Mozambique wants to take on a new leading role in health, breaking with its chronic dependence on imported drugs and investing decisively in the local production of medicines. The pledge was made by the President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, who stressed the strategic nature of this commitment, on the sidelines of the Mozambique International Health Expo, taking place in Maputo on 30 and 31 July.

“Our Government is deeply committed to encouraging the local production of medicines and health products, not as a symbolic gesture, but as a genuine national priority”, said Chapo. The aim is clear: to guarantee the domestic supply of essential drugs, serving the population better and reducing the health system’s vulnerability to imports.

The international conference, part of the Expo and organised by the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (Anarme), will bring together in Maputo the sector’s main global players: investors, researchers, regulators, professionals and policymakers. The goal is to stimulate the creation of partnerships and collaboration platforms that make it feasible, in the near future, to produce safe, effective and quality medicines domestically.

“The time has come to invest in what we are capable of producing, to strengthen what we are able to innovate and to protect what we must never outsource, which is the health of our people”, the head of state argued. “We are ready. Through this conference, we open the doors to investors, entrepreneurs, researchers and global partners who believe in Africa’s potential, not as a dependent continent, but as a builder of lasting solutions.”

According to the organisers, the MIH Expo will also be a platform to address the health risks arising from climate change, while promoting a transition to sustainable health systems with a neutral environmental impact. The sharing of good practice, the exchange of experiences and the display of technological solutions will be highlights of the event, which aims to consolidate a health innovation ecosystem for the whole region.

Chapo also highlighted the lessons left by the Covid-19 pandemic: “We witnessed the fragility of health systems globally. We learned the importance and urgency of having a robust, inclusive system capable of responding effectively to any crisis.” And he struck a note of hope: “Together, we are building a nation where no Mozambican will be left behind and the power to protect life will faithfully be in our hands.”