Maputo — The Mozambican health authorities have announced the resumption of services at the health facilities of Mazua and Chipene, in Memba district, in the northern province of Nampula, after they were closed following a terrorist incursion against the region.

Since 2017, violent extremist attacks have been taking place in Cabo Delgado province, where at least 6,200 people have been killed and over one million displaced. However, the violence has been tending to spread to other regions, especially in Nampula. Recent attacks against Memba district give a clear indication that the jihadists are moving southwards, into the coastal districts of Nampula.

According to Selma Xavier, the Nampula Provincial Health Director, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, these health facilities were closed for almost two weeks as a result of the instability and the massive movement of households.

"The re-opening of services in these critical areas constitutes a decisive step in the health response to the crisis. However, the temporary resettlement center in Alua continues to be supported by a multi-sectoral health team, which operates daily until 15.30', she said.

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She explained that there are technicians from various areas, including nursing, general medicine, and maternal and child health, assigned exclusively to meet the needs of displaced households.

"The government's priority is to guarantee that, even in the context of a humanitarian emergency, no community is left without basic care. The population in Mazua and Chipene is already receiving assistance at local health centers', she said.