The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mozambique joined the LWF in 1999.  Their church membership is 7,400.

 Of the estimated 4.3 million new HIV infections worldwide each year, two-thirds of them are in southern Africa.  Almost 60% of those infected are women.  In Mozambique, women ages 24-29 are four times more likely to be infected than young men.  Women often cannot refuse unsafe sex, and HIV tests are avoided for fear of stigmatization.  When the virus takes hold, little care is available and the affected person’s resources are quickly depleted.  Social structures crumble, and poverty deepens and spreads.

 Recognizing the significance of women’s empowerment, the LWF program established the Chamanculo “Human Rights and the Health of Women” project in one of the poorest areas of the capital city, Maputo.  The project initially built awareness of human rights, healthy lifestyles and prevention of HIV and AIDS.  The emphasis has now shifted to the household level to help women break the silence about domestic violence and HIV and AIDS.   There is also an effort to strengthen community development committees for advocacy and local initiatives.  Traditional healers have been trained to recognize the stages of HIV and AIDS and now refer people for early treatment.  The communities are becoming active partners in change.