Mozambique: the challenge of HIV/AIDS treatment and care

Abstract

In spite of impressive recent growth rates, Mozambique remains among the less developed countries in the world, with a GDP per capita of USD 200 in 2001, and a Human Development Index (HDI) score of 0.356 in 2003 (ranking 170 of 175). The HDI has risen in absolute terms in recent years reflecting the improved growth performance of the economy and reductions in illiteracy, but the development performance continues to be highly skewed. Against this background, HIV/AIDS has been accelerating with increasing intensity. There are currently an estimated 1.5 million people living with HIV or AIDS in the country, constituting a prevalence rate of 13.6 percent (721,803 male and 920,130 female). In the next three years this figure will reach 1.8 million and the number of orphans, now estimated to be more than 300 000, will also escalate to 900 000 by the end of 2010 (INE, MISAU 2002). In what follows, CHGA provides a brief overview of the dominant challenges facing Mozambique in its struggle to engage with HIV/AIDS. The analysis is, however, located in the context of development.