en

Mozambique Number of People Living with HIV

Understanding the Number of People Living with HIV in Mozambique

Mozambique, faces substantial public health challenges, among which HIV/AIDS is one of the most significant. Understanding the number of people living with HIV (PLWH) provides deeper insights into the epidemic's scale and the efforts required to manage and mitigate its impact. This metric is crucial for tailoring public health strategies and ensuring adequate resource allocation.

Current Situation

As of the most recent data, Mozambique has approximately 2.2 million people living with HIV. This high number underscores the scale of the epidemic in the country. The HIV prevalence rate, which is about 12.6% among adults, points to a significant health crisis that affects all aspects of society, from healthcare to the economy and social structures.

Demographic Distribution

The burden of HIV in Mozambique is not evenly distributed and varies across different demographic groups and regions:

  • Women and Children: Women, particularly those of childbearing age, have a higher prevalence of HIV compared to men. Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding also contributes to the number of children living with HIV.
  • Urban vs. Rural: Urban areas tend to have higher rates of HIV due to factors like increased mobility, higher population density, and better access to healthcare facilities that enable more frequent testing.
  • Key Populations: Specific groups, such as sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), and intravenous drug users, are at higher risk and have a higher incidence of HIV.


Contributing Factors

Several key factors contribute to the high number of people living with HIV in Mozambique:

  • Healthcare Access: Limited access to HIV testing, antiretroviral therapy (ART), and comprehensive healthcare services hinders effective management and prevention.
  • Socio-Economic Conditions: Poverty, lack of education, and unemployment exacerbate the HIV epidemic by limiting individuals' ability to access healthcare and understand prevention methods.
  • Cultural Practices and Stigma: Ongoing stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV prevent many from seeking testing and treatment, further spreading the virus.
  • Gender Inequality: Women and girls often face higher risks of infection due to gender-based violence, economic dependency, and limited access to education and healthcare.
  • Co-Infections: High rates of tuberculosis (TB) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) complicate the health landscape, make individuals more susceptible to HIV, and compound treatment challenges.


Ongoing Challenges and Progress

While there have been significant advancements, several challenges continue to impede progress:

  • Resource Limitations: Financial and logistical constraints affect the scale and sustainability of HIV programs.
  • Geographical Barriers: Reaching remote and rural areas with healthcare services remains a significant challenge.
  • Stigma and Discrimination: Social stigma and discrimination against individuals with HIV continue to deter people from accessing essential services.

Chart:  Number of People Living with HIV  in Mozambique

Chart for comparison:

.