Mozambique has launched a 2026–2030 Action Plan for Child Survival aimed at accelerating the reduction of child mortality and ensuring children have the chance to survive and develop to their full potential.
The plan, unveiled by the Ministry of Health in Maputo Province, comes less than two months after the creation of a national alliance dedicated to reducing maternal, neonatal and child deaths, signalling a renewed push to tackle preventable causes of mortality.
The initiative is being rolled out at a time when sub‑Saharan Africa continues to record the world’s highest child‑mortality rates.
Mozambique’s under‑five mortality rate stands at 60 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the latest Demographic and Health Survey, with most deaths linked to preventable or treatable conditions such as prematurity complications, birth asphyxia, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition.
Developed in response to the global Child Survival Action initiative, the plan outlines priorities to expand access to quality health services and strengthen high‑impact interventions for mothers, newborns and children.
These include reinforcing primary health care, improving treatment for major childhood illnesses, boosting nutrition, promoting equity in access to care and deepening partnerships between government, civil society, development partners and the private sector.
WHO and other partners have pledged continued support, stressing that the plan’s success will depend on sustained resources, multisectoral coordination and active community involvement.
JN/APA