VISIT OF THE MOZAMBICAN MINISTER OF HEALTH

VISIT OF THE MOZAMBICAN MINISTER OF HEALTH TO THE PROVINCE OF INHAMBANE

Reported by  Lídia Mondlane, Mozambique Project Director

I recently had the opportunity to be invited to a meeting in Inhambane Province, with the Mozambique Minister of Health. Also attending was our Project Co-Director Mr. Horácio Mandevo Chissaque.

Minister of Health, Dr. Nazira Karimo Vali Abdula, in front role second from the left.

Health Minister Dr. Nazira Karimo Vali Abdula greeted the participants, who were representing health partners, and national and international NGOs.

These NGOs and health partners reported on areas where they are working in the province, places of action, thematic areas, investment, strengths and weaknesses.

The Minister of Health thanked them for the important work they have been doing in the country, as demonstrated by the improved health indicators, notwithstanding the country being in crisis. She also raised other concerns, including the departure of qualified employees from the health system to outside projects. This weakens the system, which has spent a lot to train these specialists and specialized middle level cadres.

What interested me most and made me proud is that our project has recruited its main professionals from among those who were already out of the system, and we therefore have not contributed to the weakening of the system. Our project has rather strengthened the health system, especially in the areas of sexual and reproductive health, and maternal and child health in the province of Inhambane. We are working in three intervention areas simultaneously – in community involvement, in the training of health professionals and managers, and in research, focused on the well-being and empowerment of women. I felt that our project is being a leader in collaborations to improve the health of women and girls.