Community-Led Advocacy Drives Improved Healthcare Services in Mozambique

Atija is a MCH nurse hired by the government following advocacy efforts led by a local community

Friday, May 30, 2025

By António Massipa, Regional Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

In a powerful demonstration of community-led advocacy, residents in Monapo district, northern Mozambique, successfully influenced governance processes to bring about meaningful improvements in healthcare service delivery, after receiving technical capacity building local advocacy by World Vision.

Following a series of community engagement meetings and monitoring of local governance, community members worked with health authorities to develop an action plan addressing critical service gaps. As a result, the local government hired an additional Maternal and Child Health (MCH) nurse, Atija, who has now been working since early May 2025.

Atija checks on Antonieta as she lies on the maternity ward bed, which nows has a mosquito net as well

With two MCH nurses now in place, the quality and speed of patient care have significantly improved. “We start seeing patients at 7 a.m., and by 10 a.m., we’ve managed to attend to around 30 patients,” says Atija. Previously, services would extend past midday due to the workload falling on a single nurse.
Antonieta, a mother of a newborn, confirms the difference: “I used to arrive before 7 and only leave after 11. But in the days leading up to giving birth, I was seen quickly. It made a big difference.”

Antonieta, a mother of a newborn, confirms that the quality and speed of patient care and improved

The director of the health facility acknowledges that the new hire has eased the burden on staff and improved service efficiency. However, he notes that more human resources are still needed to fully meet demand.

In addition to staffing improvements, the facility also acquired mosquito nets for the maternity ward, which is another achievement resulting from the community’s advocacy efforts. These mosquito nets play a crucial role in protecting mothers and newborns from malaria, particularly during their most vulnerable moments.

This story underscores the power of community action in shaping responsive, quality healthcare services. It also shows how collective voice and vigilance can lead to lasting change. Join us making difference in hard-to-reach and underserved communities in Mozambique.