Mozambique

Country Overview

Malaria Country Profile

• Currently, malaria is the second leading cause of death within Mozambique and is endemic throughout the entire country. 
• Mozambique has the third highest number of malaria cases globally and 100% of the population is at risk of malaria (Total population: 30.3 mil)
• The country reported over 10 million cases of malaria in 2019, an increase in cases since 2015.
• Malaria transmission is year-long, with a seasonal peak during the rainy season from December-April.
• The National Malaria Control Programme in Mozambique focuses on sensitizing the public to vector control measures, such as promoting the appropriate use of mosquito nets, while encouraging and offering health care in a timely manner.
• There is over 90% incidence of Plasmodium falciparum malaria.

Elimination Strategies Implemented

Although Mozambique has prioritized malaria control and prevention in recent years, it remains a leading cause of mortality within the country, and its high burden is in turn a challenge for its low-transmission neighbours. Mozambique’s national malaria control strategic plan focuses on: decentralizing malaria control activities, improving access to ITNs and IRS, improving malaria education, using lab tests to confirm suspected cases, and strengthening monitoring and evaluation. Mozambique is working towards subnational elimination in its southernmost provinces by 2020, which will be crucial for reducing the national malaria burden, as well as supporting elimination in neighbouring countries such as Eswatini and South Africa.

Best Practices

• Mozambique experiences low malaria in Maputo Province bordering Eswatini and South Africa. These districts (8/128 National) have been classified as pre-elimination and have seen the deployment of various strategies such as Mass Drug Administration in Magude District in a bid to further bring down the cases of malaria.