Mozambique

Date Started:

2017*

Geolocations

New Clients Enrolled (2023):

69,937

Mentor Mothers (2023):

376

Country Director:

Dr. Ali Ouenzar

*Implementation began in 2018

Data sourced from m2m 2023 Annual Programme Review

Geolocations refers to both health facility and community locations

Our work in Mozambique

Since 2018, mothers2mothers (m2m) has been a driving force for improved maternal and child health in Mozambique, working alongside the Ministry of Health (MISAU) to empower communities and strengthen healthcare delivery. Our flagship programme being implemented in the country is our Mentor Mother model. m2m has trained local women living with HIV as community health workers and deployed them to health facilities and communities across Cabo Delgado, Maputo, Nampula, Sofala, and Zambézia provinces, to provide crucial health support and guidance to pregnant and breastfeeding mothers living with HIV, their families, and communities. Through this community-centred approach, Mentor Mothers ensure clients stay engaged in care and prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).

Our work extends beyond HIV to encompass reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH). Mentor Mothers offer services, information, and support on essential areas including antenatal care, nutrition, childhood immunisations, and modern family planning.

Recognising the critical link between nutrition and health outcomes for both mothers and children, especially those affected by HIV, m2m conducted a pilot project through the World Food Programme’s Innovation Accelerator. Mentor Mothers were trained to deliver nutrition education and cooking demonstrations, empowering mothers to prepare healthy meals for their families, promoting practices that contribute to optimal nutrition that will improve overall health and well-being.

We are addressing the unique needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Cabo Delgado and Nampula. Our focus is on improving access to integrated RMNCH services, including PMTCT and HIV prevention, care, and treatment, for these vulnerable communities. We have placed particular emphasis on reaching adolescent girls and young women.

Our work has underpinned thousands of mothers living with HIV staying healthy and preventing transmission to their children. m2m is committed to continuing this positive impact and building a healthier future for all mothers and children in Mozambique. Looking ahead, we plan to integrate clinical services into our existing programmes, addressing gaps in Universal Health Coverage for IDPs and other marginalised communities.

Our Reach in Mozambique

Success Story

Passionate about ending HIV/AIDS, Mentor Mother – Ana ensures every woman she encounters knows her HIV status and receives comprehensive support.

Living with HIV herself, she shares her journey to inspire and educate others, believing that proper treatment adherence and community support are crucial to transforming HIV into a manageable condition. As a Mentor Mother, Ana is a role model in her community, ensuring women and their families receive the healthcare they need to stay healthy and thrive. Her commitment extends beyond her professional role, as she uses her experiences to support her family and contribute to a future free of HIV.

“I believe that by sharing my story and supporting others, we can transform HIV from a deadly disease into a manageable condition. Proper treatment adherence and community support are key to a future free of HIV.”