The Fundação para o Desenvolvimento da Comunidade Pays Tribute to CISM's Contribution to Health in Mozambique

The Foundation for Community Development (FCD) is a Mozambican organisation whose mission is to strengthen the country's communities in order to contribute to its development and promote social justice. On 20 June, the FDC celebrated its twentieth anniversary with a gala event. During the celebration the roles of various organizations and individuals who have contributed to the FDC's success over the years were highlighted. Among those whose contribution was particularly recognised were Dr. Eusébio Macete, the director of the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM), and Dr. Pedro Alonso, director of the Barcelona Institute for Global Health.

During the ceremony, FDC Chairperson, Graça Machel, winner of the Prince of Asturias Award for International Cooperation in 1998, thanked all of those who had contributed so much during the twenty years of work, highlighting "the role of CISM, which over the years has become a national and international leader in health research, which is a vital element in the country's development. The FDC also paid tribute to the work of the writer Paulina Chiziane and the contribution made by Dr. Jorge Ferráo, Dean of the University of Lurio.

Throughout its twenty-year history, the FDC has been active in all eleven Mozambican provinces, contributing to community development initiatives in many areas, including education (with particular emphasis on educating girls), health (with particular focus on reducing mother and child mortality), AIDS prevention, and activities related to water supply, food security and job creation.)