Mozambique
By Dinis Jaintilal
Mozambique Country Director
The fight against HIV/AIDS in Mozambique has been long and difficult. We are still not where we need to be, but I want to reflect and acknowledge the immense progress we have accomplished. Between 2010-2018, the number of new HIV cases had dropped from 160,000 to 150,000 compared to the previous eight-year period. There was also a 16% decrease in HIV/AIDS deaths. According to UNAIDS, more than 95% of pregnant women living with HIV had access to antiretrovirals (ARV) that helped prevent mother-to-child transmission, a sign that we can break the chain of HIV to the next generation.
Here at Ciheb Mozambique, we are doing our part in the epidemic by strengthening the health systems. Through the Laboratory Systems Enhancement for AIDS Pandemic Control (LAPSEC) project, we are supporting the Mozambique MOH and CDC Mozambique by providing direct technical assistance and support to enhance laboratory capacity and competencies for HIV services. We are focused on improving patient diagnosis and care monitoring to help us reach the WHO's 95-95-95 goals.
However, like in all countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has created new challenges to health work. Thankfully, our work in improving laboratory infrastructure has positioned us to support the Government of Mozambique in the COVID-19 fight. We are using GeneXpert machines normally used to diagnosis resistant tuberculosis to also test for COVID-19 at sub-national level. We are also supporting essential tests and supplies that help the country maintain testing capacity. Using existing specimen referral systems for HIV and TB have contributed to an effective and timely COVID-19 response.
The fight against COVID-19 has unveiled how connected all countries are in the world, much like our fight against HIV/AIDS. We will not contain COVID-19 or HIV/AIDS from the world until all countries have contained it. We must continue our partnerships between governments, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector to continue our progress.
Dinis Jaintilal, PG diploma in Public Health, is the country director of Mozambique and is a passionate public health professional with more than eight years of experience implementing PEPFAR funded laboratory strengthening programs.