Mozambique
Situation Report
Forty percent Mozambicans live on less than $1 a day. In 2002, the country suffered a severe drought, reducing food and water resources significantly. Sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV, are prevalent and infection rates continue to rise. More than 10 percent of all babies die at birth and nearly 15 percent of children do not survive past their fifth birthday. In addition, only 2000 doctors are available to care for a population of almost 20 million. Millions of Mozambicans cannot afford or access health care services.
Our Work
Medical Teams International sent nine disaster relief teams to Mozambique to care for victims of severe flooding in 2000. Since 2006, we've funded an HIV and AIDS home-based care project. We have also collaborated with Dorcas Aid International to bring maternity services to their health clinic in Beira.
Future Plans
Medical Teams International is supporting a three year comprehensive HIV/AIDS project, “Building Better Lives” which expands and strengthens the work of established and highly respected indigenous community and faith-based organizations. The goals is to prevent new HIV infections and provide quality care to people living with HIV and AIDS and children orphaned or made vulnerable by AIDS in underserved, rural communities in Sofala Province, Mozambique. Medical Teams International will provide resources and technical support to build institutional and technical capacity, improve systems and monitor the activities of the implementing partner organizations.
Our Partners
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has awarded Medical Teams International a grant through the New Partners Initiative (NPI), part of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), to increase our organizational capacity of and that of our local partner, Kuwangisana, while we work together towards providing AIDS prevention and care, as well as, support for those infected and/or affected by HIV and AIDS in the Sofala Province.
- The primary partner in the program is Kuwangisana, a community-based organization with a faith foundation. Kuwangisana began as a project of the Kapasseni Society. The partner is registered as an NGO with the Government, enjoys excellent relationships with local administrators, community members and civil society and is committed to the goals of the PEPFAR Plan. Kuwangisana currently provides home-based care and support for orphans and vulnerable children following guidelines established by the Government of Mozambique and under supervision by the Ministry of Health. The services provided are welcomed and supported by the community and there is a waiting list for care services and invitations to provide prevention education.
- The Lutheran Church currently has nine established congregations in Caia District. Lutheran Church leaders have been active in establishing educational opportunities for rural youth, identifying orphans and vulnerable children and critically ill community members who need care and support, establishing relationships with traditional leaders, promoting community development, establishing youth groups and promoting AIDS awareness.
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