In the Mucojo region life expectancy is 38 years and infant mortality is roughly 30%. Residents of many of the villages in the area have to walk several hours to get to their nearest clinic and the nearest doctor is 60km away. Malaria is the main factor responsible for the high infant mortality rate, although diarrhoea, malnutrition and complications at birth, with fewer than 40% of pregnant women giving birth in the presence of a trained health worker, are also important contributors.

PROJECT: Malaria
Although a preventable and treatable disease, malaria is the number one child killer in Mozambique. Every day 125 children die form malaria, giving Mozambique one of the highest child mortality rates in the world. Using incesticide treated mosquito nets can reduce child mortality by 20%. In 2007, over 4,400 nets were distributed through workshops to each woman in 6 villages who were either pregnant or had children under 5 years, resulting in over 10,000 people sleeping under nets. In 2008, we have expanded to a further 4 villages while revising the existing 6.

PROJECT: Nutrition
Over 56% of people living in Mozambique's northern province of Cabo Delgado are chronically malnourished. The most vulnerable are in rural areas where they have no alternative but to rely on their crops. Malnourishment stunts children's development and weakens defences against disease, making it a significant, underlying cause of child mortality. Nema's community health volunteers are running nutrition workshops in every household in 4 villages and an agricultural technician is helping each family create small kitchen gardens.

PROJECT: Mother & Infant Care
Over two-thirds of women in rural areas give birth without the assistance of skilled health professionals, putting themselves and new babies at risk. From November 2008, a trained midwife will be visiting pregnant women in 4 villages to provide them with health advice and support throughout pregnancy, birth and their infant's development. (Funded by Global Angels and GKN).

PROJECT: HIV / AIDS
Every day 102 children are infected with HIV in Mozambique and less than 3% will receive treatment. The majority of new infections occur in young people, with girls aged between 15 to 19 years three times more at risk than boys of the same age. Workshops, drama performances and films will start shortly in 4 villages and early 2008 will see the start of a school/football project to raise awareness with the youth. (Funded by Global Angels and GKN).

PROJECT: Hygiene and Sanitation
In 2007 3 consecutive hygiene and sanitation workshops were run in every household in 4 villages to fight against the spread of diarrhoeal diseases. As a result over 50 household latrines have been built. This year the project is being expanded and further assistance given to families in building latrines.

PROJECT: Health Survey
In July 2008 the first ever extensive health survey was conducted in our area of work by Nema. This will enable us to monitor and develop our health projects. (Funded by Global Angels and GKN).