U.S. Embassy
Avenida Kenneth Kaunda, 193
Caixa Postal, 783
Maputo
MOZAMBIQUE
PRESS RELEASE
U.S. Government celebrates partnership with Mozambique to prevent, treat, and cure tuberculosis
March 25, 2021 – On World Tuberculosis Day, U.S. Embassy in Mozambique reaffirms its commitment to help Mozambique eliminate tuberculosis (TB) as a public health problem by 2035.
As longstanding developmental partners with the Mozambican government and civil society, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will invest approximately $18 million in TB programs this year. The funding will go towards technical assistance to the Ministry of Health (MISAU) as it develops a new TB National Strategic Plan. USAID also supports TB education, screening, and referral services in communities so that more Mozambicans have access to information about TB testing and treatment, and why it is important. Additionally, USAID provides assistance in clinical management and social support for individuals diagnosed with drug-resistant TB, so that more Mozambicans receive ongoing quality health care from trained providers.
Mozambique has seen a vast improvement in TB prevention and treatment. In October 2020, the MISAU released its first national TB prevalence survey showing a 35% decrease in the rate of TB infections from earlier estimates. Mozambique also reached the World Health Organization’s End TB goal of a successful TB treatment rate over 90% and, at 88%, is nearing the 90% TB case diagnosis goal. Additionally, while the COVID-19 pandemic has caused some disruptions in the provision of medical supplies and services, preliminary results have not shown a major decline in Mozambique’s overall TB diagnosis or treatment program.
While we celebrate achievements already made today, it is important to remember that the 110,000 Mozambicans diagnosed with TB each year are too many. TB remains the leading cause of death and severe illness for people living with HIV. The U.S. Government remains committed to partnering with the Mozambican Government to address these challenges and ensure Mozambicans affected by TB live healthy, productive lives.
TB assistance represents a critical component of broader U.S. Government assistance to Mozambique. In close collaboration with the Government of Mozambique, the U.S. Government provides more than $500 million in annual assistance to improve the quality of education and healthcare, promote economic prosperity, and support the overall development of the nation.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) leads the U.S. Government’s international development and disaster assistance through partnerships and investments that save lives, reduce poverty, strengthen democratic governance, and help people emerge from humanitarian crises. For more information about USAID work to foster sustainable development and advance human dignity visit www.usaid.gov.
For more information about this press release, please contact the U.S. Embassy Maputo Press Office at MaputoPress@state.gov.
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