Shortly after gaining independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique became embroiled in 15-year civil war. The war claimed over one million lives and left an estimated 9,000-12,000 people amputees as a result of landmines. Today, Mozambique is one of the least economically developed countries in the world, ranking 171st among 175 nations on the human development index.

Malaria is widespread throughout Mozambique, as the climate allows for year-round transmission. Children and pregnant women are the groups hardest hit. The estimated prevalence rate among children (ages two to nine) is between 40-80%, and in some areas as many as 90% of children under five are infected with malaria. Approximately 20% of pregnant women are infected with parasites, and almost 70% of pregnant women suffer from malaria-related anemia.

NetsforLife^® Implementing Partner

The Diocese of Lebombo, which is part of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa, is situated in the southern half of the country of Mozambique. The Rt. Rev. Dinis Singulane, Bishop of Lebombo, serves as the chair of the National Roll Back Malaria partnership, which has provided a great deal of support from Mozambique’s Ministry of Health and other partners. Hope Africa, the social development department of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa, is providing technical support and training to the Diocese of Lebombo to build its capacity to implement the malaria program.

Areas Impacted

NetsforLife is focusing on the rural areas immediately surrounding the capital of Maputo and the city of Xai Xai. The combined factors of civil war and drought over the years have resulted in significant migration of people to these cities along the coast.

• Training of clergy and church leaders has proved very valuable as they have spearheaded the roll out of the program in communities.
• Malaria agents have been trained in six communities: Maputo, Umbeluzi, Limpopo, Maciene, Inhambane, and Pungue.
• Each of these six communities has held sensitization workshops for residents.
• Because of the challenge of poor roads, NetsforLife is partnering with truck and tractor owners and operators to get the nets out into the rural communities.

* Data on Mozambique based on figures from RollBackMalaria Country Profiles, 2003.