The first meeting of the National Advisory Board of Mozambique focused on the COHESION-I Project’s progress and future steps. Key recommendations included adapting educational materials to local languages and improving diagnostic training for diseases such as Schistosomiasis. Participants also emphasized the need for quality care and specialist consultation to inform patient decisions.
The first Mozambican National Advisory Board meeting occurred on the 24th of June 2024, at the Faculty of Medicine of Eduardo Mondlane University. Attendees included members of the COHESION-I research team based in Mozambique, representatives from the Christian and Islamic council, the Mozambican Diabetes Association (Amodia), representatives of the Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases of the National Directorate of Public Health from the Ministry of Health, doctors’ associations, and other stakeholders.
During the meeting, a brief presentation was given to outline the COHESION-I Project, covering all the work done in the COHESION Project (2016 – 2020), the current development of the activities in the COHESION-I Project (2022 – 2026), and the forthcoming steps.
The National Advisory Board of Mozambique offered several suggestions for the interventions. They recommended to continue using pamphlets as was done during the previous COHESION Project, translating the content into local languages, and incorporating illustrations to make them more accessible to those who may not be literate. Another suggestion was to broadcast an informative video for patients and healthcare workers in waiting areas. This video should provide information about medical conditions and offer advice that patients can follow at home.
Key discussions between the COHESION-I Project research team and the National Advisory Board included concerns about the shortage of medicines. Many health facilities had to incinerate expired medications. It was also emphasized that including Schistosomiasis in healthcare training would enhance diagnostic accuracy. Additionally, it was highlighted that patients are keen on receiving quality care with access to specialists who can thoroughly explain each stage of their condition. This approach would better inform patients and help them make more informed decisions.
In conclusion, the participants expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to be part of the National Advisory Board of Mozambique and for the chance to contribute ideas to advance the project. They recognized the project’s significance in improving community health and the quality of primary healthcare services, particularly for non-communicable diseases and neglected tropical diseases.
The next meeting of the National Advisory Board is planned for November 2024.
National Advisory Board members in Mozambique
| NAME | AFFILIATION(S) |
| Dr. Emilia Cumaquela | Deputy Director, Central of Medicines and Medical supplies (CMAM), Ministry of Health. |
| Dr. Henis Mior Sitoe | Head of Division, Public Health Department, Division of Tropical Diseases, Ministry of Health |
| Dr. Gilberto Manhica | Endocrinologist, President of Mozambican Physicians Order. |
| Sheila Tualufo | Head of Public Health Directorate- Non communicable Diseases, Ministry of Health. |
| Carla Silva Matos | Chief Global Fund Management Unit, Directorate of Planning and Cooperation, Ministry of Health. |
| Katia Manjate | Division Chief, PATH, ONG. |
| Rafidine Mahomed | Committee Member, Islamic Council. |