Water: an Instrument of Peace

World Water Day is celebrated today, a crucial date that reminds us of the importance of this vital resource for human survival and the balance of ecosystems. This year’s theme, “Leveraging Water for Peace”, highlights water’s ability to promote peace and co-operation between communities and countries.

In Mozambique, the word “water” begins with “m”. Mati, massi, mazhi, matchi, mave, madzi, maze, madi, madji – all these variations resonate with the root “m” and are closely linked to fertility, life and femininity. Water, like a pregnant woman, adapts to circumstances, overcomes obstacles and gives birth to life. It’s a powerful metaphor that reflects the transformative and vital nature of water.

However, when water is scarce or polluted, when people have unequal access or no access at all, tensions can arise between communities and countries. Climate change is exacerbating these challenges, making it even more urgent to unite around the protection and conservation of this precious resource.

In response to crises such as the cholera epidemic in Mozambique, international organisations, working with Mozambican institutions such as the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), have played a crucial role, providing funding to guarantee access to drinking water and basic sanitation services for hundreds of thousands of people. Contaminated water is the main means of cholera transmission, so guaranteeing access to drinking water is an effective way of stopping the epidemic. International cooperation, including the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation’s (AICS) investment in CERF, demonstrates the power of solidarity and global cooperation.

In addition, initiatives such as the workshop on water monitoring and quality that took place from 28 to 29 November 2023, organised by the biotechnology centre of the “Eduardo Mondlane” University (UEM) with the support of AICS, highlight the ongoing commitment to the sustainable management of water resources: the challenges faced by Mozambique were highlighted, especially after extreme weather events such as cyclones, and the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of knowledge to address these challenges.

In Cabo Delgado, AICS together with the United Nations – namely the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) – have been supporting Mozambican institutions to provide access to drinking water and essential basic services for children and families displaced in camps due to the violent attacks that continue to occur in the region. For example, in the localities of Palma Sede, Quitunda and Mute, 15 boreholes were built and another 15 rehabilitated. 57 awareness-raising sessions were held, centred on promoting positive hygiene practices, including the importance of washing hands with water, as a means of preventing illness. These awareness-raising sessions reached more than 22,000 people. These interventions not only guarantee access to clean water, but also promote hygiene and health education among people displaced by the conflict in Cabo Delgado, demonstrating how water is intrinsically linked to human well-being and sustainable development.

AICS is actively involved in building water systems and drilling wells in the areas most affected by the civil war through DELPAZ. DELPAZ, the Mozambican government’s programme funded by the European Union, with the support of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), is implemented in Manica and Tete Provinces by AICS, while the Austrian Development Agency (ADA) is active in Sofala Province. These efforts not only improve access to drinking water, but also play a crucial role in restoring confidence and stability in communities devastated by the conflict. The DELPAZ Programme is a tangible example of how international cooperation can positively transform people’s lives, promoting peace and post-conflict reconstruction through access to fundamental resources such as water.

As we approach the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia (18-25 May), it is crucial that we maintain the exchange of best practices and global collaboration to address water-related challenges. The presence of the AICS Regional Headquarters in Maputo at the forum underscores the international community’s ongoing commitment to promoting sustainable water management and achieving common development goals.

Smartphone and chickens

Mr Artur Mainato Randim no longer wants to hear about the war. Time has helped him forget the terrible days and now he just wants to think about his farm and look to the future. He is one of the DDR, the people who entered the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme, the result of the Maputo peace agreement signed in 2019.

Mr Artur lives in the Missoche community in the Dôa district of Tete province.

In the past, he produced maize, peanuts, butter beans and nehmba, banana trees and sugar cane. But his dream was to grow tomatoes and cabbage.

With the arrival of DELPAZ – the Mozambican government programme funded by the European Union – in the Dôa district, his dream came true.

Through the SEPPA Foundation – a member of the consortium working with the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) – he received cabbage, tomato and bean seeds. In addition, they received training to produce these vegetables on their 9800 square metre field.

The harvest was generous and with the sale of the vegetables, Mr Artur was also able to buy a smartphone and five chickens.Now let’s get to work. He plans to increase the production area to two hectares and grow cabbage, kale, carrots and onions in the second season of the current year.

“I really hope that DELPAZ lasts here because it has brought so many benefits to our community,” says Mr Artur with conviction, whose dream now is to become a model farmer and even set an example for the whole community.

Beyond the Challenges: The Story of Berta Arlindo, a Courageous Entrepreneur in Remote Mozambique

In a remote district of Mozambique, in the province of Manica, 24-year-old Berta Arlindo stands out as a true entrepreneur, defying local adversities to carve out her own destiny. Residing in Macossa and holding a degree in accounting and auditing from the University of Chimoio, Berta decided to confront unemployment head-on and initiated a business of breeding and selling chickens last year.

For Berta, unemployment served as the catalyst that propelled her to find solutions to meet expenses. Despite efforts to secure employment after her studies, she was unsuccessful. Even with her husband employed, the desire to be self-sufficient and independent motivated her to venture into entrepreneurship.

Being an entrepreneur in Macossa is no easy task. The success of her chicken business heavily relies on market peaks, such as during Christmas and New Year, when demand increases. However, she faces slower months, making it challenging to sell her products. Berta encounters additional challenges due to the lack of access to poultry-related products and medications for treating chicken diseases, as there is no specialized store in Macossa.

The lack of access to these resources forces her to travel for five hours to Chimoio whenever she encounters health issues in her chickens. Despite these obstacles, Berta remains optimistic, acknowledging the country’s constraints but smiling in the face of difficulties.

Berta decided to start the chicken business for two main reasons. Firstly, she noticed the absence of direct competition in chicken breeding in Macossa, presenting a unique business opportunity. Secondly, she recognized the important nutritional value of chicken, especially in a region where access to animal protein sources may be limited.

The entrepreneur highlights the significant role of the DELPAZ program in the community, mentioning the distribution of seeds for agricultural practices. Additionally, Berta hopes to benefit from the training provided by the program in microcredit or marketing, aiming to attract new customers and improve the structure of her business.

Berta Arlindo acknowledges the additional challenges that women entrepreneurs face in Macossa due to the lack of opportunities, but her resilience and determination serve as sources of inspiration. Her story not only emphasizes the difficulties faced but also underscores the importance of programs like DELPAZ in empowering and supporting local communities in the pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.

AICS and Mozambique: District-level extension of the Government’s digital network GovNet (GovNet Plus).

Today, the closing ceremony of the GOVNET Plus project, funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), was celebrated. The specific objective of this project was to expand connectivity at the district level through wireless connections with antennas, as well as to train public officials from district administrations in the use of ICT in the workplace (office applications, email, internet, elements of cybersecurity and ethics in computing).

The event was attended by the Italian Ambassador to Mozambique, Gianni Bardini, the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education, Daniel Daniel Nivagara, the Director of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS – Maputo Headquarters), Paolo Enrico Sertoli, and the Director of INAGE – National Institute of Electronic Government, Ermínio Jasse, among others.

During the ceremony, INAGE presented some concrete results of the GOVNET Plus project, including the training of 1,352 employees of the state administration in ICT and the fact that 88 institutions have been connected to the GOVNET network in 32 districts. These results demonstrate the positive impact of the project on improving technological infrastructure and training public officials in Mozambique.

The Italian Ambassador to Mozambique highlighted Italy’s long-standing support for Mozambique’s digitization, mentioning, for example, Mozambique’s participation in the International Conference on Electronic Government for Development, held in Palermo in 2002, which gave rise to the idea of creating a digital government network for the country. He also highlighted Italy’s first initiative funded in 2004, which led to the creation of the electronic government network (GOVNET), enabling more efficient communication between various institutions. Finally, he mentioned AICS-funded projects such as Coding Girls and DIGIT, emphasizing Italy’s continuous support for “digitization, a fundamental necessity to leave no one behind”.

In turn, the Minister of Science, Technology and Higher Education expressed gratitude for Italy’s support, highlighting the importance of GOVNET “in collecting data from public administrations throughout the country.” He also emphasized that the platform is “present in 963 public institutions in the country, covering 141 districts.”

The event concluded with a symbolic ceremony for the delivery of computer equipment and communication devices by Italy. These resources aim to improve access to information and technology in remote areas of Mozambique, especially in the most distant districts.

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.”