Alice A., 50, is one of the faces of activists collaborating with the health centre in Estaquinha and ESMABAMA, to mitigate cases of public health-threatening diseases in the surrounding rural communities, and raise health awareness in rural areas. After spending 4 days up in a tree with her family next to the floods that followed cyclone Idai, Alice remains committed to her mission as a health activist, covering several kilometers on foot or by bicycle to assist the populations.

Among the various activities, Alice and the other activists sensitize people to go to the health centre if they need treatment, having already saved lives and hope, and help the mobility-impaired to reach the health centres using their bicycles. In addition, the activists hold lectures on personal and collective hygiene, prevention of diseases such as malaria, acute diarrhea, COVID-19 and also on gender-based violence awareness. The activities of the activists have contributed to several health success stories, especially if we remember that we are talking about rural areas, of difficult access and where the population has few resources. Among these successes, we highlight the reduction in the number of cases of chronic diseases, especially HIV/AIDS, a low drop-out rate from antiretroviral drugs HIV treatment, a considerable decrease in vertical HIV transmission (mother-to-child) and a reduction in maternal and child deaths.