Manhiça Health Research Center 

Manhiça Health Research Center in the Spotlight: Facts & Mission

Overview

The Manhiça Health Research Center (Centro de Investigação em Saúde de Manhiça, CISM) is a leading biomedical research institution in Mozambique, established in 1996. Managed by the Manhiça Foundation, it operates in Manhiça District, Maputo Province, southern Mozambique. CISM is a collaborative effort between the Mozambican and Spanish governments, supported by the Hospital Clínic of the University of Barcelona through the Clinical Foundation for Biomedical Research. It focuses on addressing health challenges in vulnerable populations, particularly in rural areas, through research, training, and healthcare.

Mission and Vision

• Mission: To conduct biomedical research in priority health areas to protect and improve the health of vulnerable populations, generating scientific evidence to guide public health policy in Mozambique and globally.

• Vision: To be a center of excellence in biomedical research, influencing health policy worldwide through high-quality, impactful studies.

Key Facts and Numbers

• Establishment: Founded in 1996.

• Location: Manhiça District, Maputo Province, southern Mozambique, covering a study population of over 209,000 across 2,380 km², including parts of Mopeia District.

• Workforce: Over 750 employees (41.74% women, 58.26% men).

• Research Output: 59 active projects and 63 scientific publications in 2020.

• Training: Supports approximately 100 trainees annually, with over 40 training fellows trained to date.

• Platforms: Operates three core platforms:

  • Geographic Platform: Maps the study area.

  • Demographic Platform: Tracks migrations, births, and deaths via population censuses.

  • Morbidity Platform: Records illnesses in children under 15 at Manhiça District Hospital.

• Departments: Five main departments (Clinic, Demography, Laboratory, Data Centre, Information Technology), supported by training and advocacy units.

• Key Health Focus Areas: Malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, bacterial diseases, maternal and child health, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Core Activities

CISM's activities rest on three pillars:

1. Research: Conducts high-quality biomedical studies, particularly on transmissible diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality in Mozambique. Notable projects include:

   • CHAMPS Network: A decade-long initiative reducing child mortality through surveillance.

   • Malaria Research: Focuses on treatment, diagnosis, prevention, and vector control, contributing to national malaria control strategies.

   • Antimicrobial Resistance: Studies the burden and mortality associated with AMR, a significant public health threat causing ~1.14 million deaths globally in 2021.

2. Training: Develops scientific leaders to strengthen Mozambique's research capacity, training over 100 researchers and fellows annually.

3. Healthcare: Supports Manhiça District Hospital with clinical services and morbidity surveillance, enhancing local health outcomes.

Strategic Partnerships

CISM collaborates with international organizations like the Barcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal), EDCTP, and the TESA Network of Excellence. It engages in strategic partnerships to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and other diseases, including community health initiatives in Quelimane and beyond.

Impact

• Policy Influence: Research has guided national health policies, such as the introduction of vaccines (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae type b, Pneumococcus) and Intermittent Preventive Treatment for Infants (IPTi) for malaria control.

• Global Reach: Contributes to global health by producing reliable data and fostering multidisciplinary research excellence.

• Community Engagement: Works with local communities to address health taboos and improve outcomes, such as reducing child mortality and enhancing maternal health.

Contact Information

• Website: www.cismmanhica.org

Road Access & Distance Driving

Matola (Provincial Capital) ~71 km 80–90 km Via EN1; travel time ~1–1.5 hours.
Maputo (National Capital) ~66 km 77–82 km Via EN1; ~1–1.5 hours driving.

Manhiça is connected by a 200 km district road network, including a section of the national EN1 highway, which runs from Maputo north along the coast. This makes it accessible for north-south travel. Public transport includes buses, chapas (minibuses), and trains. Driving is on the left; roads are generally paved on EN1 but can be affected by flooding.

Nearest Airport

Maputo International Airport (IATA: MPM, ICAO: FQMA), located about 63 km south (straight-line; ~70–80 km by road). It handles domestic and international flights, including to Johannesburg and other regional hubs.