What's New at UNICEF Mozambique: 2nd edition

Agenda for Children drives advocacy efforts

In Mozambique, where children are more than half of the population, outcomes for children are outcomes for the country. In partnership with children, youth and wider civil society, we have together developed Mozambique’s Agenda for Children. UNICEF is working with Civil Society Forum for Child Rights (ROSC) to embed this agenda into the platforms of all political parties.

Creating space for children and youth to guide our prioritization of policy advocacy and programmatic focus will only strengthen interventions that affect their future. This agenda outlines actions to empower the next generation – working together every step of the way. The key commitment areas include:

1. Ensure early childhood wellbeing
2. Address the learning crisis and improve education outcomes
3. End violence against children and prevent child marriage
4. Support children and families to escape poverty by strengthening social protection
5. Engage children and young people on climate and environment, and build climate resilience and sustainability

Establish participation mechanisms for children, adolescents and youth.

New Publication: Child Protection Programme Briefs

Funding gaps impact child protection in Cabo Delgado

Grave violations of children's rights persist amid the ongoing conflict in northern Mozambique. Over 613,000 children are in need of mental health and psychosocial support, with girls making up a quarter of those affected. UNICEF's capacity to ensure their recovery from trauma hinges on the ability to bring partners together for common action. Without increased action and funding, we will fail to reach them.

The global report, Unprotected: Analysis of Funding for Child Protection in Humanitarian Action in 2023, highlights the severe global funding shortfall for child protection, underscoring the critical importance of increased investment in humanitarian settings.

Youth advocates join Mobilization Lab in New York and broadcast live

UNICEF Mozambique’s Youth Advocates Andreia Hamilton, from Zambezia, and Sim?o Júnior, from Sofala, went live to share their mission at the Summit of the Future in New York.

Youth Advocates come from every corner of the world, united in their pursuit of universal goals. From creating a more climate-resilient planet to fighting against gender-based violence to championing the rights of children with disabilities, these young people are speaking out and taking action for children’s rights everywhere.

New interactive hazard dashboard launched

The new interactive hazard dashboard offers comprehensive data on climate risks impacting Mozambique. Combined with UNICEF’s Child-Centred Risk Assessment report, these tools support strategic decision-making and foster climate resilience.

Final handover of the Pemba/Metuge water supply system benefits over 2,000 families

In October 2024, UNICEF completed the final handover of the extension of the Pemba/Metuge water supply system to ensure safe and durable water services to internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host community in the 25 de Junho neighbourhood. A temporary IDP settlement was established there in 2020 to support nearly 30,000 people displaced by the conflict. Supported by FCDO and the World Bank, a durable and sustainable water supply system has now been fully commissioned.

The new system, completed in 2023, includes a 15-metre-high water tower with a 50 m3 storage capacity, providing reliable water access to the IDPs as well as the neighbourhood's residents.

Thanks to a low-cost connection model implemented by FIPAG, over 2,000 families now have direct access to piped water in their homes. The gradual phase-out of the stand taps marks a significant milestone in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the system and fostering integration between displaced persons and the host community. This centralized water supply system not only guarantees essential services but also promotes peaceful coexistence through shared resources.

Success story: the impact of integrated WASH and nutrition efforts

UNICEF’s global publication on integrated WASH and Nutrition Programme features a Mozambique case study, showcasing efforts in using integrated social behaviour change strategies to improve the nutrition status of young children.

The report emphasizes the effectiveness of combining WASH interventions with nutrition and health services. By fostering collaboration across sectors, these integrated approaches address the root causes of malnutrition and support healthier, more sustainable environments for children.

Global #HandwashingDay celebration

On October 15th, UNICEF and its partners celebrated Global #HandwashingDay, emphasizing the continued importance of hand hygiene in creating a healthier and safer world. This year's theme, “Why are clean hands still important?”, encouraged reflection on hand hygiene's essential role, not just during health emergencies but also in daily routines.

In Mozambique, access to proper handwashing facilities remains a significant challenge. Only 17% of the population has basic handwashing facilities, while 70% depend on inadequate setups (lacking either soap or water).

Mobile Brigades support treatment for moderate acute malnutrition

Ilda Samuel, a 2-year-old girl, was one of over 150 people in the Ocua community, Cabo Delgado, who received critical health services from a mobile brigade, including vaccinations and malaria treatment.

Read more>>

Motorbike messenger: delivering lifesaving messages to remote communities

With a microphone in hand, 35-year-old Usain Viola captivates a lively crowd of women and children in the village of Mafigo in Zambezia. Amid the laughter and play, Usain delivers vital public health information, educating this community on preventing serious illnesses such as cholera, malaria, and diarrhoea.

The radio station’s FM signal is too weak to reach some of the more isolated regions, necessitating two wheels and a PA system to disseminate the messages to these broadcasting blackspots, with the generous support of the Government of Canada.?

Read more>>

Truth By Text: vital health information for young people

Mozambique’s youth face significant barriers in accessing reliable health information, particularly regarding sexual and reproductive health. In response to this challenge, the innovators at SMS BIZ have harnessed mobile technology to provide free, text-based counselling accessible to anyone with a mobile phone.

Launched in 2015, SMS BIZ receives around 5,000 daily inquiries from its 800,000 users across Mozambique, who are aged between 10 and 24, with the support of the CanGIVE programme.?

Read more>>

"Every vaccine is a hope for a healthier life"

Joice Muleripata, a 22-year-old nurse in Zambezia, is on a vital mission to vaccinate and protect children against preventable diseases, with support from GAVI, Alwaleed, and other partners.

Read more (Portuguese)>>

Joint programme on adolescent girls sexual and reproductive health

From 2016 to 2023, the Rapariga Biz programme reached over one million adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) aged 10 to 24 through a mentorship component. Key achievements includes the low rates for both early-unintended pregnancy and child marriage among AGYW while enrolled in the mentorship programme.

The new four year joint programme (2024-2028), funded by Sweden and Canada, aims to deepen its impact by aligning key areas like mentorship, counselling, sexuality education, behaviour change, and economic empowerment, continuing its mission to transform the lives of young women across Mozambique.

Mozambique's progress in ending child marriage highlighted in global annual report

The 2023 Annual Results and Phase II (2020-2023) report of the Global Programme to End Child Marriage (GPECM) showcases advancements in safeguarding the rights of girls, with significant focus on Mozambique's achievements.

Mozambique's country summary report emphasizes how interventions in education, health, and community engagement have helped reduce child marriage rates and empower adolescent girls. Thousands of girls have benefited directly, gaining access to safer environments and vital support networks that encourage informed decision-making and a better future.

Our work #ForEveryChild in Mozambique relies on support from our valued partners.

Please feel free to forward this newsletter to your network and encourage them to subscribe.

You can read the complete newsletter online here