AGP Executive Report

Climate & Human Rights: A UN expert warns Mozambique must avoid locking in fossil fuel dependency, urging a human-rights approach to climate resilience that protects health, water and food security as El Niño risks intensify. Ageing & Social Protection: Mozambique says pension payments for older people have been disrupted by financial constraints, but payments have resumed; officials also call for stronger social protection and healthcare planning as life expectancy rises. Drug Policy Update: Mozambique’s drug control legislation is being revised to tackle new psychoactive substances and shifting trafficking patterns, with community concerns raised about drug sales involving adolescents near pharmacies. Health & Inclusion: A report highlights how LGBTQ+ people in Mozambique face discrimination in schools, health facilities and workplaces, often through silence and institutional neglect rather than direct criminal laws. Aviation Safety Debate: The Flydubai cockpit incident is reigniting debate on flight security, including whether cockpit doors should be locked from inside and how to protect against threats from within. Maternal Health Advocacy (Regional): A legal challenge in the ECOWAS court targets Nigeria’s maternity protection rules, arguing gaps leave pregnant women and nursing mothers without adequate safeguards.

LGBTQ+ Rights in Mozambique: A new report highlights how transgender people and LBQ women face discrimination in schools, health facilities, workplaces and even online—often through silence and institutional neglect, despite no specific criminal laws. Drug Policy Update: Mozambique’s drug control legislation is being revised after 29 years, aiming to tackle new psychoactive substances, synthetic drugs and shifting trafficking patterns, with community concerns raised about sales near pharmacies and involving adolescents. Public Health & Cancer Care (Mozambique): Italy-backed projects in Beira support “Pink October” breast and cervical cancer prevention, including screening support, HPV vaccination and telemedicine links to remote facilities. Drug Use Pressure: Mozambique is seeing rising drug use as trafficking routes feed local addiction, with health facilities reporting heavy caseloads for drug-related treatment. Climate & Health Risks: The South-West Indian Ocean climate outlook warns Mozambique and neighbours to prepare for multiple hazards—drought and heat in the south, flooding and landslides in wetter areas—impacting agriculture, water and health. Maternal Testing Push (Regional): A new $1 antenatal testing bundle for HIV, syphilis and hepatitis B is flagged as promising for Mozambique among other high-volume markets.

Aviation Safety: A flydubai cockpit stabbing on the Dubai–Tel Aviv route, with an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia, is renewing debate on how to protect flights when the biggest risk may come from inside the cockpit. Drug Policy: Mozambique’s drug prevention and control authority says it is revising national drug control legislation to tackle new psychoactive substances, synthetic drugs, and shifting trafficking patterns, with community concerns including alleged sales to adolescents and young people. Public Health in Mozambique: Italy-backed “Pink October” activities in Beira include breast cancer prevention screening, HPV vaccination, and telemedicine support—plus a new lab at Chingussura health centre. Health & Drugs in Mozambique: Reports highlight Mozambique’s growing shift from transit to consumption, with rising drug-use admissions to hospitals. Community & Health Access: UNDP-supported climate adaptation work in Zimbabwe’s Hakwata Village delivered solarized boreholes, a clinic mini-grid, and biogas—easing daily burdens that affect health. Border Health & Trade: SADC says the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post is clearing about 80 trucks a day with longer hours, helping reduce delays that can affect access to medicines and supplies.

Mozambique Drug Use Surge: Mozambique’s health facilities treated 17,783 people in the first half of 2026 for mental and behavioral disorders linked to drugs and other psychoactive substances—up 58.6% from the same period in 2025—showing the country is shifting from “transit” to local consumption. Public Health Support in Mozambique: Italy-backed projects in Beira boosted breast cancer prevention (“Pink October”), expanded HPV vaccination, strengthened telemedicine links for specialist care, and inaugurated a laboratory at Chingussura health center. Mental Health & Substance Harm: The drug-use report highlights that multiple substances and alcohol drive many cases, with Maputo leading and young adults (21–35) most affected—raising risks like depression and family breakdown. Health Research Spotlight (Tilapia): A University of Hawaiʻi study explains how Mozambique tilapia survive extreme salt stress, offering new clues for understanding stress biology. Regional Health Tech & Care Access: A new $1 antenatal testing bundle for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B flags Mozambique as a high-potential market for expanding screening through routine care.

Drug use in Mozambique: Mozambique’s health facilities treated 17,783 people in the first half of 2026 for mental and behavioural disorders linked to drugs and other psychoactive substances—up 58.6% year-on-year, with Maputo leading and ages 21–35 most affected. Public health support: Italy’s ambassador visited Beira health projects tied to Pink October breast and cervical cancer prevention, plus HPV vaccination, telemedicine links, and a new lab at Chingussura health centre. Mother-to-child testing push: A new $1 antenatal “triple elimination” testing bundle (HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B) is being targeted at high-volume markets including Mozambique, aiming to cut commodity costs if adopted in routine care. Health system recognition: Mozambique was named the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion for country-led immunisation budget reforms and health system strengthening. Wellness science: Researchers studied how Mozambique tilapia survive extreme salt stress, finding how prolactin gene expression helps the fish regulate salt and water balance. Drug trafficking concern: Authorities warn Mozambique is shifting from a transit route to a growing consumer market, with rising drug-related hospital admissions.

Drug Use in Mozambique: Mozambique’s health facilities treated 17,783 people in the first half of 2026 for mental and behavioral disorders linked to drugs and other psychoactive substances—up 58.6% year-on-year—while Maputo leads cases and officials warn of wider family and health fallout. Rehab & Rising Meth: A separate report shows addiction is spreading beyond “transit,” with hospital admissions up 38% to 32,280+ and more methamphetamine cases reaching rehabilitation centres. Public Health Support in Mozambique: Italy backed breast and cervical cancer prevention in Beira during “Pink October,” including HPV vaccination, screening support, and telemedicine links to remote districts. HIV/Syphilis/Hepatitis Testing: Nigeria is flagged as a high-volume market for a new $1 antenatal testing bundle that combines rapid tests for HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B, with Mozambique listed among key potential adopters. Gavi Immunisation Milestone: Mozambique became the first Gavi Leap Champion, praised for country-led immunisation budgeting and health system strengthening. Border Health & Trade: At the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post, extended hours help clear about 80 trucks a day, easing congestion on the Beira and North-South corridors.

Drug use surge in Mozambique: Mozambique’s health facilities treated 17,783 people in the first half of 2026 for mental and behavioral disorders linked to drugs and other psychoactive substances—up 58.6% year-on-year—driven mainly by multiple substances and alcohol, with Maputo leading and ages 21–35 most affected. Public health + prevention: Authorities warn the rise is tied to wider family and health harms, including depression and physical complications. Gavi immunisation milestone: Mozambique became the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion, praised for country-led reforms and aligning immunisation budgets with its national strategy. Mercury-free gold push: Mozambique is gathering international know-how to formalise artisanal mining and cut mercury use in gold processing over the next five years. Community health + cohesion: Mozambique’s justice minister says state–religious cooperation is key for conflict prevention and for responding to floods, droughts, public health emergencies, and child malnutrition.

Mozambique Drug Use Surge: Mozambique’s health facilities treated 17,783 people in the first half of 2026 for mental and behavioural disorders linked to drugs and other psychoactive substances—up 58.6% year-on-year—driven mainly by multiple-substance use and alcohol, with Maputo leading and Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Manica also reporting high levels. Health System Progress: Mozambique was named the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion, praised for country-led immunisation budgeting and health system strengthening under the 2026–2030 shift. Reproductive Health Funding: Governments and partners pledged over US$715 million to expand reproductive health services, supplies and infrastructure, including family planning and maternal health, amid fears of funding declines. Border Health & Safety Link: At the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post, extended hours and better border management are clearing about 80 trucks daily, easing congestion on the Beira and North–South corridors. Mercury-Free Gold Push: Mozambique has started gathering international know-how to formalise artisanal gold mining and reduce mercury use, aiming to join the PlanetGold project.

Drug Use in Mozambique: Mozambican health facilities treated 17,783 people for mental and behavioral disorders linked to drugs and psychoactive substances in the first half of 2026—up 58.6% from the same period in 2025, with multiple substances and alcohol driving most cases, and Maputo leading. Health System & Immunisation: Mozambique was named the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion, praised for country-led reforms and aligning immunisation budgets with its National Immunisation Strategy. Mercury-Free Gold Mining: Mozambique has begun gathering international experience to formalise artisanal gold mining and cut out mercury use, with reforms planned over five years to protect public health. El Niño Health Warning: WHO classifies the expected El Niño impacts in Africa as a Grade Three emergency, flagging Mozambique among high-risk countries for flooding, drought, disease outbreaks, and malnutrition. Reproductive Health Funding: Governments and partners pledged over US$715 million to expand reproductive health services and supplies, including family planning and maternal care, amid funding declines. Border Trade Efficiency: At the Cuchamano/Nyamapanda border post, extended hours are helping clear about 80 trucks a day, easing congestion along the Beira and North-South corridors.

Drug Use Surge in Mozambique: Mozambique’s health facilities treated 17,783 people in the first half of 2026 for mental and behavioural disorders linked to drugs and psychoactive substances—up 58.6% year-on-year, with Maputo leading and young adults (21–35) most affected. Drug Crisis, From Transit to Consumption: Officials say hospital admissions tied to drug use rose 38% last year to over 32,280, as trafficking routes fuel local addiction, including growing methamphetamine cases. Gavi Immunisation Win: Mozambique became the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion, recognised for country-led immunisation budgeting and health system strengthening under the 2026–2030 shift. El Niño Health Emergency: WHO classifies the developing El Niño’s health impacts as Grade Three for Africa, warning of worse outbreaks, food insecurity and malnutrition—Mozambique is among high-risk countries. Reproductive Health Funding: UNFPA reports $715m+ pledged to expand family planning and maternal health services and supplies, with Mozambique among participating countries. South Africa Xenophobia Fears: Refugees in Durban fear renewed violence as an anti-immigration deadline approaches ahead of local elections.

Mozambique Health Systems: Mozambique was named the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion for country-led immunisation reforms, aligning holistic vaccine budgets with the national strategy and strengthening health systems. Drug Use Crisis: Mozambique is shifting from a drug transit hub to a growing consumer market, with drug-related hospital admissions up 38% to over 32,280 cases, as methamphetamine cases rise. Mercury-Free Mining Push: Mozambique is gathering international experience to formalise artisanal gold mining and cut mercury use, aiming to join the PlanetGold project over the next five years. Reproductive Health Funding: Governments and partners pledged over US$715m to expand family planning and maternal health services and supplies, including commitments involving Mozambique. El Niño Health Risks: WHO classifies the developing El Niño as a Grade Three emergency for Africa, warning Mozambique faces flooding, drought, and higher risks of disease outbreaks and malnutrition. Public Health & Access: Universal access to information is being highlighted as a right, with calls for information that is timely, understandable, and reaches everyone.

Gavi Immunisation Boost: Mozambique was named the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion for country-led health reforms, including a shift to holistic immunisation budgets aligned with its National Immunisation Strategy. Drug Use Rising: Mozambique is moving from drug transit to growing local consumption, with drug-related hospital admissions up 38% to over 32,280 cases and more methamphetamine cases reported. Mercury-Free Gold Push: Mozambique is gathering international experience to formalise artisanal gold mining and cut mercury use, despite mercury still being widely used by over 100,000 miners. El Niño Health Alarm: WHO classifies El Niño’s expected impacts as a Grade Three emergency, warning of flooding, drought, and higher risks of cholera and other waterborne diseases, plus worsening malnutrition. Reproductive Health Funding: UNFPA and partners pledged over US$715m for reproductive health, including family planning and maternal care, with UK support of £254m. Border Health Threats: Mozambique-linked illicit tobacco smuggling and other drug seizures highlight ongoing cross-border health risks.

Mozambique Health Systems: Mozambique was named the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion for country-led immunisation reforms, including a shift to holistic immunisation budgets aligned with its National Immunisation Strategy. Drug Use & Health: Mozambique is moving from drug transit to growing local consumption, with hospital admissions linked to drug use up 38% to over 32,280 cases, as methamphetamine cases rise alongside heroin. Public Health & Climate Risk: WHO classifies the intensifying El Niño’s health and humanitarian impacts as a Grade Three emergency, warning Mozambique faces flooding-linked disease risks and drought-driven food and water insecurity. Mercury-Free Mining: Mozambique is gathering international know-how to formalise artisanal gold mining and cut mercury use, despite the metal still being widely used by over 100,000 miners. Reproductive Health Funding: Governments and partners pledged over US$715m to expand reproductive health services and supplies, including family planning and maternal care, with Mozambique among participating countries. Health Access & Rights: Ahead of World Contraception Day and International Safe Abortion Day, advocates call for accessible, safe, legal, stigma-free abortion care and full contraception options.

Gavi Leap Champion: Mozambique has become the first-ever Gavi Leap Champion, praised for country-led immunisation reforms and stronger, sustainable health system investment. Drug use shift: Mozambique is moving from drug transit to growing local consumption, with drug-related hospital admissions up 38% to over 32,280 cases, and rising methamphetamine cases among young people. El Niño health warning: WHO classifies the developing El Niño’s expected impacts as a Grade Three emergency, flagging flooding and drought risks that could worsen outbreaks, food insecurity and malnutrition across several African countries including Mozambique. Reproductive health funding: UNFPA reports governments and partners pledged over US$715 million to expand reproductive health services, supplies and infrastructure, including family planning and maternal care. Climate-linked hunger: Save the Children warns super El Niño could push about 8 million children in Mozambique and nearby countries into acute hunger by early 2027 unless action is taken. Universal access to information: A ministerial push in Zimbabwe highlights that information is a fundamental right—an angle that matters for health communication and service access.

Drug Use Surge: Mozambique is seeing rising local addiction, with hospital admissions linked to drug use up 38% last year to over 32,280, as officials warn the country is shifting from transit to consumption. El Niño Health Emergency: WHO has classified the developing El Niño as a Grade Three emergency for Africa, warning Mozambique faces worsening disease outbreaks, food insecurity and malnutrition from late 2026 into 2027. Reproductive Health Funding: UNFPA reports governments and partners pledged over US$715 million to expand reproductive health services and supplies, including support for family planning and maternal care in Mozambique. World Pharmacists Day & Lung Health: Mozambique joins global observances including World Pharmacists Day and World Lung Day, spotlighting medicine safety and respiratory disease prevention. Access to Information: Zimbabwe’s minister says universal access to information is a fundamental right—timely, understandable and reaching everyone. Cabo Delgado Conflict Impact: OCHA estimates conflict incidents in Cabo Delgado rose 10% in the first half of 2026, with abductions increasingly used for ransom and forced recruitment. El Niño Food Crisis: Save the Children warns super El Niño could push millions of children in East and Southern Africa into acute hunger by early 2027, including Mozambique.

Reproductive Health Funding: UNFPA says governments and partners pledged over US$715m at UNGA81 to expand reproductive health infrastructure, services and supplies, including family planning and maternal care—amid worries that international funding cuts are putting access at risk. UK Donor Boost: The UK pledged £254m (US$337.8m), including contraceptives for 15m women a year and new support for medicines for mothers and newborns. El Niño Health Alert: WHO classifies the intensifying El Niño as a Grade Three emergency for Africa, warning of flooding-linked disease outbreaks and drought-driven food and water crises, with Mozambique named among high-risk countries. Food Security Shock: Save the Children warns Super El Niño could push about 8m children into acute hunger across East and Southern Africa by early 2027. Mozambique Health System Pressure: A World Bank-backed brief highlights Mozambique’s tight fiscal space, with medicines and public services competing as salaries and debt absorb most tax revenue. Drug and Tobacco Smuggling Crackdown: Mozambique-linked contraband seizures reported in the region include illicit tobacco products and dagga intercepted near Kosi Bay and other border routes. Tech for Health Access: Yango Fellowship graduates (including Mozambique fellows) showcased projects such as medicine supply visibility for community health workers and low-cost water testing for rural communities. SADC Integration Push: SADC leaders back corridor and one-stop border post plans plus a new Tourism UniVisa to speed travel and investment across the region.