Overview
In March 2002, VillageReach signed a landmark long-term agreement with the Mozambique Ministry of Health to provide a comprehensive set of solutions aimed at strengthening the nation's public health system.   In July 2002, VillageReach and the Foundation for Community Development (FDC) launched a demonstration program in the northern Mozambican province of Cabo Delgado to put into practice its integrated programs designed to improve health and quality of life. Through the demonstration program, VillageReach is refining its model to ensure replication in other developing countries.

The demonstration program currently serves 251 clinics covering a population of over 5.2 million in two provinces and has led to a 47% increase in the number of children fully immunized each year in participating districts of northern Mozambique. 

As of January 2007, FDC has assumed daily operational management of the program, ensuring local sustainability and local control.  VillageReach continues to provide technical assistance. 

Program Areas

	SUPPLY CHAIN
	Created multi-modal transport network including land cruisers, motorcycles and bicycles.  Staff inspects and repairs equipment on monthly visits.

	COLD CHAIN
	Introduced reliable, low maintenance and cost-effective refrigerators in clinics.  Collaboration with PATH to study opportunities for cold-chain improvement.

	INJECTION SAFETY
	Installed propane burners for sterilization, incineration points and needle removers to ensure safe disposal of used syringes.

	ENERGY
	Provided lighting for nighttime care, refrigerators, and sterilizers at clinics.  Reduced respiratory disease risk in households, improved productivity of businesses.

	COMMUNICATIONS
	Partnered with Iridium to utilize their global satellite system, introduced communication system in trucks to enable near real-time inventory tracking.

	COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
	Introduced transportation and communication tools to support outreach activities.  Trained community representatives to provide basic health care.

	INCOME-GENERATING ACTIVITIES
	Established VidaGas, a Mozambican propane distribution company to reliably supply energy to clinics, businesses and households.

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Recent History
An independent country since 1975, Mozambique spent 17 years embroiled in a civil war that destroyed much of the country’s infrastructure. When the war ended in 1992, civilian communications systems were virtually non-existent, transportation infrastructure was damaged and the national health care system was severely limited. Heavy flooding in 1999 and 2000 further hurt the economy. Mozambican life expectancy is 41 years, and per capita total health expenditure is $47.

Cabo Delgado
VillageReach selected Cabo Delgado to pilot its program because conditions there are similar to those in remote areas of other developing countries. With a population of 1.5 million, the province has one of the lowest per capita incomes in the country. Vaccination rates are well below national averages. All health facilities experience frequent stock-outs of critical vaccines and supplies, and 85% of the clinic refrigerators suffer from breakdowns and fuel shortages. Less than 6% of households have access to electricity. Almost half the population lives more than a two hours’ walk from a health facility.

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