UNDP to support Mozambique’s health system

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UNDP to support Mozambique’s health system

3:02 CAT | 26 Feb 2019

Photo: Noticias

Mozambique’s Health Ministry and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Friday signed a new project budgeted at USD 6,3 million aimed at strengthening the country’s Health System and support the implementation of the grants made available by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis (TB) and Malaria

The project, which is in line with Mozambique’s goals and strategies (PEN 2015-2019, TB Strategic and Operational Plan 2014-2020), will focus on strengthening the management of the supply chain system for medicines and medical products and improve care and clinical care for patients with multiresistant tuberculosis.

Permanent secretary of Health Ministry, Zacarias Zindoga signed the agreement on behalf of the Mozambican government and the Interim Resident Representative of UNDP, Martin Maya.

‘We welcome our partnership with UNDP as this project will contribute to improve the quality of life of our people by supporting the government’s efforts and goals to ensure that citizens remain healthy and disease free. Only healthy people can contribute significantly for the national sustainable development agenda” said Zindoga, cited on a joint press release sent to AIM.

For his part Maya praised the Global Fund’s support granted to Mozambique over the last few years, which has allowed the continuation of programs to combat HIV, AIDS, TB and Malaria.

“UNDP is honoured to partner with the Health Ministry and is committed to support accelerated implementation of Global Fund grants. Through this partnership model, UNDP is available to support national authorities in maximising the impact of this funding on citizens’ lives,” said Martin.

Despite progress made, much remains to be done to ensure that Mozambique is able to provide quality health care and services, particularly in rural areas.

In addition, the challenge of high number people with HIV, tuberculosis and malaria puts immense pressure on the country’s health system and poses a serious threat to public health.

In 2017 alone, 130,000 new HIV infections were reported and 86,515 cases of tuberculosis.

The project will contribute for the Sustainable Development Goals (ODS), in particular goal 3, which is “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.”

To reach this goal, all UN member states agreed to make efforts to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, a concept in which all individuals and communities receive health services they need without having to endure financial hardships.

Designed to ensure maximum impact and reach key populations by increasing the national response to HIV and TB, the project includes the construction of five multi-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) wards and 17 waiting shelters for the clinics of TB, which will reduce transmission risk at health facilities and create safe spaces for the provision of quality care services.

The project will also support strengthening of the supply chain through expansion and improvement of the quality and safety of storage capacities of medical warehouses.

It includes the construction of a new provincial warehouse in Chimoio, and repairs of the Beira Regional Warehouse and other regional health facilities.

Source: AIM