Gender inequality is a serious obstacle to development in Mozambique. Discrimination against women results in lower socio-economic status, lower levels of educational attainment, poor health and nutrition, sexual exploitation and violence and a higher risk of an HIV/AIDS infection. All major programs and projects under the Swiss Cooperation Strategy do integrate a gender sensitive approach with a special focus on local-level development.

HIV/AIDS is one of the greatest threats to Mozambique’s development. The epidemic has been spreading all over the country, further increasing the vulnerability of the population, in particular children. The questions of mitigating the impact of HIV/AIDS will be integrated in all major operational activities of Switzerland and are also a focus in the policy dialogue with partners.