The phenomenon remains high, especially in rural areas.
The infant mortality rate remains high in the country, due to a combination of structural, social, and economic factors.
Data from the health sector indicate that, thanks to cooperation between Mozambique and other countries, as well as structural government investments, the infant mortality rate fell from 201 to 60 per thousand live births between 1997 and 2022.
Despite this significant reduction, the phenomenon remains high, especially in rural areas.
According to official data released by the National Institute of Health (INS), at least 60 out of every thousand children die before their fifth birthday. Thus, the INS estimates that, currently, nearly five million children still die before their fifth birthday nationwide, with the highest incidence in Cabo Delgado province.
The health sector considers these figures worrying and highlights the most common causes, most of which are preventable, as malaria, diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition, sepsis, and obstetric complications, among others.
Despite this scenario, government authorities recognize that the country has made notable strides in transforming its situation, highlighting strategic investments in maternal and child health.
"Globally, the United Nations confirms a 51 percent reduction in the same period," stated the President of the Republic in his speech during the opening of the Global Forum on Innovation and Action for Immunization and Child Survival 2025.
"Our Government considers childhood vaccination one of the most impactful actions in the fight against child mortality," he added.
It is important to note that this was the first time the aforementioned Global Forum was held in Africa, a fact that is highly regarded by Mozambique.
Despite the progress made, experts warn of the need for urgent and coordinated measures to guarantee the right to life and health of Mozambican children, as well as free access to health services, clean water, and basic sanitation.
To reduce infant and maternal mortality rates, the country hosted the Global Health Sector Forum, organized by Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Spain, and several international organizations, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, La Caixa Foundation, and UNICEF.
This event prioritized discussion of the latest scientific advances in child survival, as well as strengthening global political commitment and the international community.
(By Joana Mawai)
