The President of the Republic, Daniel Chapo, on Thursday (19) encouraged the non-governmental organization World Vision to strengthen and expand its interventions in the areas of health, nutrition, education, water supply and child protection.

During an audience with World Vision's regional director for Southern Africa, Matthew Pickard, which took place at the Presidency of the Republic in Maputo, the head of state called in particular for the expansion of high-impact programs, such as school feeding, to more of the country's provinces.

On the occasion, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to the country's development, highlighting the results achieved over more than four decades of operation in the country.

"The meeting served to congratulate the government on the celebration of the anniversary of national independence, which will take place next week, and also because we are hosting the visit of our regional director for Southern Africa, who is accompanying not only Mozambique, but also eight other countries in the region," explained Maria Carolina da Silva, World Vision's national director, in statements to the press at the end of the hearing.

At the meeting, she highlighted World Vision's role as a strategic partner of the state in community impact initiatives, particularly in the areas of health, education, water and sanitation. "We recently visited Gaza province, where we accompanied water and sanitation, education, health and nutrition projects, with a focus on reducing malaria," she said.

Daniel Chapo took the opportunity to acknowledge the organization's concrete contribution in the provinces of Zambézia and Nampula, especially through the implementation of school feeding programmes, which have had a positive impact on school retention and children's well-being.

"The President of the Republic alluded to the fact that he is already familiar with World Vision's work, and particularly congratulated the efforts related to the provision of school meals, as well as the results in reducing malaria rates," said Maria Carolina da Silva.

World Vision supports the school lunch programs that take place mainly in Nampula and Zambézia, and also the reduction of malaria rates."

Carolina da Silva said that the Mozambican statesman had motivated the organization to extend its reach to other regions.

To this end, World Vision has expressed its willingness to study the feasibility of this expansion, in conjunction with national and international partners. "This is a message to us, this commitment to try to expand, as far as possible, these actions in partnership with various other organizations we work with, both national and international, here in Mozambique," said Carolina da Silva.

(Photo DR)