Around 13 million children live in monetary poverty, multidimensional poverty, or both — out of a total of over 16 million. This is the conclusion of a report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), presented on Monday, May 26, in Maputo. The report also reveals deep territorial and structural inequalities in the country.
“Despite progress in some areas, child poverty in the country continues to affect an unacceptably high number of girls and boys,” said Yannick Brand, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Mozambique, during the report’s launch.
According to the data presented, 77% of children live in poverty, and among them, one in three suffers from overlapping poverty — meaning they experience both household income shortages and deprivations in other essential areas of well-being.
Rural and Urban Inequality
The report also highlights the gap between rural and urban areas, stating that child poverty in rural zones is approximately three times higher than in cities. This disparity is further exacerbated when examining other variables such as access to education, nutrition, health, protection, and clean water.
“Child poverty is more than just a lack of resources. It compromises access to education, health, adequate nutrition, protection, and the right to a full childhood — and inevitably undermines the country’s sustainable development,” warned Yannick Brand.
According to UNICEF data:
- 70.3% of children live in consumption poverty
- 41.3% face deprivations in multiple essential dimensions
Factors worsening the situation include the hidden debt crisis, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, recurring climate shocks, and the impacts of armed conflicts — especially in the northern region of the country.
Call for Coordinated Action
The report calls for the adoption of more inclusive public policies and integrated responses that support children from early childhood through adolescence. It also advocates for strengthened social protection, the creation of resilience mechanisms to withstand economic and environmental shocks, and the use of data to guide planning, monitoring, and evaluation of child-focused strategies.
“This report is, above all, a call for collective responsibility. May it inspire the development of more inclusive policies, reinforce our commitment to children, and serve as a catalyst for concrete action,” concluded Brand.
UNICEF reaffirmed its commitment to the Government and to “every Mozambican child”, making the reduction of child poverty in all its forms a priority — with a view toward a fairer and more sustainable future for the country.
Source: Diário Económico
