Maputo, Mozambique - The British High Commission in Maputo will invest £6.72 million pounds (approximately $8.2 million USD) in projects with UNFPA (United Nations Population Fund) and the Government of Mozambique that aim to increase the use of population data to improve decision-making, as well as strengthen the availability and use of family planning. The program aims to support the country to better harness and manage the challenges faced by its mostly young population. 

UNFPA, the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency, will work specifically with the Ministry of Health, the National Institute of Statistics (INE), the Ministry of Economy and Finance, and non-governmental partners to implement components of Mozambique's Demographic Transition Program.

For a duration of five years (2022 to 2027), the first component of the program, Strengthening Population Data Systems, focuses on the collection of population data for the purposes of strategic planning, design of development policies, and decision-making at district, provincial and central levels. The result of this data, evidence-based planning, and decision-making exercises aim to benefit young people, who represent more than half of the population (with 53% of the population under 17 years of age), so they can make a safe, productive and healthy transition to adulthood. 

By ensuring the availability of contraceptives nationwide and strengthening the provision of family planning services, the second component of the program, Increasing the use of modern family planning methods for youth and women in Mozambique, will last five years (2021-2026), focused specifically in Zambezia and Nampula provinces, the most populous provinces in the country.

"The world is changing. By 2050, one in four people in the world will be African.  It is necessary to learn how to take advantage of and manage such a profound trend. In Mozambique, women and youth must be active participants in their country's development, yet they are among the most vulnerable groups. We are happy to have the opportunity to work with the Government of Mozambique, investing in building the capacity of youth and women, so that they can contribute to sustainable socio-economic development for the benefit of themselves, their families, and the country as a whole,'' emphasizes Dr. Paul Healey, Head of the British High Commission's humanitarian development and climate change team in Mozambique.

The UK funding will strengthen the knowledge base on the causes and effects of demographic dynamics and their interactions with development processes, and ensure equitable and affordable access to family planning services across the health system, among others. 

"Investments in youth require multiple efforts, the removal of social, economic, and institutional barriers that impede their rights, and the use of data to inform the financing and monitoring of such commitments. Projects like those launched today are a strategic step towards achieving the demographic dividend in Mozambique.  UNFPA thanks the Government of the United Kingdom for its important support, as the agency reiterates its commitment to work alongside the Government and other partners to implement this program," highlights  Ms. Bérangère Boëll, UNFPA Resident Representative in Mozambique.

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NOTES TO THE EDITORS:

ABOUT THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN MOZAMBIQUE 

The British High Commission in Mozambique is responsible for developing and maintaining good relations and cooperation between the UK and Mozambique.

This work involves addressing a range of issues from politics, development, trade, security, and economic issues of interest and benefit to both countries. The High Commission provides information, support, and advice to those wishing to develop trade and economic ties between Mozambique and the UK. In the consular area, the High Commission provides assistance to British citizens residing in or visiting Mozambique.

ABOUT UNFPA

UNFPA is the sexual and reproductive health agency of the United Nations, whose goal is to provide a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young person's potential is realized. UNFPA is the lead agency on both gender-based violence and sexual and reproductive health during humanitarian emergencies.

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For more information, please contact:

Karlina Salu

Communications Analyst

Email: jsalu@unfpa.org

Cell: +258-840560246