Author name: CSAUDE Mozambique

“I took the test, started taking the medication and, over time, my viral load became undetectable. By 2021, I was going to the hospital every six months instead of three.” Miguel recalls with a twinkle in his eye, a mixture of relief and pride at his determination. On a day that was supposed to be like any other, on 14 May 2020, the life of Miguel Bernardo, a young man of just 24 years old from Vila Sede de Nicoadala. When he was diagnosed with HIV at a health fair, he felt the weight of the world fall on his shoulders. Hopelessness enveloped Miguel like a dark cloud, and his state of health deteriorated rapidly, bringing constant headaches and a deep sense of helplessness. However, in a moment of reflection in November 2020, Miguel decided that he would not let HIV define his life. He mustered up the courage to seek help at the Nicoadala Sede Health Facility. That was the first step on a transformative journey. Referred to SAAJ, he underwent further tests and began treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). ‘I took the test, started taking the medication and, over time, my viral load became undetectable. By 2021, I was going to the hospital every six months instead of three,’ Miguel recalls with a twinkle in his eye, a mixture of relief and pride at his determination. Today, in 2024, Miguel lives with an undetectable viral load, the result of his strict adherence to treatment. He is not just a survivor, but a true Health Warrior, recognized by SAAJ’s Health Councilors as one of the unit’s most dedicated young people. What’s most impressive is the role Miguel has chosen to play: he’s become a health worker. Miguel turns his story into motivation, challenging the stigma and social barriers that weigh so heavily on those living with HIV. His message resonates in the communities: ‘With the right treatment, we can live a normal and full life. HIV does not define who we are; we are much more than our condition.’ By inspiring others to face HIV with courage and determination, Miguel has become a shining example that, even in the face of adversity, it is possible to turn pain into strength and stigma into solidarity. Life is a journey, and Miguel Bernardo is showing the world that, with love and support, everyone can find their way to fulfilment.

Amidst the vibrant daily life of the Namita neighborhood in the Nicoadala district, a story of overcoming and resilience emerges to inspire. Ancha Emilio Sumili, a 37-year-old woman, has faced challenges that could have interrupted her dreams, but her life journey is powerful proof that hope, and inner strength can prevail, even in the most difficult circumstances.The turning point in Ancha’s life came on 11 April 2019, when she received the news of her positive HIV diagnosis during a prenatal appointment. The discovery was devastating, but it didn’t paralyze her. With courage and determination, Ancha decided that she would not let the virus define her. She shared her condition with her husband and together they returned to the health facility where, during an appointment for couples, her husband was also tested, and it was confirmed that he too was HIV positive. She immediately started antiretroviral treatment (ART) together, as advised by the health provider, and began a new phase in their lives.Ancha’s experience as a mother is the beating heart of her story. With a baby in her arms, she was determined to ensure that her child grew up healthy. Thanks to the effectiveness of vertical HIV prevention (PMTCT) treatment, her first child was born negative. Ancha was a devoted and loving mother, nurturing her son with care and protection, always with the aim of weaning him safely and healthily.Ancha’s journey didn’t stop there. Encouraged by the success of her first child, she decided to have a second child. A new blessing came into her life: her second baby was also born HIV-negative because she complied with the PMTCT treatment. This achievement was not only a personal victory, but a testament to the positive impact that HIV awareness and effective PMTCT treatment during pregnancy can have on a woman’s life.Ancha’s story is much more than an individual narrative; it is a source of inspiration for many women in the Namita neighborhoods and beyond. By sharing her experience, Ancha has become an advocate for HIV health and education, emphasizing the importance of ongoing treatment and mental health support. As a community health activist, she organizes meetings in her community to help other mothers and people affected by HIV, breaking down stigmas and bringing light to an often-silenced issue. Ancha Emilio Sumili’s journey is a story of struggle, perseverance and victory. His journey demonstrates that, with the right support and determination, it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities. Ancha’s story is a powerful reminder that life can be full of hope and love, even in the face of adversity. Her achievements are not hers alone but reflect the strength of all women who fight every day for a better future for themselves and their children. Ancha is one of the women from Zambezia province who has successfully benefited from antiretroviral treatment through PEPFAR’s support for the Mozambican government in the fight against HIV.

The EPTS Centralization initiative in Mozambique marks a significant leap in healthcare data management. Our mission was clear: to centralize the Electronic Patient Tracking System (EPTS) across provinces, enhancing data security, quality, and accessibility. By hosting a unified EPTS database within each provincial office of the Ministry of Health (DPS), we have streamlined data management and reporting across the country. Key Achievements: Our centralized database aligns seamlessly with Mozambique’s National Health Information System (HIS) strategies and PEPFAR CDC Mozambique policies, ensuring adherence to international standards and improving overall data integrity. 2. Enhanced Data Quality and Monitoring: The centralized system reduces duplicate patient entries, identifies “silent transfers,” and flags treatment interruptions. This allows for real-time monitoring of patient and program data, addressing issues promptly and improving patient care. 3. Streamlined Reporting and Data Transfers: Reporting has become more efficient, with consolidated reports generated at the provincial level. This also includes a significant reduction in the number of Mozart data transfers from over 600 to just eleven, cutting costs and simplifying system maintenance. 4. Improved Security and Cost Efficiency: By centralizing the database, we have enhanced security and reduced the need for extensive support and maintenance. Quarterly updates are now managed at the provincial level, reducing operational costs and ensuring consistent adherence to security standards. 5. Phased Implementation for Sustainable Growth: The implementation is structured in phases: central database migration, Master Patient Index (MPI) integration, and optimization of data flow and interoperability. Each phase is designed to build on the previous, ensuring a robust and scalable solution.     Implemented Solution: Operational Excellence: The roll-out of the EPTS centralization is executed district by district, upgrading and merging databases into a centralized system. This methodical approach ensures that each health facility transitions seamlessly to the new system, enhancing data management across all provinces. Looking Forward: The EPTS centralization not only enhances data management but also paves the way for future interoperability with other health information systems. By ensuring a sustainable and collaborative environment, we are setting the stage for continued improvements in healthcare delivery and data management in Mozambique.