After almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony, Mozambique gained independence in 1975. In recent decades, the country has had a difficult time. Mozambique's brutal 17-year civil war, which ended in 1992, devastated much of the country, destroying roads, bridges, schools, railways and houses. In 2001, floods affected much of the population. Mozambique is also one of nine African countries hardest hit by HIV/AIDS.

Oxfam Community Aid Abroad has been working in Mozambique since 1985. Our work currently focuses on improving people's livelihoods and prevention and care programs for HIV/AIDS.

It is estimated that there are 700 new HIV infections each day in Mozambique - half of those people are aged between 20 and 35. It has also been found that university students are at a high risk of infection. Oxfam Community Aid Abroad has funded the Joint University HIV/AIDS Prevention and Impact Reduction Project which aims to combat the silence, stigma and misconceptions around HIV/AIDS amongst tertiary students at seven of Mozambique's tertiary institutions. The program gives students information about HIV/AIDS, challenges accepted behaviour and gender roles, and ensures that students have access to counselling, tests and male and female condoms.

We have also supported the Mozambique Network of AIDS Service Organisations (MONASO), a group which supports a network of organisations working on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Diseases issues. MONASO provides training, supports communication amongst the network and has initiated an integrated approach to HIV/AIDS prevention and care which includes counselling.

Mavume is an isolated community in Mozambique. Decades ago, life was good in Mavume. The community used cattle to plough the land, growing a range of fruit and nut trees. Following the 17-year war and severe droughts, all of the cattle were killed, and families were forced to plough the land by hand. Oxfam Community Aid Abroad has provided families with two cows and a bull so that cattle can be reintroduced into the area. We have also provided ploughs and seeds for planting, as well as setting up a co-operative store. An extension of this program has been to introduce HIV/AIDS awareness into the community.