Mozambique Public Health Outlook - 2025

As we mark the midpoint of the decade, Mozambique's public health landscape reflects a nation grappling with longstanding challenges while achieving notable strides in disease control. Drawing from the World Health Organization's (WHO) August 2023 Country Disease Outlook report, this article provides a comprehensive overview, updated with the latest 2025 developments from sources like the WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, and CDC. 

With a population of around 32 million in 2023—characterized by a young median age of 17.6 years and a GDP per capita of US$491 (of which 7.8% is allocated to health)—Mozambique continues to prioritize universal health coverage amid communicable and non-communicable diseases. However, ongoing conflicts, droughts, and outbreaks have intensified needs, affecting millions.

Background and Key Indicators

Mozambique, a low-income country (LIC) in Southern Africa, faces high vulnerability due to its geography and socio-economic factors. The 2023 WHO report highlights under-5 mortality at 70.6 per 1,000 live births (far above the SDG target of 25) and neonatal mortality at 28.3 per 1,000 (target: 12). Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 36% of deaths, with an age-standardized NCD mortality rate of 779 per 100,000.

WHO data shows persistent issues with mortality estimates often modeled due to incomplete registration systems. Life expectancy and healthy life expectancy (HALE) trends from 2000–2021 indicate gradual improvements, but top causes of death in 2021 remain dominated by infectious diseases like HIV, TB, and malaria. Recent UNICEF appeals underscore a "poly-crisis" of conflict, drought, and health emergencies impacting 4.8 million people, including 3.4 million children. The country's INFORM Risk Index is rated "very high" at 7.1, with high fragility and severity scores.

Indicator 2023 Value (from WHO Report):
Population 32 million Projections to 2050 available; young demographic persists.
Under-5 Mortality 70.6/1,000 live births Remains high; linked to outbreaks like measles (571 cases in 2024).
Neonatal Mortality 28.3/1,000 live births Modeled estimates highlight data gaps.
Non Comunicable Diasease - NCD Mortality Rate 779/100,000 (age-standardized) 36% of deaths; probability of dying from NCDs at 2019 levels.

Achievements in Disease Control

Mozambique has made steady progress in several areas. The 2023 report notes certification as free of Guinea worm disease and strong advances toward HIV 95-95-95 goals: 81% of people living with HIV know their status, 88% of those are on treatment, and 88% are virally suppressed. HIV and TB mortality have declined since 2015, with 1.7 million on antiretroviral therapy in 2021.

In 2025, CDC reports highlight TB preventive treatment (TPT) success, with coverage for people living with HIV rising from 41% to 89% between 2021 and 2024, exceeding national targets and reducing TB incidence among this group by 25%. Treatment success for HIV-positive TB cases stands at 89%, and 89% of child household contacts receive preventive treatment. Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) efforts continue, with 1.4 million successfully treated via mass drug administration (MDA) in 2021 for diseases like lymphatic filariasis and schistosomiasis.

Cancer prevention has advanced, with WHO supporting an investment case handed to the Ministry of Health in 2023, alongside HPV testing rollout and prostate cancer guidelines.

Major Challenges

Despite gains, challenges abound. Malaria affects the entire population, causing over 10 million cases and 22,000 deaths annually in 2021—well above Global Technical Strategy (GTS) targets. A RTS,S vaccine application was submitted in 2023 for two provinces.

Immunization coverage has declined, with 439,062 under-immunized and 371,510 zero-dose children in 2023, exacerbated by natural disasters, conflicts, and poor sub-national monitoring. This contributes to high child mortality and outbreaks.

NCDs pose a growing threat, with data gaps on indicators. Mental health issues, including a high suicide rate (9th globally), require attention, alongside support for early childhood development.

In 2025, the situation has worsened due to conflict in Cabo Delgado (displacing 1.3 million, closing 21% of health facilities) and drought affecting food security for 3.3 million. Outbreaks of measles, poliovirus, cholera, and mpox persist, with over 18 million children at polio risk. Humanitarian reports note 68% lacking sanitation in affected areas, increasing disease vulnerability. Budget cuts for 2025, including a 44% drop in new health hires, raise concerns.

Disease-Specific Insights

Malaria and Immunization

High burden persists, with 72.7% ITN use in under-5s and 57.8% ACT treatment in 2021. Polio campaigns in 2022–2023 addressed wild and vaccine-derived strains. In 2025, DTP3 coverage for 1-year-olds is tracked, but zero-dose children remain a priority. UNICEF plans measles vaccinations for nearly 2 million children.

HIV and TB

Domestic funding is low (4% for HIV, 12% for TB), but progress is evident. 2025 CDC data shows sustained TPT gains amid high co-infection risks. New HIV infections and TB incidence for 2023 are reported.

Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) s and Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

Endemic NTDs include soil-transmitted helminthiasis and trachoma. NCD surveillance involves planned STEPS surveys and updated tools.

Recent Initiatives and Support

The World Bank approved a $201 million grant in June 2025 for the Health Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Resilience Project, focusing on workforce training, supply chains, surveillance, and climate-resilient infrastructure over five years. This aligns with Mozambique's 2025–2034 Health Sector Plan.

UNICEF's 2025 appeal seeks $64 million to reach millions with health care, nutrition (treating 26,577 for severe wasting), and WASH services, emphasizing mobile brigades and outbreak responses. Community health posts in Maputo have scaled up post-COVID, aiding underserved areas.

Humanitarian efforts in Cabo Delgado reached 54% of targets by March 2025.

Recommendations and Outlook

WHO's 2023 suggestions—investing in immunization catch-ups, strengthening primary care, and improving data systems—remain relevant. In 2025, priorities include addressing drought-induced food insecurity, enhancing emergency responses, and securing funding amid budget constraints.

Mozambique's resilience shines through successes in HIV/TB and NTDs, but sustained international support is crucial to navigate crises. For the latest data, consult WHO and UNICEF resources. As global health targets loom, collaborative efforts could propel Mozambique toward healthier futures.