Mozambique

Plan opened its Mozambique office in Maputo city in November 2006 and is currently setting up its first programme unit in Jangamo district of Inhambane province, the northern-most province of the southern region.

Plan is working with local authorities and organisations in pursuing opportunities to help the children of Mozambique.

Mozambique gained independence from Portugal in 1975 but was soon devastated by a brutal civil war that lasted from 1977 to 1992. Although the economy has been growing at a healthy rate of around 7% during the last few years, Mozambique still remains one of the poorest countries in the world. It relies on foreign assistance for major portions of its budget, and funding for its development programmes and projects.

The population is predominantly young with 45% under 15 years.

Some of the reasons why Plan works in Mozambique:

• Food insecurity and the HIV and AIDS crisis are among the greatest challenges facing the country
• Children in Mozambique are highly susceptible to malaria, acute respiratory infections, diarrhoea and other vaccine-preventable diseases
• 57% of the population does not have access to safe drinking water