VillageReach Vows Continued Work to Boost Mozambique Health Access
Mozambique remains central to VillageReach's efforts to expand access and reduce geographic and financial obstacles to lifesaving treatment.
MAPUTO, Mozambique - During a recent visit to Mozambique, VillageReach CEO and President Emily Bancroft reinforced her organization's commitment to working with the government and local communities to improve health infrastructure and services across the nation of 31 million, writes Charles Mangwiro.
Bancroft met with reporters in Maputo on Friday, emphasizing VillageReach's dedication to supporting universal health coverage in a country where limited facilities mean more than half the population must embark on walks of an hour or more to reach their nearest medical provider.
Medicine stock outs are also common at Mozambican health centers.
"I am in Mozambique to reinforce our commitment to the work here, to learn more about how we can continue to support communities and the government to ensure everyone has access to the quality healthcare they need," Bancroft stated.
She highlighted the challenges facing Mozambique's health system, which has just three doctors for every 100,000 people - one of the lowest ratios globally.
The National Health Service delivery structure includes four levels from primary to quaternary care. While the public sector is the main provider, private facilities also exist.
"We were born here in Mozambique to make sure communities have quality health access," Bancroft added, noting VillageReach was founded in the country nearly 20 years ago.
As part of its 20th anniversary celebrations this year, the international NGO has launched a 2030 strategy focused on attaining universal health coverage worldwide.
The plan highlights that in Africa, 52% of the over 1.2 billion people still lack access to essential care.
"We know firsthand the barriers marginalized communities face," Bancroft said.
"VillageReach strives to close this gap and transform healthcare delivery to reach everyone."
Since 2001, the organization has worked to enhance primary care and health system strengthening in underserved African communities.
Mozambique remains central to VillageReach's efforts to expand access and reduce geographic and financial obstacles to lifesaving treatment.