Mozambique HIV Cases Stay High Despite More Access

Mozambique has 2.5 million people living with HIV in 2024, one of the highest numbers in the world. This is a big challenge for the country's health.
By Newsroom | Health, Mozambique |

Mozambique continues to grapple with one of the world's most severe HIV epidemics, despite significant efforts to broaden access to testing and treatment. Persistent challenges in maintaining long-term care and adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) undermine progress toward controlling the virus.

An estimated 2.5 million people were living with HIV in Mozambique as of 2024, placing the nation among those with the highest HIV burden globally. While advancements have been made in increasing knowledge of HIV status, expanding ART access, and improving viral load testing, these gains are threatened by ongoing obstacles.

Persistent Hurdles to Viral Suppression

Key factors fueling the epidemic's endurance include:

  • Low coverage of ART: Despite increased availability, a significant portion of the population still lacks consistent access to or remains on antiretroviral therapy.

  • Risky sexual behaviors: These behaviors continue to be a major driver, compounded by factors such as low rates of male circumcision and inconsistent condom use.

  • Mobility and migration: The movement of people within and across borders complicates consistent engagement with healthcare services.

  • Social and cultural elements: Societal attitudes, cultural norms, and stigma surrounding HIV influence health-seeking behaviors, prevention uptake, and adherence to treatment.

These intertwined issues create a complex landscape where sustained treatment and viral suppression remain elusive for many.

International Support and Systemic Strengthening

International partners, notably the U.S. Government through organizations like Abt Global and the CDC, have been instrumental in supporting Mozambique's Ministry of Health. Since 2000, the CDC has focused on building sustainable public health capacity, reinforcing laboratory systems, and delivering comprehensive HIV and TB diagnostic, treatment, and prevention services.

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These efforts have seen progress:

  • In FY2024, nearly 136,364 HIV-positive diagnoses were made by CDC-supported partners, accounting for 49 percent of national diagnoses.

  • 90 percent of people living with HIV (PLHIV) received TB preventive treatment at CDC-supported sites in FY2024, with an additional 5 percent actively on treatment.

  • Programs have aimed to reach targets like the 95-95-95 goals, which seek 95 percent of people living with HIV knowing their status, 95 percent receiving treatment, and 95 percent virally suppressed.

Regional Disparities and Vulnerable Groups

HIV prevalence is not uniform across the country, with substantial regional variations. The national HIV prevalence stands at 13.2 percent, but this figure can surge as high as 24.4 percent in Gaza province, contrasting with 5.2 percent in Tete. The 35-39 age group exhibits a higher prevalence, reaching 21.2 percent in data from 2015.

Adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) remain a focus, with initiatives seeking to integrate HIV services with non-communicable disease (NCD) care to improve overall health outcomes.

Conflict and Stigma as Barriers

Recent conflict and displacement, particularly in areas like Mocímboa da Praia, have introduced additional layers of difficulty in accessing lifesaving treatment. Stigma associated with HIV also acts as a significant barrier, deterring individuals from seeking necessary care and support. Community-led initiatives and awareness sessions are critical in encouraging adherence and mitigating these social impediments.

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A Shifting Landscape for Response

Discussions surrounding Mozambique's HIV response highlight a "new landscape" influenced by funding dynamics and the need for sustainability. Events in June 2025 convened partners to focus on key messages from international conferences, the evolving funding environment, and strategies for a sustainable, long-term response.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many people in Mozambique have HIV in 2024?
In 2024, about 2.5 million people in Mozambique were living with HIV. This is a very large number compared to other countries.
Q: Why is it hard to control HIV in Mozambique?
It's hard because many people don't get treatment regularly, risky sexual behavior is common, and people move around a lot. Stigma also stops people from getting help.
Q: What is being done to help people with HIV in Mozambique?
The U.S. Government and other groups are helping Mozambique's health ministry. They give tests, medicine, and try to stop the spread of HIV and TB.
Q: Are there big differences in HIV rates across Mozambique?
Yes, HIV rates are very different. Gaza province has a high rate of 24.4%, while Tete has a lower rate of 5.2%. The national average is 13.2%.
Q: How does conflict affect HIV treatment in Mozambique?
Recent fighting has made it harder for people to get medicine, especially in places like Mocímboa da Praia. This makes treatment difficult to continue.
Q: What are the goals for HIV treatment in Mozambique?
Mozambique is trying to reach the 95-95-95 goals. This means 95% of people with HIV know their status, 95% are on treatment, and 95% have the virus controlled in their body.