The World Health Organization (WHO) is now using mobile money to pay health workers and volunteers involved in vaccination and other public health campaigns in Mozambique, reducing the need to move and distribute cash.
Since 2024, more than $14.4 million has been paid through the Mobile Money (MOMO) system to nearly 246,000 beneficiaries across the country, according to WHO.
The system allows health officials to register workers, track attendance and process payments electronically, making it easier to monitor how funds are distributed.
“This is my second polio vaccination campaign as a MOMO focal point, and it has been very straightforward to carry out this role,” said Manansses Rosário, a MOMO focal point in Chifunde district.
“The platform is easy to use and, immediately after the training, I was able to register my colleagues and monitor their attendance without any difficulty,” he added.
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WHO Mozambique said the system is also improving transparency and accountability in health campaigns.
“The digitisation of payments represents a significant step forward in the way we support health campaigns,” said Gwinyayi Chikonzo, WHO Acting Operations Officer in Mozambique.
“We are making processes more efficient, more transparent and more inclusive, whilst significantly strengthening accountability and ensuring a complete digital record of all transactions,” Chikonzo added.
WHO said the use of digital payments is helping reduce the logistical problems associated with cash payments, particularly during large vaccination campaigns.
The organisation plans to expand the system to other health activities in Mozambique.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
