Health System Strengthening Support Program

Mozambique remains among the ten poorest countries in the world. Despite improvements over the last 5 years, the maternal mortality rate in Mozambique (86 to 75/100’000 live births from 2017 to 2021) remains high (WHO standards: 70/100’000 live births). The North of the country suffers even lower coverage than the rest of the country, including lower investments and resource allocation.

Since 2003 Switzerland contributes with its Health System Strengthening Support Program to the multi-donor financed PROSAUDE Common Fund (PCF), supporting the Government of Mozambique in improving equitable access to primary health services for people living in rural areas (with a focus on women and children). The SDC Health System Strengthening Support Program Phase VII contributed to the government PCF Phase III, based on an Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Procedures Manual between PCF donors and the government. In July 2022 the MoU was extended until April 2024.

People resident in Mozambique (more than 31 mio.), in particular poor people, women and children as main users of primary health care services.

The major share (up to 80%) of the common fund for the health sector is allocated to local governments who are responsible for providing basic health care for local communities.

Outcome 1: The government reduces geographic and populations group inequalities for access and use of health services.

Outcome 2: The Health Sector institutions, increase efficiency in resource allocation and utilization.

Outcome 3: The national and decentralised level Health authorities adopt and institutionalise policy changes and new practices based on tested programme approaches informed by evidence of local realities.

Principaux résultats attendus:  

-    The capacity of the health service personnel and infrastructure is improved;

-    The inequalities to access health services are reduced;

-    National and sub-national health authorities increase the efficiencies in resource allocation and utilization;

-    While Switzerland exits the PCF, it focuses on supporting improved donor and funds coordination.

Principaux résultats antérieurs:  

-    PROSAUDE managed to disburse funds at decentralized level (80% of funds) according to the allocation criteria formula defined in the program’s Procedures Manual. Since 2019 all Health District  Directorates are receiving and managing PROSAUDE funds;

-    Health Provincial and District Directorates are able to better plan, manage and execute their resources increased; 

-    A Health Financing Strategy was elaborated, however not yet formally approved.

Ministry of Economics and Finance

Ministry of Health for the Bilateral Agreement

Projects: WASH common Fund; Safeguard Young People; GoTAS; Cabo Delgado Health Promotion and Decentralization for inclusive development; Humanitarian Projects.

Common Fund Partners: Spain, Flanders, Italy, Ireland, UNFPA.

Additionally in Swap: World Bank, USG, GFATM, WHO, NGOs; UK, Germany.