Municipalities and health in Mozambique: from legislation to implementation

Abstract

 This article analyses legislation on the right to health, the decentralization process in the public sector in general, and the health sector, in particular as well as legal framework on municipalities and health and the experience of implementing the transfer of health care functions and competencies taking as example the municipality of Maputo. It also reflects on the opportunities and challenges that this process represents. Although the legal framework is favourable for municipalities to play a relevant role in the proximity of health services in general and health promotion and disease prevention services in particular, the transfer process is complex and sensitive in its implementation. Analysing the functions and competencies that can be transferred, there are many opportunities for Municipalities to make a difference in improving the health and well-being of the population, acting on the social determinants of health that are under the responsibility of the municipality. The territory is well delimited thus allowing to ensure the desired proximity of the services and to build partnerships with other actors. The main challenge is how the state will ensure its responsibility to provide health care to all citizens while transferring the functions to local bodies.