Inequalities in Maternal and Child Health in Mozambique: A Historical Overview

Abstract

Inequity in access and utilisation of health-care services contribute to bad health outcomes, particularly among high risk groups such women and children. Since the declaration of independence in Mozambique in 1975, the newly formed government established, as a priority, maternal and child health (MCH) and the fight against the inequity between the rural and urban areas of residence. In the following years, Mozambique witnessed the improvement of access to and utilisation of the MCH services throughout the country. With the aim to examine the degree of inequity on MCH access, utilisation and outcomes across the country and among different determinants, we conducted a desk review, founded mainly on nationwide surveys such as Demographic and Health Surveys, the Multi-indicator Cluster Survey and the Aids and Malaria Indicators Survey in addition to evidence from articles published in peer reviewed journals, Ministry of Health data bases and reports, International Agencies Reports and other grey literature. We conclude that there are signs of inequity reduction in the MCH health indicators. Areas requiring further investment include the need to reduce the geographical differences to access and utilisation of health services, and the need to continue investing in women’s education as key to improving the health of mothers and children.