A Water Revolution: Malimanao Community Celebrates the Restoration of the Water Pump

In the heart of the Malimanao community, in the administrative area of Nhamagua, an extraordinary celebration took place yesterday, marked by the official delivery of the restored water pump into the hands of António Dinis, the district administrator of Macossa, in Manica province. The event represented a significant step towards ensuring sustainable access to clean water for all members of the community.

António Dinis expressed deep gratitude to the DELPAZ Program, which actively supported the rehabilitation process of the water pumps. “We are very grateful to the DELPAZ Program for providing valuable support in the rehabilitation of our pumps. This will significantly contribute to the well-being of our communities,” stated the administrator. He also emphasized the importance of the community now taking responsibility for the maintenance and wise use of this vital resource.

The ceremony witnessed the delivery of an Afridev-type water pump, one of the seven recently restored by the DELPAZ Program. Rosita Panazache, representing the Malimanao community, shared her joy in finally seeing water easily accessible. “Now we can save time as it will no longer be necessary to travel long distances to fetch water from traditional wells,” she exclaimed.

Pedro Paunde, the community spokesperson, highlighted the importance of the pump not only in facilitating water access but also in disease prevention. “Water not only nourishes us but protects us from diseases. I appeal to all communities to enjoy the privilege of having their own water pump,” he declared.

The event was made even more special by the presence of Carlos Mairoce, representative of the Italian component of the DELPAZ Program, and Paolo Gomiero, representative of the NGO Helpcode. Sofrimento João Francisco, director of the Serviço Distrital de Planeamento e Infra-estruturas (SDPI), emphasized the commitment to sustainable development and the importance of infrastructure for community progress.

This celebration not only marks a significant step forward in providing safe and accessible water but also serves as a tangible example of how collaboration between organizations and communities can bring meaningful change for the benefit of all. A testament to hope and progress for the people of the Malimanao community and an inspiration for many other communities to pursue a better life through access to clean water.

COREBIOM: A New Chapter for the Museu De História Natural de Maputo thanks to the RINO Programme

The COREBIOM project, supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and part of the RINO Programme, recently reached an important milestone with the signing of the contract for the rehabilitation of the Museu de História Natural de Maputo. The contract signed with the company Construarte marks a significant chapter in the history of this institution, which is fundamental to research, collection conservation and the promotion of scientific and cultural exhibitions.

The Museum, an integral part of the Universidade ‘Eduardo Mondlane’, has always been a pillar in the panorama of scientific research and cultural heritage conservation. Its redevelopment will not only strengthen its position as a reference point in the academic and scientific spheres, but will also contribute to creating a modern, state-of-the-art infrastructure for use by the local and international community.

The Museu de História Natural de Maputo, with its rich heritage of natural and anthropological collections, is destined to become a magnet for students, researchers and lovers of culture and science. The redevelopment aims not only to improve the accessibility and usability of the collections, but also to provide the museum with state-of-the-art facilities for innovative and engaging exhibitions.

Today is a historic day for the Museu de História Natural de Maputo and for the entire COREBIOM project. The start of work marks a new phase of growth and development for this institution, promising to consolidate its role in the scientific and cultural landscape not only locally but also internationally.

Tuning in to change: the transformative impact of community radio in Mozambique on World Radio Day

Since the Indipendence, Radio Mozambique has expanded to all provinces and is now estimated to reach about 95 per cent of the national population. The liberalisation of the media market in the 1990s opened up space for the emergence of community radio stations, increasing their level of expansion and territorial reach.

Community radios – of the Institute of Social Communication (ICS) and FORCOM – are an important source of information in rural Mozambique: about two-thirds of Mozambicans, especially those in rural communities, receive their information through community radios. Through programme production, community radios play an important role in community mobilisation, influencing behavioural change on issues related to health, education, agriculture and climate warning.

Donato Maguere (32) is a young man from the district of Macossa, in the province of Manica, who has been joining forces with other radio producers since 2021 – the year Macossa Community Radio (ICS) was born – and explains the importance of radio for local development.

“I have always liked radio, especially Radio Mozambique’s news bulletins, and when I had the opportunity to be part of the community radio team I was really happy because I firmly believe in the role radio plays in informing listeners and helping to maintain peace.”

“Macossa is a very small area and with the entry of radio we are seeing growth, progress, especially in terms of behaviour change,” says Donato. “We have programmes on climate change, for example, or malaria.”

“I can also say that our radio station played a very important role during the Covid-19 pandemic. It was us, with our messages, who helped the population to control the disease, and our radio reaches the last listener in the most remote community, even where there is no telephone network,” he says proudly. “It is thanks to radio that our communities are better able to fight malaria and deal effectively with the crises caused by climate change.”

Radio is a key medium for maintaining peace. “Through the production of news and commercials, the radio daily conveys the message of the importance of the inclusion of the DRDs, the people demobilised by the war, in society,” says Donato, “with DELPAZ – the programme of the Government of Mozambique, financed by the European Union with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation and its partners such as the NGO HELPCODE in our province, and in Tete – we continue our work for the inclusion of everyone in society and for the tranquility of our communities.

“People believe in us because our news is credible and we do not fall into the trap of fake news often spread through social media,” adds Narcísia Kupa (34), also from Macossa Community Radio.

“I have been working in radio for three years,” says Narcísia. “In addition to broadcasting news about what’s happening in the district, we convey educational messages about health, such as the importance of mosquito nets in the fight against malaria.”

But there is also entertainment. “We play music and take phone calls from listeners: it’s a way of establishing an even stronger bond between us and in this way our credibility also grows.”

Encouraging other girls to work in radio is one of Narcísia’s missions. “I really enjoy what I do because I feel it is relevant to our communities, so I invite other women to get involved in radio work”.

Vaccine, screening, and lifestyle are the most effective weapons to prevent cancer.

Today we celebrate World Cancer Day, with the slogan “Bridging the Care Gap,” emphasizing the need to make cancer prevention and treatment services accessible to all. Even in developing countries, morbidity and mortality related to cancer are on the rise, as is the case in Mozambique, where in 2022 there were 26,578 new cases of people with cancer and 19,020 deaths due to cancer.

Among these, cervical cancer is the most frequent in women (33.4%), followed by breast cancer (12.5%) in third place. Specifically, the mortality rate for cervical cancer is seven times higher than the global average and more than double the average for African countries. This condition recorded a 47.8% increase in new cases and 36.9% of cancer-related deaths in 2022.

Cervical cancer is caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), primarily transmitted through sexual contact, but also through other means such as childbirth and the use of contaminated materials. Mozambique is following WHO guidelines, aiming to vaccinate 90% of girls against the papillomavirus by 2030.

“We have started vaccinating nine-year-old girls with two doses, and we are expanding the target group. Additionally, we conduct screenings in our health units for women with cervical lesions, provide diagnoses, and proceed with treatment in confirmed cases of the disease,” comments Dr. Sheila Tualufo, director of the Non-Communicable Disease Control Program at the Ministry of Health (MISAU).

Another preventive measure, known as secondary prevention, is screening. In this context, the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, through the Non-Communicable Diseases Prevention and Control project, has promoted screening for women in health centers in the provinces of Sofala, Zambezia, and Maputo. “The earlier the disease is diagnosed, the greater the chances of treatment,” says Dr. Tualufo, emphasizing how early diagnosis reduces morbidity and helps improve the quality of life. One of the goals is to identify women aged 15 to 55 with precancerous lesions, estimated at around 92,000, for whom timely treatment can save lives.

MISAU will soon launch a campaign for the elimination of cervical cancer. “We want to remind all women between the ages of 25 and 54 to undergo screening for cervical and breast cancer at health facilities,” said Dr. Tualufu, highlighting the symbolic importance of today. “We want to invite all parents and guardians to bring nine-year-old girls to health centers to complete the vaccination cycle against the papillomavirus.”

The final note that Dr. Tualufo wanted to leave at today’s meeting is about the strategic, technical, economic, and human importance of Italian Cooperation, which has been contributing to the fight against non-communicable diseases from the very beginning, “always by our side.”

Stories from Mozambique that dismantle hate speech

International Day of Education 2024

Wars and wounds inflicted by armed violence have left an indelible mark on the communities of Mozambique. In this challenging context, Helder and Ana, two children from the province of Tete, represent the strength and hope of those who dream of a better future. Their story, symbolized by a pencil, a sheet of paper, and a wooden stool, reflects the determination to overcome adversities and build an educational path despite the challenges.

The escape to Malawi was the only option for many families in the area, forced to leave their homes due to war. Schools in the area were closed, depriving children of the right to education. “When they signed the peace agreement, we could finally go back home and to school,” they told us, smiling.

The signing of peace in 2019 marked a crucial moment, allowing Helder and Ana to return home, go back to school, and resume their education. This event underscores the crucial importance of resolving armed conflicts to ensure the right to education for all, especially children whose future is often threatened by violence.

Stories of rebirth are not only individual but also reflect the broader social fabric. Rita Saimon’s testimony, a mother in the Bárué district, Manica province, speaks of hope in the future that her children’s education can bring. “You see, today we can cultivate without fear, we can feed our children enough before they go to school every morning,” Mrs. Rita told us.

Peace has made it possible to cultivate without fear, ensuring adequate sustenance before children go to school every morning. “This gives me confidence that their future will be different from mine, and they will take care of me in my old age if they study and find a good job,” commented Mrs. Rita, who knows neither the word hatred nor revenge. “All this is possible because there is peace, and we work as one community, and that’s what we teach our children.”

Since the signing of the Maputo Peace Agreement on August 6, 2019, for peacebuilding and national reconciliation, progress has also been made through the DELPAZ program – funded by the European Union, implemented by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) in the provinces of Manica and Tete; by the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) in the Sofala province, with the participation of UNCDF – to strengthen peace consolidation. The program is committed to supporting local communities in building peaceful and sustainable societies, allowing them to develop their problem-solving skills calmly and reflectively.

The premise that all this can be achieved is to equip communities with adequate knowledge and, above all, ensure that children grow up in safe environments and receive proper education.

With the establishment of peace, human rights can be exercised more effectively, including the right to education.

On this day dedicated to education and the fight against hate speech, the testimony of Helder, Ana, and Mrs. Rita reminds us that education is a transformative force capable of illuminating the path to a better future, free from hatred and conflict. It is an appeal to building a future based on understanding, tolerance, and awareness of diversity. Only through education can we hope to break the cycle of poverty and contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous society.

Launch of the project ‘Strengthening the health personnel training institutes system and supporting the development of telemedicine’

Today’s, at the Ministry of Health of Mozambique (MISAU), the launch ceremony of the project “Strengthening the Health Personnel Training Institutes System and Supporting the Development of Telemedicine” AID – 12524 took place. The project, funded by AICS and implemented by the University of Sassari (UNISS), in collaboration with a consortium of three Italian NGOs: AISPO, Medici con l’Africa (CUAMM), ACAP – S. Egidio. This event was attended by, among others, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the Vice-Minister of Health, Ilesh Vinondrai Jani, the Head of AICS-Maputo, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, and the National Director of Professional Health Training, Sualehe Rafael.

After the event opening, UNISS presented the project, explaining the Intervention Logic with reference to the main objective of ensuring the quality and availability of qualified health personnel in the provinces of Sofala and Maputo. The project aims to improve the competence of teachers and the quality of training in the Health Sciences Institutes (ICS) in Beira, Maputo, Nhamatanda, and Infulene.

Additionally, the project aims to promote telemedicine in the country, adopting an innovative approach that will allow local health facilities to manage the service autonomously. The telemedicine program, offering diagnostic and therapeutic consultations, will initially be implemented in the provinces of Sofala and Maputo.

In his speech, the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to “continue supporting the training of health personnel.” He emphasized the importance of telemedicine as a possible solution for remote areas of Mozambique and highlighted how “telemedicine can play a crucial role in early diagnosis.” He also stressed the importance of telemedicine for “patients with chronic diseases who require constant monitoring.”

The Vice-Minister of Health, Dr. Ilesh Vinodrai Jani, underscored that among the challenges Mozambique faces is “continuing to expand the healthcare network and improving the quality of services offered.” To achieve this goal, the country needs “qualified healthcare professionals and to adopt innovative approaches.” He highlighted how this project addresses both challenges.

Finally, he thanked the Italian government and AICS for the long-term partnership, emphasizing that “projects like the one we launched today structure our healthcare system and make it stronger and more resilient.”

UEM and AICS on the 2030 Agenda: Reflections from the International Conference on SDGs

On December 11th and 12th, 2023, the International Conference on “The Contribution of Eduardo Mondlane University to the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)” took place, with active participation from the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS). The ceremony was organized within the framework of the Localization Program of the SDGs in the provinces of Maputo and Cabo-Delgado, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and financed by the Andalusian Agency for International Development Cooperation (AACID).

The event served as a foundation to assess the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Mozambique and to exchange ideas on the implementation of the 17 SDGs and their 169 targets among academic institutions, government, civil society, international donors, and United Nations agencies. The event featured the presence, among others, of the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, Alberto Cerezo, the Representative of UNDP in Mozambique, Edo Stork, the Director of AICS-Maputo, Paolo Enrico Sertoli, the Rector of UEM, Manuel Guilherme Júnior, as well as the Coordinator for Central and Eastern Africa of AACID, Esther Hernández.

In his opening speech, the Magnificent Rector of UEM, Manuel Guilherme Júnior, highlighted the “2030 Agenda as one of the most ambitious global agreements in history” and reinforced UEM’s commitment to promoting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He cited the recent Workshop on Water Quality Monitoring in Mozambique, organized under the AID. 12089 – BioForMoz project, funded by AICS, as a concrete initiative to achieve SDG number 6, “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.”

In the panel on “National and International Cooperation for the Mainstreaming of the 2030 Agenda” Paolo Enrico Sertoli, Director of the AICS office in Maputo, presented the Agency’s initiatives in collaboration with the University UEM, highlighting the SDGs and the targets intended to be achieved through these initiatives. He mentioned the recent opening of the UEM business incubator, a result of the AID. 12227 Coding Girls project, which supports young entrepreneurs to contribute to SDG 5, especially target 5.2 of empowering women and girls through information and communication technologies. Significant emphasis was placed on initiatives contributing to the achievement of SDGs 14 and 15, with special reference to targets 14.2, 15.1, 15.5, and 15.9.

Furthermore, during the AICS intervention, the four principles of effectiveness were mentioned: Ownership, Results-Based Management, Inclusive Partnership, and Transparency and Mutual Accountability. In conclusion, it was emphasized that in 2024, AICS will conduct a Mid-Term Review (MTR) of the Multi-Year Indicative Plan (PIP) 2022-2024, a review useful for identifying, among other things, possible cooperation sectors with UEM, serving as a basis for future joint projects.

In the other panels, it was emphasized that the achievement of SDGs depends on the collective efforts of the government, civil society, individuals, and the private sector. In this context, the example of Nike was mentioned, which currently uses 80% renewable energy and aims to reach 100% by 2025. The importance of involving young people in achieving the SDGs was highlighted, especially considering that 75% of the population in Mozambique is under 35 years old. Finally, all participants stressed the urgency of accelerating the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, given that only 6 years remain…

Promoting peace and gender equality: DELPAZ’s first solidarity camp

Photo: Women from the provinces of Sofala, Tete, and Manica, singing “Mexeu com uma, mexeu com todas”

From November 20 to 21, 2023, the first solidarity camp of DELPAZ took place in the Province of Manica, specifically in Inhazónia, in the District of Bárue. The idea of solidarity camps emerged in 2014, during the resumption of hostilities between FRELIMO and RENAMO[1]. This concept originated from the Group of Women for Idea Sharing in Sofala (GMPIS), evolving into an initiative to give a voice to women affected by the conflict in central Mozambique. As explained by the camp organizer, Inês Chamuchifinha, “the idea of the solidarity camp emerged to be a space where women feel safe to express and share what is within them.” Since then, dozens of solidarity camps have been organized across the country.

The camp in Inhazónia brought together 250 participants, women and men from the provinces of Tete, Manica, and Sofala. Following the principles of other camps, based on solidarity, inclusion, and diversity, all camp food was prepared based on solidarity principles by women from the community, using local products. The event saw the participation of various individuals, including religious leaders, local government members, traditional leaders, and farmers, all united with the goal of achieving gender equality.

Domingas Sebastião, a GMPIS member, highlights that the provinces of Manica, Tete, and Sofala were the most affected by the war. One of the main objectives of the camp is to facilitate the exchange of experiences so that “women, when they leave here, can bring peace to their families, communities, and even to the Province.” In this context, discussions about the United Nations Resolution 1325, recognizing the significant role of women in peacebuilding and maintenance, promoting their active and equal participation in decision-making processes, take center stage.

Apart from this perspective, participants are organized into groups exploring three other central themes: Armed Conflicts, Climate Change, and Human Rights. Ines Chamuchifinha clarifies that, in the space dedicated to Human Rights, women address issues related to gender-based violence, including forced and early marriages[2], with the aim that “women learn to say no and assert that, as women, they have their rights.”

The camp observes the participation of men. Ines Chamuchifinha explains that, aligned with the movement launched by UN Women, HeForShe, which seeks to involve men in promoting gender equality, it is crucial to have men in the camp, as they “understand women’s rights and comprehend their daily challenges.” Indeed, during the event, a group of men engaged in discussions about toxic masculinity and positive masculinity.

Amélia Andalusa, who came from the District of Macossa, specifically from Dunda, expresses her enthusiasm, sharing that this is the second time she has participated in a camp. For her, these events represent moments of camaraderie, where “we talk with many women, mothers, and their children, all in an atmosphere of harmony and peace.” Thus, to promote the participation of all, the camp utilizes community feminist methods, including dialogues in local languages to foster empathy and strengthen self-esteem.

Amélia emphasizes that, now that she no longer lives in a war environment, she can “work on the farm, feed the children, and take them to school.” However, she warns of the need to create economic opportunities for women, as many companies in her province often “only hire men.” She expresses hope that the declaration drafted at the end of the camp – which will serve as an advocacy tool – includes the crucial need to promote the hiring of women. This aligns with the camp’s motto: “Women empowered for peace, social inclusion, and local economic empowerment.”

DELPAZ, funded by the European Union in Mozambique, is a program of the Mozambican government that operates in 14 districts of the provinces of Manica, Tete, and Sofala for peace consolidation. In the Province of Manica, the Italian Agency for Cooperation and Development (AICS) supports economic development, collaborating with local authorities and a consortium of Italian and local civil society organizations, led by Helpcode.

[1] On October 21, 2013, RENAMO announced the end of the Rome General Peace Agreement after government forces attacked the RENAMO base in Gorongosa, in the center of the country. The armed conflict persisted until August 5, 2014, when both parties reached an agreement to cease hostilities.

[2] According to UNICEF data, Mozambique has one of the highest rates of early marriage in the world, affecting nearly one in two girls, and is the second-highest in East and Southern Africa. Approximately 48% of women in Mozambique aged 20 to 24 have married or entered into a union before the age of 18, and 14% before the age of 15 (IDS, 2011).

Diabetes in Mozambique: Progress and Sustainability with the Contribution of AICS

Today is World Diabetes Day.

Currently, in Africa, there are 24 million cases of diabetes in adults, with estimates indicating that this number will reach 55 million by 2045. In the African continent, these statistics can be explained by various factors, including the lack of diagnosis, a shortage of qualified healthcare professionals to identify and treat the disease, lifestyle changes, and low awareness among the population regarding the disease and risk factors.

Mozambique is not exempt from this reality, and the Ministry of Health, aware of this challenge, has implemented the Multisectoral Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), with the goal of reducing major risk factors such as obesity, an unbalanced diet, and sedentary behavior.

The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), recognizing the significance of NCDs, has prioritized the fight against this global epidemic in the country’s health initiatives, with Italy standing out as the main donor in Mozambique. Thus, the project “Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases” was launched with an investment of 7 million euros, concluded at the end of 2022, and implemented by the consortium of NGOs AIFO, CUAMM, and ACAP. Additionally, a new project of 5 million euros has been funded, ensuring its continuity for the next three years.

Dr. Fernanda Fernando Parruque, working on the project with the Saint Egidio community, and Dr. Isabel Guilamba from the Provincial Health Directorate (DPS) explain that, in the recent past, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) were mistakenly considered exclusive to developed countries. For Mozambique, still facing significant challenges related to infectious diseases such as HIV, malaria, and tuberculosis, NCDs become an additional and complex burden.

This project played a crucial role, empowering over 413 healthcare professionals in diabetes diagnosis and expanding screening services, providing diagnoses to over 35,237 people. It also ensured that 14 health centers in the provinces of Maputo, Sofala, and Zambezia, including the São Damaso Health Center, provide access to necessary healthcare services.

At the São Damaso Health Center, we met Mrs. Faustina Ernesto, a resilient woman facing diabetes for over two decades. She emphasized that the first step in facing the disease was “adapting dietary habits, reducing sugar.” The doctor overseeing her care emphasized the importance of physical exercise, leading Faustina to adopt the practice of “walking, walking, and walking.” It is noteworthy that the project funded by AICS played a crucial role, empowering community healthcare workers to disseminate information about the need for physical activity and a healthy diet in preventing Type 2 Diabetes.

On the other hand, Mr. Pedro Lourenço recently discovered he has diabetes, precisely on October 26, 2022, confessing that “it was scary at first, but I immediately sought treatment.” Access to medications represents one of the main challenges in diabetes treatment, which is why the project provided essential medications and equipment (glucose meter, blood pressure device to be specified) to the 14 health centers involved. It should be noted that, if diabetes is not treated properly, it can lead to complications and, in severe cases, even amputations.

Dr. Isabel Macamo, a doctor and focal point for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) at the São Damaso Health Center, emphasizes the importance of celebrating World Diabetes Day. She highlights that, unlike HIV, widely discussed even in local transport known as “chapas” in Mozambique, diabetes is considered a “silent” disease. Often, it does not present obvious symptoms, and the consequences manifest in the long term, resulting in undiagnosed cases.

On World Diabetes Day, AICS remains committed to mitigating the impact of this “silent” disease, and following the results achieved in the first project, it has decided to implement a new project on NCDs, consolidating previous progress. The new project will also focus on diabetes complications that can cause disabilities, providing continuous care and assistance in an attempt to improve the quality of life for people with chronic diseases.

The Collaboration of AICS with the United Nations in Mozambique for Sustainable Development

On October 24th, we celebrate United Nations Day. The Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) has played a crucial role by collaborating with various United Nations agencies and funds in Mozambique, significantly contributing to the advancement of sustainable development in the country and supporting the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

In partnership with the United Nations, AICS has played a fundamental role in various areas. In particular, it has provided humanitarian assistance to people displaced due to the conflict in Cabo Delgado, supported peace consolidation efforts in Mozambique, assisted small farmers in promoting and marketing coffee, contributed to the sustainable management of the Quirimbas National Park, strengthened the healthcare system, and supported the country in building resilience against cyclones and floods.

In the agriculture sector, AICS in Maputo has supported the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MADER) in the areas of food security, agriculture, and rural development. The geographic focus of interventions is primarily in the Beira Corridor, where AICS collaborates not only with local authorities but also with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Soon, they will also collaborate with the World Food Programme (WFP) with the aim of promoting the integrated development of the horticultural sector and guiding the development of the coffee sector in the Beira Corridor, connecting Mozambique to Zimbabwe.

In the field of environment and energy access, AICS in Maputo is involved in the resilient reconstruction of the districts of Ibo and Buzi, which were affected by Cyclones Kenneth and Idai. They finance the “Multidimensional Resilient Recovery of the Ibo and Buzi Districts” project, implemented by a consortium led by UN-Habitat in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project promotes an integrated and sustainable approach aimed at conserving natural resources, protecting local heritage, and empowering local communities to withstand the impacts of extreme weather events. In collaboration with UNESCO, AICS has contributed to ensuring the sustainability of the Quirimbas Biosphere Reserve by developing a Business Management Plan 2023-2032, promoting biodiversity conservation and sustainable business opportunities.

In Cabo Delgado, AICS has collaborated with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) in providing humanitarian assistance to displaced people due to the conflict. This includes offering essential services in the water and sanitation, nutrition sectors, and engaging communities to promote behavior changes related to health, nutrition, hygiene, and sanitation.

Together with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), AICS is involved in carrying out activities of the DELPAZ program – Local Development for Peace Consolidation in Mozambique, funded by the European Union, in 14 districts most affected by political-military conflict in the provinces of Tete, Manica, and Sofala. This program focuses on the most vulnerable groups, including beneficiaries of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process and their families. Promoting more inclusive governance and equitable and sustainable local economic development are key components of the intervention, crucial for the socio-economic stability of rural communities.

In the health sector, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and other donors, Italy funds the PROSAÚDE Common Fund, one of its main objectives being to reduce geographical inequalities in access to healthcare services by supporting the decentralization process in the country.

On the 78th anniversary of the entry into force of the United Nations Charter, AICS remains committed to collaborating with the United Nations to ensure the sustainable development of Mozambique, ensuring that no one is left behind.