Cabo Delgado: Low tides and high stakes
Reaching women and girls in Mozambique’s northernmost province
All photos © UNFPA Mozambique/Mbuto Machili
18 January 2024
Dr. Zuria Alberto (right) leads the mobile health team. Pictured with colleague, Dr. Angelo Antonio.
The mobile team pulls up in a rural town in the district of Mueda.
Dr. Zuria Alberto heads up a mobile health team in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique’s northernmost province, where an estimated 850,000 people are living in a state of protracted displacement in an area that is also affected by climate crises and poverty.
The mobile health workers travel by land or sea to reach women and girls living in the province’s rural and island areas, who otherwise may not be able to access healthcare. The UNFPA-supported mobile team provides a comprehensive range of sexual and reproductive health services and in doing so is helping reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancies, maternal mortality and gender-based violence.
Ancha receives iron supplements from nurse Juliana Germano in the mobile clinic.
Juliana provides Rufina with an antenatal check-up.
A young woman chooses to have an injectable contraceptive device fitted.
Nurse Eugenia Maria Dias provides Amina, 15, with an antenatal checkup. Ibo district.
Eugenia relies on the boat ambulance to reach new and expectant mothers on islands in Ibo district.
The boat captain has to navigate around low tides,which can cause problems if there is an emergency.
Elena, 15, during a counselling session with community activist Zaida, in the Metuge district.
Cristina Ornlanda Njuluko setting up a mobile pharmacy in Mocimboa da Praia.
A maternal health team travels by ambulance.
Celina Vessa during labour in Montepuez.
The team expertly manages Celina’s Caesarean section, onboard the mobile operating theatre.
Preparing to transport mother and newborn to hospital for postpartum care.
The mobile surgery team after the successful delivery.
Community activist, Zaida, raises awareness of gender-based violence.
Ancha delivers up to 15 babies per week in Ibo district.
Esperanca, 15, gave birth to her first child in the newly installed operating theatre.
Ancha and her 3-year-old, with nutritional supplements after a check-up.
Every woman deserves to give birth safely.
Read more: How UNFPA is supporting the provision and distribution of contraceptives and broadening the range of family planning options available in Cabo Delgado, Nampula and Niassa.
