Maputo, 3 Jul (AIM) – Mozambican Health Minister, Ussene Isse, has revealed that trauma-related deaths have increased from eight percent in 2007 to over 30 percent today, “emerging into a situation that can be considered a new epidemic.”
According to the Minister, interviewed by AIM, trauma has become one of the biggest threats to public health in Mozambique.
“We need a structural response based on prevention and strengthening hospital capacity. Trauma is today one of the main epidemics in our country. Many people are dying because of trauma”, he said.
According to Isse, it is in this context that the Mozambican government, in partnership with China, decided to set up an Integrated Center for Trauma Treatment, which aims to position the country as an African reference in this area.
The minister explained that the investment represents a direct response to the worsening of accidents and other serious injuries that have been overburdening the Unified Health System.
“In 2007, the mortality rate from trauma in this country was around seven or eight percent. Today it exceeds 30 percent. We have to invest, not only in the center, but also in prevention,” he stressed.
In addition to the human impact, the financial burden of trauma has become a growing concern for the health sector.
According to the minister, the State currently spends between five and six million dollars a year on the treatment of these patients, many of whom require complex surgeries, prolonged hospital stays, medication, and rehabilitation.
“These are polytrauma patients. They need hospitalization, medication, surgery, and rehabilitation. A large number of them suffer fractures and remain hospitalized for months. This represents a very heavy burden on the health system,” he said.
The new center, he said, will improve clinical response, reduce mortality, and increase the national capacity to handle severe trauma cases.
“This center is bringing a response from the State’s vision, to bring solutions to problems. It will be one of the largest in Africa. Several countries expressed interest in hosting a project of this size, but the choice fell on Mozambique. There is a reason”, the minister said.
Excessive alcohol consumption continues to be one of the main factors behind traffic accidents. “ People drive drunk. That’s where the consequences we have on the roads come from,” he said.
The minister also drew attention to the growth of mental illnesses, a phenomenon he linked to the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and illicit substances.
“All of this is causing social destruction. The health sector will continue to prioritize prevention and health promotion to reduce complications and save more Mozambicans,” he said.
Pc/Am/
