Table 1 Training duration, core and non-core competencies for health worker main cadres in the Mozambique health system
Cadre | ISCO code | Training duration | Core competences | Additional competences |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Physician | 2211 (generalist doctor) | 6 years | Diagnose, treat and prevent illness, disease, injury, and other physical and mental impairments Supervise and evaluate the implementation of care and treatment plans | Training health workers Health promotion Leadership and management |
2212 (specialist doctor)a | +4–5 years | Diagnose, treat and prevent illness, disease, injury and other physical and mental impairments using specialized testing, diagnostic, medical, surgical, physical and psychiatric techniques Specialized in certain disease categories, types of patient or methods of treatment Perform medical education and research activities | Health promotion Leadership and management | |
MCH nurse | 2222 | 2.5 years | Family planning, antenatal care, and postpartum care Performing institutional deliveries (basic emergency obstetric care) Integrated management of child illnesses care | Immunization Basic nutritional assessment Health promotion |
Nurse | 2221 | 2 years | Inpatient-centered monitoring and care Nursing care planning, management and leadership | Nursing education Health promotion |
Nutrition technician | 2265 | 2.5 years | Nutritional status assessment, habits and eating practices Health and nutritional education at the health facility and community levels (e.g., cooking demonstrations) Supplementation for children and women, deworming Outpatient nutritional rehabilitation (moderate and uncomplicated cases) | Health promotion |
Medicine technicianb | 2269 | 2.5 years | Diagnosis and treatment for chronic diseases and infectious diseases Pediatric and adult HIV management Sexual and reproductive health care Nutritional status assessment and treatment (acute and chronic malnutrition) | Health promotion Leadership and management |
Surgery technician | 2240 | 4 years | Performing complicated institutional deliveries (advanced emergency obstetric care) Performing surgeries (e.g., cesarean section, appendectomy and other basic obstetric and general surgical procedures) | Health worker education Health promotion |
Community health worker (APEs) | 3253 | 6 months | Health promotion Integrated management of child illnesses care (community level package) Malaria treatment Basic nursing care (small and uncomplicated injuries) Family planning distribution (oral and injectable contraceptives) | Home-based visits |