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Mozambique is
a country located on the southeast African coast, bordered by the
Indian Ocean, Tanzania, Malawi, and Zambia. The country has a
large population of just over 22 million and a land area of
801,590 square kilometers. The capital and largest city of the
country is Maputo, other large cities include Beira and Nampula.
Agriculture is one of the largest industries in the country,
employing around 90 percent of the population. The development of
Mozambique has been neglected due to a long period of civil war,
intermittent periods of drought and flooding, and a high
prevalence of HIV/AIDS. As a result, Mozambique is one the poorest
counties in the world.
Mozambique has experienced many challenges in recent years, mainly
associated with political and economic instability. Following
independence from Portugal in 1975, a large number of Portuguese
citizens emigrated out of the country, leaving the country largely
depleted of a skilled workforce. The civil war, which took place
between 1977 and 1992, resulted in landmines and unexploded
ordinance scattered throughout Mozambique. During the 1980s a
serious drought devastated food supplies and forced thousands to
emigrate to urban areas of the country. As a result of famine and
violent conflict, nearly one million people died in the country
between 1977 and 1992. Today, landmines and unexploded ordinances
hinder development in Mozambique and continue to cause injury and
fatality.
Landmines have inhibited the growth of Mozambique's economy.
During the civil war, landmines and explosives were placed in
areas to block access to agricultural land, clean drinking water
and other infrastructure including roads, bridges, airports,
schools, factories and electricity lines. Demining efforts in
Mozambique continue today, with more than 100,000 mines removed
since the cessation of war. Today, landmines and unexploded
ordinances are still present in all provinces of the country. The
National Mine Action Plan, and other international aid
organizations, continue their efforts to achieve a mine free
country. Once these areas are declared landmine free, development
can continue in order to rebuild and strengthen the Mozambique
economy.
Private health care facilities provide the highest level of health
in Mozambique. Private healthcare facilities are located in the
urban areas of the country. The Maputo Private Hospital is the
best hospital in Mozambique. Funded by Lennmed Health, the
hospital is located in the capital Maputo and is the first
private, fully equipped medical facility in Mozambique. As well as
increasing access to health, it serves as a viable alternative for
patients who would normally travel to South Africa for better
medical treatment. The Maputo Private Hospital offers the most
advanced levels of surgical, obstetric, maternity, pediatric,
gynecological, and orthopedic services in Mozambique. The hospital
also has an emergency department, intensive care unit and a
pharmacy supplied with essential medicines. Other private clinics
in Mozambique include the Clinica Sommerschield and the Clinica
Cruz Azul. Medical costs are generally expensive in private health
care facilities, as such, a comprehensive health insurance plan is
highly recommended to ensure access to the best health care
services in Mozambique.
There are public hospitals and health clinics in Mozambique,
located in both urban and rural areas of the country. Although,
lack of health care funding in Mozambique limits the services in
which public facilities can provide. There are many health care
facilities in Mozambique that have inadequate access to
electricity or clean water. The Maputo Central Hospital, or
Hospital Central de Maputo, is the largest referral hospital in
Mozambique. Located in the capital Maputo, the Central Hospital
provides services in general medicine, surgery, paediatrics,
orthopedics, gynecology, obstetrics, ophthalmology and
otolaryngology. Attached to the Central Hospital is a small
private clinic called the Clinica Especial de Maputo. Hospitals in
rural Mozambique are extremely limited. The Chicuque Rural
Hospital, provides basic healthcare services including general
medicine, maternity, diagnostic, surgery, women's health and
pediatric services. The Chicuque Rural Hospital lacks funding to
provide modern equipment and to maintain supplies, for example
X-ray services have been temporarily available.
HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria are a serious problem in
Mozambique. The country also has a very high maternal and child
morbidity rate. In line with the Millennium Development Goals,
Mozambique aims to reduce the burden of communicable diseases and
maternal and child morbidity by 2015. In doing this, the country
hopes to improve the population's access to quality health care
services, clean water and sanitation and achieve a landmine free
country. UNICEF have launched the 'One Million Initiative' which
aims to provide access to safe water and sanitation to one million
people living in rural areas, by 2013.
HIV/AIDS was declared a national emergency in 2004. HIV/AIDS
contributes to approximately 25 percent of all adult deaths in the
country, resulting in a large number or orphaned children in
Mozambique and putting a further strain on the country's social
and welfare resources. Lack of HIV/AIDS education, poor access to
screening and treatment, and social attitudes towards HIV/AIDS has
together contributed to the high prevalence in the country. Women
and children are at particularly high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS
in Mozambique. Mother to child transmission is high and many young
women are pressured into having unprotected sex.
Outbreaks of infectious diseases, including cholera and other
water borne diseases, occur frequently in Mozambique. In 2008, a
cholera outbreak spread from Maputo and resulted in more than 4000
cases and 52 reported deaths. An outbreak of river valley fever
was reported in 2008, which resulted in 418 suspected cases and 17
deaths. Due to poor drainage systems, flooding in Mozambique
increases the risk of outbreaks in cholera and other water borne
diseases. Expats should drink bottled water and follow strict
hygiene methods, especially during outbreaks and rainy season.
Crime is relatively high in Mozambique. Expats and travelers to
Mozambique should avoid carrying expensive items and walking
alone, especially after dark, as these factors can increase the
risk of a criminal attack including violence and theft.
Travelers and expats living in developing countries where health
care services are limited, are strongly advised to obtain a
comprehensive insurance policy that includes coverage for
emergency evacuation and hospitals overseas. A comprehensive
health insurance plan will ensure you are provided with the high
level of health care you require in the event of an accident or
illness while you are living overseas.
Emergency protocols should be adopted by residents in Mozambique
to avoid risk of injury during the event of an accident, serious
illness or criminal event.
For medical emergency, evacuation or repatriation services in
Mozambique, expats can contact international SOS on 31-31-03 or
082-323-260; Clinica da Sommerschield on 21-493-924; or the
Clinica Suedoise on 21-492-922.
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