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UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibé visited the José Macamo General Health Center in Maputo to learn more about the services offered around maternal and child health.

The José Macamo General Health Center is one of the 909 facilities in the country that provide comprehensive maternal and child health services, including HIV counselling and testing, and services to prevent new infections among children, early infant diagnosis, reproductive health counselling and nutritional support.

The services I saw today confirm my believe that not only can we prevent new HIV infections to children, we can restore dignity to pregnant women. This programme is saving lives and reforming the health system.” Mr Sidibé

Isabel is a grandmother who cares for her 6 months old granddaughter whose mother died of an AIDS-related illness. “I grieved because it was too late for my daughter-in-law but I am very grateful that they have been able to save my grandchild,” said Isabel.

Adelaide proudly showed off her 14 months old girl, who was born HIV free. “I was six months pregnant when I found out that I have HIV. I cried night and day. It was difficult for me to accept the news at first but when the nurses told me it was possible to save my baby, I put all my focus and energy in the treatment. I am happy to tell women in my community to test for HIV because they could give birth to a healthy baby and keep themselves alive,” Adelaide told Mr Sidibé.

Services to prevent new infections among children in Mozambique have been scaled-up considerably in the past few years. Some 69 826 HIV positive pregnant women received antiretroviral therapy. However, the provision of such services remains constrained due to capacity limitations in the health care system, including human resources, supply chain management systems, monitoring and evaluation and follow-up mechanisms.

Dr. Domingas Sete Mavila, Director of the maternal and child health services at the Centre, explained that “Not having enough staff around sometimes compromises the quality of services we give and prevent us from reaching out to many more mothers in need.” In the picture, UNAIDS Executive Director talking with health workers at the José Macamo General Health Center.