Mozambique Aims to Reach Universal Malaria Protection in 2014
26 March 2014
MAPUTO, Mozambique – The Ministry of Health of Mozambique, together with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, World Vision and BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities today announced a partnership to ensure that every family in Mozambique will be protected from malaria by the end of this year’s campaign.
Working towards this goal, the Ministry of Health and World Vision-Mozambique , a Christian relief and development organization, have signed grants for US$85 million with the Global Fund to support malaria prevention, diagnosis and treatment for the next three years. BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities, a registered charity established by the company, has contributed US$10 million to the Global Fund to support these grants.
“Our country is committed to winning the fight against malaria,” said Francisco Mbofana National Director Of Public Health of Mozambique. “We are looking forward to our net distribution campaign starting in July to reach universal coverage for malaria prevention,” he added.
The grants will fund distribution of long lasting insecticide-treated nets, indoor residual spraying (IRS) in areas not covered by these nets, training of health workers in the diagnosis and treatment of malaria, and community sensitization and mobilization. Partnership development within communities and with civil society will also be supported.
“The Global Fund is very pleased to continue to work in Mozambique to provide access to diagnosis and treatment through the national health system,” said Kirsi Viisainen, Senior Portfolio Manager for Mozambique at the Global Fund. “Mozambique is a good example of collaboration between government, civil society and the private sector in funding and implementing a national, concerted response against malaria, and we look forward to the continued strengthening of this partnership.”
World Vision-Mozambique has hailed this “potentially life-saving development in a country where malaria is the leading cause of death of children in Mozambique.” Graham Strong, the child-focused organization’s National Director, added: “this effort is proof of the common resolve of civil society, government and the private sector to work alongside communities in stopping this on-going tragedy.”
Ian Wood, Chair, BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities, said: “BHP Billiton Sustainable Communities is delighted to have contributed US$10 million to the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.”
“This brings BHP Billiton’s commitment to Mozambique close to $30 million over five years. In addition to the Global Fund contribution, we are supporting maternal and child health, improved access to clean water and sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods through the support of small scale farmers.”
BHP Billiton is a leading global resources company, and the major shareholder of Mozal Aluminium smelter in Boane, Mozambique.
Malaria is considered the most important public health challenge in Mozambique. Decreasing transmission of the mosquito-borne disease in Mozambique is an important goal for the country and its neighbors, as Mozambique is the only hyper endemic country in the region.