A Red Cross and ICEIDA Health Centre Opens in Mozambique

A health centre which the Red Cross and ICEIDA built together in Mozambique has been officially opened and handed over to the health authorities in Mozambique to run.

The construction of the health centre, which is in Chibucutso in Maputo-province, took just over a year and cost 12 million krónur (ISK). It serves the residents of seven villages in the area where 8 thousand people live (Chibucutso, Xikhobyane, Mpunguene, Djasse, Nwanane, Nhambe and Rybyene). Before, the residents had to travel over a 20 km distance to get medical aid in the closest urban centre, along an unfrequented road where public transportation is scarce.

The centre contains a facility for general health services and treatment of the most common diseases, a delivery room, maternal and infant care, immunisations, counselling regarding child bearing and other preventive health measures.

Representatives from the Red Cross in Mozambique, the Icelandic Red Cross and ICEIDA were present at the opening along with representatives from health authorities in Mozambique. Last but not least, many residents of Chibucutso attended to celebrate this milestone together with village chiefs and district officials. According to tradition, the ceremony started with “kuphahla”. Appeal is made to the spirits of the dead and they asked to bless the activities of the centre. Marcelino Alexandre and Ómar Kristmundsson, the chairmen of the Red Cross in Mozambique and Iceland, cut the ribbon.