Mozambique launches Action Plan for Child Survival 2026-2030 to combat child mortality

MOZAMBIQUE—The Government of Mozambique, through the Ministry of Health, has launched the Action Plan for Child Survival 2026–2030, a strategic framework designed to accelerate reductions in child mortality and give every child a better chance to survive, grow and reach their full potential.

The ministry launched the plan on Monday, 20 July 2026, in Maputo Province, marking a significant step in the country’s efforts to improve child health and well-being.

The initiative also comes less than two months after Mozambique established the National Alliance for the Accelerated Reduction of Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality, further strengthening national efforts to address the leading health challenges affecting women and children.

Globally, an estimated 4.9 million children under five died in 2024, with sub-Saharan Africa recording the highest child mortality rates.

In Mozambique, the 2022–2023 Demographic and Health Survey places the under-five mortality rate at 60 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Most child deaths remain associated with preventable or treatable conditions, including complications arising from prematurity, birth asphyxia, pneumonia, diarrhoea, malaria and malnutrition.

Plan focuses on high-impact interventions

The Ministry of Health developed the Action Plan for Child Survival in response to the global Child Survival Action initiative, which brings together governments, development partners, community leaders and civil society organisations to accelerate efforts to end preventable child deaths.

The plan follows a primary healthcare approach and supports national and global efforts to achieve universal health coverage.

It identifies several strategic priorities for expanding access to quality healthcare and scaling up interventions that can significantly improve child survival.

These priorities include strengthening primary healthcare services and expanding access to quality care for mothers, newborns and children.

The plan also prioritises the prevention, early detection and treatment of childhood illnesses, particularly pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria, which continue to contribute significantly to child mortality.

In addition, the government aims to improve child nutrition and promote greater equity in access to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The plan also calls for stronger collaboration between government institutions, development and cooperation partners, civil society organisations and the private sector.

WHO pledges continued support

The World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners have reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Mozambican government as it implements the plan.

However, effective implementation will require sustained resource mobilisation, stronger coordination across sectors and active participation from communities and families.

The Action Plan for Child Survival 2026–2030 aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3.2, which seeks to end preventable deaths among newborns and children under five.

It also supports global strategies led by the United Nations, WHO and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to improve the health and well-being of women, children and adolescents.

Through the plan, Mozambique seeks to strengthen the delivery of essential health services and accelerate action against the preventable causes of child deaths, while improving access to care for mothers and children across the country.