NNF project, Mozambique

Objectives

During 2016-2020, WDF has supported the first phase of national response to non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in Mozambique, focusing primarily on diabetes and hypertension (WDF12-745). The project has recently come to an end with notable results and has indeed established an enhanced response to diabetes and hypertension at primary care level in Mozambique.

WDF20-1794 aims to ensure that the results obtained during the first phase of the national response are not eroded because of the current COVID-19 emergency situation. Thus, the project aims to strengthen NCD services in 22 health centres to ensure continuity of services, as well as conduct awareness activities at community level to inform the public of the NCDs and COVID-19 in support of the national COVID-19 response.

Funding of the project was obtained through Novo Nordisk Foundation's open call ‘COVID-19: Preparedness, Prevention, Response and Recovery’.

Approach

The project will serve as a bridging-grant to ensure continuity of project activities, as well as implementation of new COVID-19 component. During this bridging period, the main activities include:

Conduct refreshment training on diabetes for selected staff of the targeted 22 health centres
Ensure equipment for provision of quality NCD services
Ensure provision of PPE equipment for health staff to tackle COVID-19
Focus on monitoring blood sugar level and blood pressure in pregnant women
Ensure patients follow-up via phone calls for patients who miss visits and/or need to access the health centres
Support radio broadcast on COVID-19, focusing on prevention measures, myth busters and how to respond to the disease
Develop and broadcast specific radio messages in partnership to target NCD patients to ensure they continue visits and treatment
Develop and broadcast an online toolbox about physical exercises to be promoted and broadcasted on the on social networks/during the World Diabetes Day

Results at completion

22 health centres supported
36 health care professionals trained
20,000 patients screened for diabetes and hypertension
840 radio messages on COVID-19 and NCDs broadcasted
220 IEC material distributed