This opinion editorial originally appeared on Devex.

More mothers in Mozambique, than ever before, are delivering their babies in health facilities instead of at home. And more women and men, than ever before, are using contraceptives to plan their families. And more children, than ever before, are getting the vaccines that they need.

Yet despite these signs of progress, far too many mothers and babies are still dying — and most of these deaths are preventable. The average woman in Mozambique gives birth to more than five children. Nationwide, 48 percent of teenagers become pregnant before the age of 18. Some 43 percent of children under age 4 are stunted. And life expectancy at birth in Mozambique is just 54.4 years.

There is much we still need to do to ensure that every woman, child, and adolescent in Mozambique gets the prevention and health care needed, and has the opportunity to thrive and live a productive, happy, and long life. Mozambique’s investments today in health and well-being will pay dividends tomorrow in lives saved and improved, in stronger and more prosperous communities, and in a thriving country economy. Our investments today will put Mozambique on the pathway to independently financing its people’s health needs in the future....

Click here to read the full article.