'Olikanassa'
This Makuwha word means 'being equal in status, rights or opportunities'
Dear supporters, I am Pedro Safrão, the Country Leader of The Leprosy Mission Mozambique. I’ve been a Christian for over 20 years, I am married and a father of 6. I’ve been working in the development field for about 18 years and have expertise in Disability Inclusion.
Mozambique is among the five most leprosy-endemic countries in Africa and registers about 3000 new cases of leprosy per year. According to our Ministry of Health, Mozambique has 66 endemic regions, less than half of which have leprosy services due to a lack of both resources and leprosy knowledge. Mozambique is also prone to natural disasters (cyclone, floods and droughts) linked to Climate Change.
TLM Mozambique is one of three I/NGOs supporting the National Leprosy Control Program since 1992. We work in close partnership with the Government and Community Based Organisations, Churches and Organisations of Persons Affected by Leprosy. In areas where leprosy programmes and related social and economic activities have taken place, stigma and discrimination have reduced drastically, while in areas where no programme is running, there is discrimination, stigma and many barriers to accessing basic services.
Project Olikanassa, starting in September, will improve the health, well-being and resilience of remote, rural communities affected by leprosy, disabilities, climate impacts and gender inequality in Zambezia province in Mozambique.
The need in Mozambique is great. We know your prayers and generosity will bring healing and fullness of life to those affected by leprosy in this beautiful country. The verse we’ve been sharing all year is Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” We know the need is great, but we trust in the provision and response of our God who can do immeasurably more than what we ask.
The ’Olikanassa’ project will focus on rural areas of Mozambique, strengthening the health systems that are in place and training health workers so they are skilled in recognising leprosy. It will also provide communities with training on climate-smart agricultural skills, building cooperatives to help those trapped in poverty and food insecurity. Olikanassa will have a special focus on women, empowering them and their families to take the lead in accessing healthcare, rights and livelihood opportunities.
Please pray for him and all the TLM Mozambique staff as they seek and find those affected by leprosy.
