African Activist Archive

Contents: HEALTH FOR A NATION • MOZAMBIQUE UNDER SIEGE • EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE • A SAFE HAVEN • ASSISTING MOZAMBIQUE • PEOPLE-TO-PEOPLE AID • HOW YOU CAN HELP • After winning independence from Portugal in 1975, Mozambique began developing a national health care system. More than 12,000 health workers were trained; the number of health posts tripled; for the first time, medical services became available to the majority of the rural population. In 1977, the white government of Rhodesia formed an army of terrorists to destabilize Mozambique's support of Zimbabwean freedom fighters. After Zimbabwe's independence, this group, now called "RENAMO," was taken over by the South African government; since 1981 Mozambique has been under siege by this South African proxy army. A positive example of a multiracial democracy for the oppressed majority of South Africa is not acceptable to the apartheid government. RENAMO has inflicted massive destruction upon the people and property of Mozambique. Over one-quarter of Mozambique's schools and health posts have been destroyed; scarce resources are diverted to meet security rather than social needs. Many North Americans are eager to help Mozambique. The report mentions the U.S. State Department, UNICEF, "armed bandits," 870,000 made homeless, Manica District, agriculture, lumber, the Mozambican Ministry of Health, equipment and supplies for basic medical care, assistance to rebuild health posts, physicians, nurses, medical training both in Africa and North America, Washington State Association of Black Professionals in Health Care, Northwest Labor and Employment Law Office, University of Washington's International Health Program, and United Support of Artists for Africa (USA for AFRICA).

African Activist Archive

LINKING NORTH AMERICANS AND MOZAMBICANS: A GRASSROOTS RURAL HEALTH PROJECT IN MOZAMBIQUE

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