Mozambique launches national NCD programme
New programme will improve care in three provinces – and could eventually reach the entire country.
03 March 2017 Gwendolyn Carleton
On 23 February, Mozambique launched a long-awaited programme addressing non-communicable diseases, and the country’s diabetes association gained a high profile member.
The programme, Integrated primary health for diabetes and hypertension - first phase NCD response (WDF12-745), will strengthen diabetes and hypertension care at the primary care level; raise awareness; and improve health information management in Cabo del Gado, Sofala and Maputo provinces.
Its objectives include training physicians, nurses and community health workers; rolling out a screening programme for diabetes and hypertension; establishing patient record systems; and awareness raising and mobilisation at the community level. The project’s design is based on IDF and WHO-PEN guidelines.
Ministerial support
About 200 people participated in the colourful launch event, which included dancers and music. Partners from the Mozambique Ministry of Health, the Mozambican Association for People with Diabetes (AMODIA), and Medici con l'Africa (CUAMM)
all spoke about their hopes for the ambitious project.
Anders Dejgaard, Managing Director for the WDF, noted that the programme has been under way for a long time and thanked those present for their patience.
“We have reached this today thanks to the continuous dedication and commitment from all involved stakeholders – especially the Ministry of Health, AMODIA and CUAMM,” he said, adding that the WHO provided valuable technical support.
Minister of Health Dr Nazira Vali Adala described the project as “vital for the response to NCDs in Mozambique, in particular diabetes”. She said the Ministry hopes to scale the project up to cover all 11 of Mozambique’s provinces in the future.
Then, the minister revealed that she herself was diagnosed with diabetes 1 year ago. From the stage, she asked the diabetes association, AMODIA, to accept her as a member.
Mozambique is listed in category 1 (least developed countries) on the OECD’s Development Assistance Committee list. The project’s targets include the strenghtning of 81 health care clinics in 27 districts, training of 510 health professionals, screening of 1 million people for diabetes and hypertension, and increased awareness about NCDs for 1.5 million residents.