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Esmênia Cuna: Cancer is not synonymous with death

In this inspiring conversation, led by Tanuja Viriato, the founder of MozaVibe, Cuna spoke about the feeling of fear and despair that grips people with cancer, due to the idea that it could be the end of their lives.

Photo: Yassin Mussá

Esménia Cuna is a survivor. She managed to win a long and hard battle against breast cancer, in a story of overcoming and resilience that she ended up seeing as a divine message.

With this experience, Esménia Cuna understood that she should focus her efforts on fighting cancer, helping other women facing the same disease. Therefore, whenever she can, she gives talks and provides support. In addition, she is about to officially launch an association dedicated to the fight against cancer.

“The association will be active next year, because now it’s important to have a group, a network (...). We want to help many people: men, women and children,” she explained in an interview with MozaVibe magazine.

In this inspiring conversation, led by Tanuja Viriato, the founder of MozaVibe, Cuna spoke about the feeling of fear and despair that grips people with cancer, due to the idea that it could be the end of their lives.

“It’s important to deconstruct the link between cancer and death. To believe in yourself and be resilient. It’s important not to be ashamed of your physical condition because it’s natural,” she stated.

Watch the full interview on MozaVibe magazine’s YouTube channel. We invite you to share it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRFWa-49e0k

 

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"Gosto de Ler": books as a right and not a privilege

The proposal is clear: to democratize access to the books in this collection, strengthen the habit of reading from an early age, promote cultural inclusion, and contribute to the development of readers and thinkers. Reading, he argues, should not be a privilege, but a right.

Photo: Eduardo Quive

Books are still a rarity and a luxury in some regions of the country. While many libraries are nearly empty, bookstores are so scarce they can be counted on one hand. Therefore, initiatives to promote and encourage reading are necessary, especially among younger readers.

This is the case with the "Gosto de Ler" project, which aims to make books more accessible and bring literature closer to communities. The initiative was launched this week by the Fernando Leite Couto Foundation, in partnership with Standard Bank Mozambique.

At the heart of the project is the "Gosto de Ler" literary collection, composed of works by five renowned Mozambican authors, namely Albino Magaia, Mia Couto, João Borges, Paulina Chiziane, and Lília Momplé.

As part of this initiative, 25,000 printed copies will be distributed free of charge to schools, libraries, cultural associations, and communities throughout the country.

For Mia Couto, writer and president of the Fernando Leite Couto Foundation, this collection is more than just a book publication; it represents a concrete step in creating opportunities for more Mozambicans, especially young people, to grow up with the habit of reading.

"We want these books to reach the entire country," he stated, emphasizing that the Foundation's mission is precisely to support readers, provide a platform for new writers, and keep the literary profession alive in Mozambique.

"Reading plays an essential role in personal and social development. That's what we're promoting," he said.

Esselina Macome, CEO of Standard Bank Mozambique, reinforced the institution's commitment to the project's social impact. For her, reading goes beyond pleasure; it's an essential foundation for educational, professional, and civic development.

"If we don't know how to read, we won't be able to understand what the country needs, what is being discussed, what is being proposed. And you only learn to read by reading. That's why Standard Bank proudly joins this cause. We want to contribute to the education of children, adolescents, and young people who can actively participate in the country's growth," he stated.

The proposal is clear: to democratize access to the books in this collection, strengthen the habit of reading from an early age, as well as promote cultural inclusion and contribute to the development of readers and thinkers. Reading, he argues, cannot be a privilege, but a right.

During the conference, the selected writers expressed their deep honor and enthusiasm to be part of this project, recognizing its potential to inspire and motivate new generations of readers and writers.

(By Renaldo Luís)

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Infant mortality remains high

The phenomenon remains high, especially in rural areas.

Photo: Freepik

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)

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