Maputo, Mozambique — The Mozambican and Swiss governments signed an agreement in Maputo Wednesday, under which Switzerland is to grant about 17 billion Swiss francs (about 100 million US dollars) to support the Mozambican health service over the next three years.

The money is mostly meant for the running costs of the provincial health directorates. A a small share will also go towards supporting the operations of the central organs of the Health ministry, particularly in the purchase of medicines and laboratory and surgical equipment.

The provincial Planning and Finances directorates will also benefit from some of this aid in their capacity as managers of the funds.

Foreign Minister Leonardo Simao signed the document on behalf of the Mozambican government, and the Swiss charge d'affaires, Thomas Greminger, signed for his country.