Mozambique’s Health Minister, Ussene Isse, has disclosed that chronic Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for 29 percent of all deaths in the country, identifying high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke and kidney disease as the most prevalent.
Speaking in Maputo at the closing of the First Scientific Meeting on Cardiovascular Health, held recently, the Minister called for greater scientific rigour and stronger interventions to address the growing health crisis. He stressed that reinforcing primary healthcare is crucial, particularly since 65 percent of Mozambicans live in rural areas with limited access to specialised care.
Dr Isse also underscored the importance of continuous training for health professionals to improve prevention, diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The chair of the meeting, Fidélio Citefane, revealed that 33 percent of Mozambicans suffer from hypertension — the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases — noting that Maputo city and province record about 300 related deaths monthly, largely due to sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits.
In response, two key initiatives were introduced. The first, “A Weight Room, A Stethoscope, An Oximeter,” aims to enhance early detection of childhood heart diseases through routine screenings, beginning in Zambézia province before nationwide expansion.
The second, the “Hypertension Corner” project, currently in its pilot phase, promotes the systematic measurement of blood pressure for all patients to improve early detection and reduce preventable deaths. The event also honoured outstanding research contributions in cardiovascular health, recognising innovation and excellence within the country’s medical community.