Mozambique has embarked on a transformative journey to enhance its primary health care (PHC) services and community health initiatives through a decentralized governance model introduced in 2019. Supported by a collaborative effort involving the Global Financing Facility (GFF), Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GF), UNICEF, UNFPA, WHO, and the World Bank, Mozambique has made significant strides in achieving its health goals. The 2023 Demographic and Health Survey reported a decrease in under-five mortality to 60 per 1,000 live births from 97 in 2011, and a reduction in neonatal mortality from 30 to 24 per 1,000 live births over the same period. Additionally, maternal mortality improved from 532 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 127 in 2020, surpassing the regional average.
Addressing maternal mortality remains a top priority under the Community Health Strategy (CHS), which focuses on early risk identification among pregnant women and timely referrals to health facilities. UNICEF and WHO collaborated with Mozambique’s Ministry of Health (MoH) to develop and pilot the CHS, which was approved in 2022. GFF and the World Bank provide financial support for implementing the strategy, while GF finances comprehensive CHW training and system functionality.
The CHS emphasizes Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by delivering integrated PHC services, promoting community leadership, and improving care quality through well-trained and adequately supported community health workers (CHWs). WHO is aiding in the development of a legal framework for CHWs’ formal recognition and remuneration. The strategy complements national and provincial health plans, with a focus on equitable access to essential health services.
Despite challenges such as extreme weather events, Mozambique’s government, in partnership with SDG3 GAP, is committed to strengthening its PHC network, ensuring sustainable progress towards health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Collaborative efforts continue to address emerging challenges and sustain health sector reforms.
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