The Mozambican and Swiss governments signed an agreement in Maputo on Wednesday, under which Switzerland is to grant about US $100 million to support the Mozambican health service over the next three years, PANA reported on Thursday.

The money is mostly meant for the running costs of the provincial health directorates. 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 Swiss charge d'affaires Thomas Greminger signed for his country.