Technical Brief: Strengthening Drug and Therapeutics Committees to Promote Rational Medicine Use in Mozambique

Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in the world, with approximately 70% of the population living below the poverty line. Many women and children are unable to access essential health services and medicine due to inadequate geographic coverage, financing, and available health professionals. Neonatal mortality is 30 deaths per 1,000, and under-five mortality is 90/1,000. Malaria accounts for approximately 26% of hospital deaths. Dual infections of tuberculosis (TB) and HIV and the threat of increasing multidrug-resistant TB complicate the national TB program response. To support priority programs such as HIV prevention and treatment and maternal and child health, Mozambique’s Ministry of Health and SIAPS are establishing Drug and Therapeutics Committees (DTCs) and training committee members to improve medicine management and use, thereby helping to achieve good health outcomes.