10 May 2011
The new hospital in Caia (district to the north-west of Beira, capital of Sofala Province and Mozambique’s second city) will soon be opening its doors. The imminent opening is thanks to the agreement signed on 7 May 2011 at the Provincial Government headquarters in Beira, by President of the Autonomous Province of Trento, Lorenzo Dellai, Italian Ambassador, Carlo Lo Cascio, and the Governor of Sofala Province, Carvalho Muaria.
Italian Development Cooperation will provide 250,000 euros towards medical supply purchases and the construction of accommodation for hospital staff. At present, the hospital is unused as a result of staff and equipment shortages. Trento Province will provide about 390,000 euros for staff training and will also supply a surgeon for 18 months. The Government of Sofala Province will provide all the remaining resources: personnel recruitment, equipment procurement and cover for the hospital’s operating costs. Also involved in the initiative will be Padua-based Doctors with Africa (CUAMM), a non-governmental organisation that will have a key role in training the hospital’s doctors.
The hospital project is an excellent example of the “decentralised cooperation” that has produced fruitful synergies between Italian Development Cooperation and the Autonomous Province of Trento (which has been active in Mozambique for over 10 years). This high-visibility project, which will have a strong social impact, confirms Italy’s strong commitment to supporting Mozambique.