Mozambique is ramping up its inclusive HIV services, with local community group AMAMUS spearheading efforts to ensure people with disabilities receive equitable access to prevention, testing and treatment.
Funded through the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), AMAMUS has emerged as a key partner in Mozambique’s HIV response, focusing on inclusive healthcare solutions.
The organisation has scaled up its services, reaching both new and existing beneficiaries through door-to-door outreach, community visits and awareness sessions.
Antonia Piri Piri, AMAMUS Coordinator and advocate for disability-inclusive health services, said her organisation was ready to reach out to beneficiaries who depend on them “not only for healthcare but also for reassurance, understanding and a sense of connection.”
A central component of AMAMUS’ strategy is HIV self-testing, which allows individuals – particularly those with disabilities – to privately and safely determine their status without needing to visit a clinic.
If a test is positive, AMAMUS provides counselling, confirmatory testing and referrals to treatment, ensuring continuous support for those diagnosed.
Many health facilities in Mozambique remain inaccessible to individuals with mobility, visual or auditory impairments, while public transportation inconsistencies further hinder access to treatment.
AMAMUS is actively advocating for greater representation in health planning, pushing for policy reforms that ensure inclusive healthcare infrastructure.
The organisation is also leveraging digital tools, including WhatsApp groups tailored to different communities, to provide real-time updates on HIV services and foster peer support networks.
The initiative comes as the country continues to battle high HIV prevalence rates, with structural barriers often limiting healthcare access for marginalised groups.
Mozambique has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world, with an estimated 2.4 million people living with HIV.
In 2022 alone, 37,000 people died from AIDS-related illnesses, while more than 150,000 patients abandoned antiretroviral treatment.
JN/APA