Johanniter in Mozambique

Why We Are on Site

In Mozambique, the effects of climate change are clearly being felt. Extreme weather events such as droughts, floods and cyclones regularly strike the country, causing widespread damage that affects millions of people.

Mozambique is also one of the poorest countries in the world. Around 70 per cent of the country’s population lives below the poverty line and is therefore particularly vulnerable to the consequences of climate change. Food supplies are quickly running low. As a result, around a quarter of Mozambique’s population is currently suffering from food insecurity and almost half is undernourished. More than one in three children under the age of five suffers from stunted growth.

The province of Cabo Delgado in the north of the country is one of the poorest regions in Mozambique. Civil war-like conditions have prevailed in this region for years. Terrorist attacks began there in October 2017. They pose a major threat to the region’s security and stability. In addition to religious extremism, there are ethnic tensions between the various tribes. Since 2017, 1.3 million people have been displaced within Mozambique. Due to the conflict and repeated displacements, food insecurity is on the rise, as agricultural activities and markets are repeatedly disrupted. 

How We Help in Mozambique

There are very few health clinics and hospitals in this region. Our teams travel to the villages with mobile clinics and provide free medical care to the residents. Children and infants are examined and screened for malnutrition or diseases such as malaria. The mobile clinic missions are accompanied by awareness campaigns on disease prevention, family planning, and hygiene practices, as well as on topics such as gender roles and domestic violence.

Another focus is on reducing the risks faced by the population in connection with climate-related disasters and poverty. To this end, local capacities and structures for disaster preparedness are strengthened to reduce vulnerability. Risks are mitigated, and people are prepared for potential events. Through our project, we also improve people’s nutritional situation and livelihoods in a sustainable manner. Self-sufficiency enables them to have a healthy and adequate diet. Through local conflict resolution, we also promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence at the intra- and inter-community levels.