Nagoli and her family.
Aida, who suffers from tuberculosis of the spine, is just one of thousands of patients in remote communities who are dependent on palliative care support from EMMS International. Others include people with terminal conditions like cancer and HIV/Aids, which affects about 10% of Malawi's population.
In impoverished rural communities, last week's floods have just made that demanding job even more challenging.
As part of its Sunday's Child Appeal, EMMS International aims to raise more than £600,000. Every donation made will be match-funded by the UK Government's Department for International Development, effectively doubling any sum raised.
Scotland has long had a close affinity with Malawi, and the work on palliative care by EMMS International continues in that vein. As a result of last week's floods our help is needed more than ever if that work is to continue. By making even the most modest donation you can help add life to days, not just days to life.
Making a gift to the Sunday's Child appeal
You can relieve pain and take away fear by helping to improve end-of-life care in Malawi. Your donation will be doubled by the UK Government's Department for International Development, helping even more people in desperate need. Making a gift is easy using any of the options below:
Text Sunday to 70660 to donate £5
Online: Go to emms.org/sundaychild
Post: Make cheques payable to EMMS international, and send to EMMS International (Sunday Herald), 7 Washington Lane, Edinburgh, EH11 2HA.
Telephone: Call EMMS International on 0131 313 3828.
Texts cost £5 plus network charge, EMMS International receives 100% of your donation. Obtain bill player's permission. Customer care: 0131 313 3828. EMMS International is a charity registered in Scotland No SC032327. A company limited by Guarantee Registered in Scotland No SC224402. Registered address above
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