HIV/AIDS: Mozambique remains among the countries with the most new infections in the world

Mozambique continues to face one of the most severe HIV/AIDS epidemics globally, ranking second in the number of new infections, according to data from the National Survey of Immunization, Malaria and HIV/AIDS Indicators (INSIDA 2021). The country also ranks among the three with the highest number of people living with HIV, a scenario that continues to place enormous pressure on the national health system.

With an estimated prevalence of 12.5% ​​among adults over 15 years of age, the epidemic has an unequal impact, affecting women more sharply. In this group, the prevalence rate reaches approximately 15%, significantly higher than the 9.5% recorded among men. Vulnerability is even more evident among adolescent girls and young women, aged 15 to 24, who represent one of the most affected age groups, with approximately 23,000 new infections annually – a number three times higher than that of their male counterparts.

Experts point to social, economic, and cultural factors as determinants of this disparity, including gender inequalities, early marriages, gender-based violence, and limited access to sexual and reproductive health services. Despite progress in expanding antiretroviral treatment and awareness campaigns, the rate of reduction in new infections remains insufficient.

Mozambique's position on the global stage reinforces the need to accelerate the implementation of strategies outlined in the National Strategic Plan for the Response to HIV and AIDS (PEN V), focusing on combined prevention, expanded testing, and patient retention in treatment.

In addition to structural challenges, extreme weather events have been exacerbating the response to the epidemic. In January 2026, heavy rains, floods and inundations, associated with the passage of Tropical Cyclone "Gezane", affected several regions in the south and center of the country, with the greatest impact in the provinces of Maputo, Gaza, Sofala and Inhambane.

Severe weather caused damage to health infrastructure, disrupted access routes, and temporarily hampered the operation of several health facilities. This situation jeopardized the continuity of HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services, especially in more isolated communities.

Nevertheless, the health sector managed to mitigate some of the impacts by activating rapid response mechanisms. Among the main measures adopted were the mobilization of mobile teams, the creation of temporary care posts in accommodation centers, and the transfer of patients to functioning health units.

These actions ensured the continuity of antiretroviral treatment (ART), considered essential for patient survival and for reducing virus transmission. Monitoring indicates that drug stock levels remained stable, thanks to strategies such as drug redistribution and the implementation of differentiated service delivery models.

Recent data from the Ministry of Health indicate that, in 2023 alone, approximately 23,000 new infections were recorded among young people aged 15 to 24, confirming the persistence of high levels of transmission in this age group.

The report on HIV/AIDS, recently approved by the Assembly of the Republic, highlights that, despite the stabilization of some indicators, the country is still far from achieving sustainable control of the epidemic. The high number of people living with HIV implies a continued need for funding to ensure treatment, clinical follow-up, and prevention measures.

During the parliamentary debate, the four parliamentary groups emphasized the importance of strengthening investment in health education, combating stigma and discrimination, as well as expanding services aimed at the most vulnerable groups.

Experts warn that, without a significant reduction in incidence, the cost of the HIV/AIDS response will likely increase in the coming years, jeopardizing the sustainability of national programs.

In a context marked by multiple challenges, ranging from social factors to extreme weather events, authorities emphasize that community involvement, coupled with effective public policies, will be crucial to reversing the current trend and moving towards controlling the epidemic in Mozambique.