In 2019, Mozambique embarked on a transformative journey to bolster its primary healthcare (PHC) services and community health initiatives. This ambitious undertaking, propelled by a decentralized governance model, has garnered support from a consortium of global health organizations, including the Global Financing Facility (GFF), Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (GF), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), World Health Organization (WHO), and World Bank (WB). Together, they have facilitated significant progress towards achieving Mozambique’s health goals, as evidenced by notable improvements in key health indicators.
Tangible Progress and Achievements
According to the 2023 Demographic and Health Survey, Mozambique has witnessed a substantial reduction in under-five mortality rates, neonatal mortality rates, and maternal mortality ratios. These positive trends underscore the efficacy of concerted efforts to strengthen PHC services and community health initiatives.
Community Health Strategy: A Transformative Approach
At the heart of Mozambique’s healthcare transformation is the Community Health Strategy (CHS), a comprehensive framework aimed at addressing maternal mortality and enhancing community-based healthcare delivery. Spearheaded by collaborative efforts between UNICEF, WHO, and the Ministry of Health (MoH), the CHS prioritizes timely risk identification among pregnant women and facilitates seamless referrals to healthcare facilities. Financial support from GFF, WB, and GF has been instrumental in implementing and scaling up the CHS across provinces.
Empowering Community Health Workers (CHWs)
Central to the CHS is the pivotal role played by community health workers (CHWs). Through competency-based training curricula and active solicitation of feedback, the MoH ensures the effectiveness and scalability of CHW programs. Financial backing from key partners facilitates CHW training, education, and supervision, thereby fortifying community health services.
Engaging Stakeholders for Advocacy and Support
Collaboration with parliamentarians has proven instrumental in advocating for increased resources and investments in primary and community health services. WHO’s training sessions have empowered provincial parliamentarians to analyze health budgets effectively and integrate health considerations into policymaking processes, thereby bolstering support for UHC and health determinants.
Addressing Challenges and Sustaining Progress
Despite significant strides, challenges persist, ranging from extreme weather events to funding shortfalls. Strengthening the PHC network, ensuring adequate staffing and essential supplies, and enhancing coordination among development partners are imperative for sustaining progress and addressing emerging health challenges.
SDG3 GAP: A Catalyst for Collaboration
The Global Action Plan for Healthy Lives and Wellbeing for All (SDG3 GAP) serves as a catalyst for collaboration among 13 agencies to accelerate progress on health-related SDG targets. Partners’ commitments to align with national priorities and support initiatives like the CHS underscore their dedication to improving health outcomes and fostering sustainable development.
Driving Health Sector Reform
The potential of the CHS to drive reform in Mozambique’s health sector is significant. By improving access to health services and advancing progress towards SDGs,. The CHS epitomizes the transformative impact of collaborative efforts in healthcare delivery.
In essence, Mozambique’s journey towards strengthening primary healthcare. Exemplifies the power of partnership, innovation, and collective action. driving meaningful change and realizing the vision of health for all.
