The non-payment of subsidies to around 170 Elementary Multipurpose Health Agents (APEs) in the district of Angoche reveals yet another troubling sign of government negligence toward the professionals who sustain healthcare for rural populations.
For nine months without any remuneration, these agents have continued to provide essential services, even in the face of precarious conditions and a total lack of guarantees. This situation raises serious doubts about the authorities’ real commitment to the well-being of the most vulnerable communities.
Although the Director of the District Service for Health, Women and Social Action, Augustinho Macuenda, acknowledges the problem, the explanations provided point to an excessive dependence on external funding, particularly from the World Bank and the Global Fund. This reality exposes structural weaknesses and an apparent lack of government responsibility in ensuring, with its own resources, the functioning of such a vital sector.
The integration of new APEs without a corresponding budget increase highlights poor and uncoordinated strategic management, where decisions are made without ensuring sustainability. The result is an overburdened system, unable to meet its basic commitments to its workers.
Despite promises of regularization “in the short term,” repeated delays and the absence of concrete solutions fuel distrust and discouragement among the agents. Even so, they continue to provide primary healthcare services in areas where the state is often absent.
Attempts to prevent strikes by appealing to the “understanding” of professionals contrast with the lack of effective actions to resolve the issue. For many, this reinforces the perception that the sacrifice of APEs is expected, but not valued.
In a context where the subsidy, even if modest, represents a crucial incentive, its prolonged absence not only undermines motivation but also puts the continuity of community health services at risk. (Mozanorte)
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