Ministry of Health and Social Services
The Ministry of Health and Social Services is tasked with ensuring the well-being of Mohéli’s population. On the health front, it oversees all medical facilities on the island, including the Fomboni Hospital (Hôpital de Fomboni) – the main regional hospital – and a network of local clinics and maternity centers such as the Nioumachoua Maternity Hospital . The ministry works to staff these facilities with qualified doctors, nurses, and midwives, often in collaboration with international partners (for example, Mohéli benefits from periodic missions of foreign medical teams, as well as national programs that rotate doctors through the islands ).
A crucial achievement in recent years has been improving primary healthcare access: initiatives like the World Bank-supported COMPASS project have increased the number of births attended by skilled personnel and provided ambulances for remote areas . Public health campaigns, including vaccinations for children, prenatal care for expecting mothers, and awareness about common illnesses, are spearheaded by this ministry.
In addition to healthcare, the ministry manages Social Services programs. This includes support for vulnerable groups: running nutrition programs for infants and mothers, providing assistance or stipends to low-income households, and coordinating with NGOs on programs for orphans or at-risk youth. The ministry’s Social Services division might operate community centers for the elderly and coordinate disability services (though there is a dedicated ministry for Disability Affairs, they work closely together). Mental health and preventive health education are also emerging focus areas – the ministry trains community health workers to educate the public on hygiene, family planning, and disease prevention (such as malaria control or managing diabetes). Moreover, the ministry ensures Mohéli’s alignment with national health policies, such as responding to epidemics (like dengue or COVID-19 if relevant) in coordination with the Union Ministry of Health. By strengthening healthcare infrastructure (for instance, upgrading Fomboni Hospital with modern equipment ) and expanding social safety nets, the Ministry of Health and Social Services strives to improve quality of life. It is dedicated to a vision of Mohéli where every citizen has access to medical care and social support, contributing to a healthy, productive community.
