Meu regresso a Moçambique – My return to Mozambique
Mozambique is a special place for me. It was the first country I visited in sub-Saharan Africa, my first project in looking at diabetes management in a low-income country and also a country where I was able to work for close to 7 years with the Ministry of Health and Diabetes Association. Besides the professional aspect, it was also a place where I made long lasting friendships with unique people who not only shared their passion for the work we were doing together, but also imparted me with the love of their beautiful country.
So the question I got from everyone after my recent trip to Mozambique for COHESION, how was it going back? AMAZING was my answer.
Going back to Mozambique was like seeing an old friend after a long time. The link, fondness and memories were there. Both Mozambique and I had moved on since my last visit. Economic development in Mozambique, but with current economic turmoil, more projects including the launch of COHESION and my move back to Geneva on my end.
My reunion with Mozambique was also positive in that the Mozambique COHESION Team had progressed with the research, been able to involve high-level individuals in the Advisory Boards as well as gain the support for our project in the two areas where our work will take place. I had a chance to visit Xipamanine and Moamba and speak to health professionals and local members of the community. In parallel Dr. Claire Somerville (Graduate Institute and COHESION Project Lead on the Policy Analysis component) and Sarah Lachat (University of Geneva, COHESION Project Manager) had the opportunity with our colleagues to work on and carry out some interviews regarding the Policy Analysis. We were also able to meet with the Swiss Cooperation Office in Maputo. The result of all of these discussions is that COHESION has a huge role to play in Mozambique to help improve the management of Noncommunicable (NCD) and Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD).
Being back in Mozambique not only enabled me to see progress and continuing challenges based on my previous work, but mainly the importance of the current work of the COHESION Project. There are many challenges in Mozambique with a life expectancy of 53; high prevalence of HIV/AIDS and malaria; high maternal mortality, etc. NCDs and NTDs have been neglected by policy makers and donors. This results in a lack of capacity at the level of the health system to respond, leading to challenges for individuals and communities. The interventions that our project will develop will hopefully address these and help improve the conditions for people with NCDs and NTDs.
Até a proxima (until next time) Moçambique,
Dr. David H. Beran, Principal Investigator of COHESION