Mozambique faces one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world; 11.5% of adults and children aged between 15 and 49 live with the virus.
Mozambique faces one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world; 11.5% of adults and children aged between 15 and 49 live with the virus. More than two million people are currently receiving antiretroviral (ARV) treatment, which has been instrumental in reducing HIV-related transmission and deaths. However, many challenges persist, particularly in provinces like Cabo Delgado, where armed conflict has disrupted people’s access to medical care since 2017.
The ongoing crisis in Cabo Delgado, in northeastern Mozambique, where armed conflict has been ongoing since 2017, has severely disrupted healthcare services, affecting the population overall, especially limiting access to HIV treatment for thousands. They face multiple challenges, such as restricted access to healthcare, shortages of antiretroviral (ARV) medications, and interruptions in treatment due to insecurity and forced displacement. Precarious living conditions, such as lack of shelter and adequate food, harm the physical and mental health of these individuals, making them vulnerable to infections. Stigma and discrimination also increase in this scenario, making it even harder for these people to follow up on their treatment.
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has been running medical and humanitarian activities in the region since 2019 to address the needs of the communities affected by the conflict. MSF is currently supporting the local Ministry of Health with medical staff, medicines donations and mental health support. The main challenges identified by our teams is the follow up of patients and fighting stigma in the community.
Dr Filomena Januário’s commitment to tackling HIV is deeply personal, her mother did not seek treatment for HIV and eventually died from complications associated with the disease. Motivated by this personal loss, she decided to fight against the infection and its stigma. Now she is the specialist on HIV treatment at the rural hospital of the coastal town of Mocimboa da Praia.
Cristina Virgílio works as mãe mentora/ mother's mentor at the same hospital, a peer-to-peer program focused on the prevention of the vertical transmission (mother to child) of the virus. Cristina leads efforts to reduce HIV impact in the community, running awareness sessions with families, pregnant and lactating woman to encourage them to stay on treatment and seek support when needed. Her work, alongside the support from MSF, aims to build a community where people feel safe to access HIV treatment without fear of judgment or discrimination.
Germana Toni, is receiving ARV treatment at Mocímboa da Praia rural hospital. She found out she was HIV-positive when she first became pregnant and receiving support from a mãe mentora was essential for her to keep on with her treatment throughout her pregnancy.
Key Points:
· The ongoing conflict in Cabo Delgado has displaced communities, destroyed health infrastructure, and created significant barriers to healthcare, which is has a huge impact particularly for HIV patients who often must pause their treatment due to the violence. If treated well, a person living with HIV can have a long and healthy life, that's why is important to improve access to healthcare.
· Access to healthcare in conflict areas is extremely limited, particularly in hard-to-reach zones. Epidemics, chronic diseases like diabetes, sexual and reproductive health care, and HIV treatment remain critical concerns, as populations in these areas struggle to receive even basic medical attention.
MSF teams have been active there since 2019 responding to healthcare needs, providing ARV treatment, and mental health support to the communities.
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