HCM opens new center for scientific research and health training

Maputo, 11 Mar (AIM) – Mozambique’s deputy health minister, Ilesh Jani, has announced the opening of a new Centre for Scientific Research and Health Training in Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), the largest health unit in the country.

The facility opened on Friday, and its construction was budgeted at about one and a half million dollars, funded by the United States government. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and will benefit academia inside and outside the country, including other national reference hospitals.

According to Jani, the centre will be particularly focused on treating cancer.

“At the moment, cancer is already the main cause of mortality among people aged over 50, and is the third most important cause of mortality in the 15-48 age group. So cancer is not a concern for the future in our country, it’s a present concern”, he said.

“We also hope that the centre can promote and boost research in other areas, such as: high blood pressure, diabetes, infectious diseases, and trauma”, Jani said.

He added that between October 2022 and September 2023, around 400,000 women living with HIV were screened for cervical cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) praises the country’s efforts in cancer research and treatment.

For her part, a representative of the US government, Irene Benech, said that her government annually disburses around five million dollars for the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cervical cancer in Mozambique. The new centre is thus a welcome addition, to speed up the response.

(AIM)

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