SUPERIOR INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

Department of Education Sciences

Licentiate course in teaching Portuguese

English assignment

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN THE LIFE OF MOZAMBICAN PEOPLE

Joaquina Paulo José - 11210206

Beira, June 2021

 SUPERIOR INSTITUTE OF SCIENCES AND DISTANCE EDUCATION

Department of Education Sciences

Licentiate course in teaching Portuguese

English assignment

THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 IN THE LIFE OF MOZAMBICAN PEOPLE

Fieldwork to be submitted to the

Coordination of the Licentiate Degree in
Portuguese Teaching at ISCED.
Tutor: Mrs Rosário Cumbane

Joaquina Paulo José – 11210206

Beira, June 2021

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Índex
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.2. Objective .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.2.1. General objective....................................................................................................... 4
1.2.2. specific objective ....................................................................................................... 4
1.3. Methodology .................................................................................................................... 4
2. Theoretical Reference ............................................................................................................. 5
2.1. The impact of covid-19 in the life of Mozambican people .............................................. 5
2.2. The impact of COVID-19 on the transition of young Mozambicans to the labor market
................................................................................................................................................ 5
2.3. The impacts of COVID-19 on children in Mozambique ................................................. 6
2.4. Employment deteriorated during the state of emergency ................................................ 7
2.5. The main constraints of covid19 in the market ................................................................ 7
2.6. Main constraints for companies ....................................................................................... 8
2.7. Business opportunities arising from post-covid............................................................... 9
2.8. Covid19 ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.8.1. Origin of Coronavirus ............................................................................................... 9
2.8.2. Causes of covid-19 .................................................................................................. 10
2.8.3. Which increases the risk of contracting covid-19 ................................................... 10
2.8.4. Ways of transmission of COVID-19 ....................................................................... 10
2.8.5. Signs or symptoms .................................................................................................. 11
2.8.6. Social, economic, cultural and political impacts of the pandemic .......................... 11
2.8.7. Prevention and control of COVID-19 ..................................................................... 12
2.8.8. Diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 ................................................................... 13
2.8.9. How to treat Covid-19 ............................................................................................. 13
3. Conclusion..................................................................................................................... 14
4. Bibliographic references ....................................................................................................... 15

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1. Introduction

Since it started in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world into an unprecedented
health crisis, but also an unprecedented socioeconomic one. In response, during the second half
of March 2020, the Mozambican government enacted several measures in force until now aimed
at ensuring social distance, with the aim of breaking the chain of transmission of the disease. It
is speculated that this new reality is negatively impacting the Mozambican economy, and in
particular, young people, but so far there is little concrete information to assess the impacts on
the well-being of this part of the population.

1.2. Objective

1.2.1. General objective

 Analyze how the impact of covid-19 in the life of Mozambican people.

1.2.2. specific objective

 Origin of Coronavirus
 Causes of covid-19
 Ways of transmission of COVID-19
 Prevention and control of COVID-19

1.3. Methodology

To carry out this work it was necessary to consult electronic materials with the following
resources: internet, pdf manuals, using a bibliographic search.

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2. Theoretical Reference

2.1. The impact of covid-19 in the life of Mozambican people

Mozambique is among the countries at high risk for the spread of the virus, mainly due to its
geographic location. Mozambique borders the Republic of South Africa, the southern African
country with the highest number of confirmed Covid-19 cases and, despite the lockdown
decreed in that neighboring country, the main border entrance is still open. Some risk factors
include:

 Weakness of health services;

 Low Government capacity in terms of human resources and equipment to deal with
public health emergencies;
 Movement of migrant workers across borders;
 Poor access to water and sanitation facilities and hygiene practices aggravated by the
lack of adequate protective equipment for the different frontline workers;
 Low income of the populations, which makes it difficult to comply with the guidelines
of the Government and the World Health Organization, namely, social distancing,
staying at home, among others.

2.2. The impact of COVID-19 on the transition of young Mozambicans to the labor market

Since it started in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic has plunged the world into an unprecedented
health crisis, but also an unprecedented socioeconomic one. In response, during the second half
of March 2020, the Mozambican government decreed several measures - in force until now -
that aimed to guarantee social distance, with the objective of breaking a chain of transmission
of the disease. It is speculated that this new reality is negatively impacting the Mozambican
economy, and in particular, young people, but so far there is little concrete information to assess
the impacts on the non-welfare of this part of the population.

COVID-19 is having a significant and negative economic impact on students, most young
people claim to have been negatively impacted by COVID-19, or claim that their families and
communities have suffered negative impacts, regardless of the region where they reside.

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The closing of schools, job loss, reduced working hours and the difficulty of finding a job were
the changes with the greatest impact on students.

Just over 30% of students experienced job loss or reduced working hours due to COVID-19
and around 30% of those who were not employed revealed that difficulties in finding a job or
an internship, or doing business, if intensified. Students in the southern region were relatively
more affected by school closures, while those in the center and the north had greater difficulty
in finding a job, internship or odd jobs. This may indicate that, in the post-pandemic, students
from the latter regions are more likely to enter the labor market after completing technical
education, while students from the southern region are more likely to continue their studies.

2.3. The impacts of COVID-19 on children in Mozambique

Children's Fortnight, the 15 days between International Children's Day (June 1st) and African
Children's Day (June 16th), has always been a period of reflection on the state of children's
rights in the country and on how we can improve their lives. It is also usually a very joyful time
where we get together with children and young people and celebrate together the wonders of
childhood with dancing, singing and games. This year, it was celebrated differently, due to the
COVID-19 pandemic that aggravated the situation of children in Mozambique: not only are
there direct threats to health from the virus, but there is also a serious secondary impact on
children with regard to the education; to protection; to water, sanitation and hygiene; and
regular health care as well as nutrition.

Children were the group least directly affected by COVID-19 infection worldwide when
compared to older populations. However, as the indirect effects of measures to combat the
pandemic are reflected in the social and economic realities of cities and communities, the short,
medium and long term impacts on children and adolescents cannot continue to be ignored.

The pandemic will also affect the same children and families who have barely recovered and
who continue to suffer from recent major shocks, such as cyclones, droughts, floods and
conflicts, which severely affect their lives.

There is also the issue of closing classes, which is one of the points that most affected
Mozambican children at a time when the country struggles to reduce illiteracy, covid19 comes
to somehow delay what is the government's plan, even though some classes have resumed In
classes this system that is being used by schools does not facilitate learning by children.

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2.4. Employment deteriorated during the state of emergency

The emergence of COVID-19 in Mozambique and the policies to contain the pandemic in the
country will have negative effects on the entry and retention of technical and professional
education graduates in the labor market.

there are signs of a negative and widespread economic impact of COVID-19 on the employment
prospects of young Mozambicans during the first months of the pandemic. Although the
informal sector serves as a refuge, it has proved insufficient, resulting in a high percentage of
young people falling into unemployment. Some sectors, such as NGOs and the public sector,
have been more resilient.

If finalists in technical-vocational education were already facing challenges in integrating into

the labor market before COVID-19, these increased significantly during the beginning of the
pandemic. The results indicate the need for continuous monitoring of the labor market by the
competent authorities, especially for the impacts of COVID-19, and also the urgent creation of
response policies that strengthen the resilience of local companies to sustain employment
prospects for young people.

2.5. The main constraints of covid19 in the market

Closure of seaports, airports and some land crossing points, although Maputo Airport and the
main ports, as well as some crossing points, are kept in operation;

the national state of emergency in Mozambique remains in force, albeit with the relief of some
restrictive measures, as there is an increase in the growth rate of positive COVID-19 cases in
the country;

The administrative enforcement measures applicable to the third extension of the national state
of emergency revoke the mandatory 1/3 staff turnover regime - with a negative impact on a
large part of the business activity, namely construction, industrial and agricultural -, passing to
comply with each employer the adoption of measures aimed at observing the recommended
interpersonal distance;

In a statement to the nation (on May 28, 2020), the President of the Republic Filipe Nysusi
announced the downward revision of the projections for the growth of the Mozambican
economy in 2020, to a negative rate of -3.3%, that is, economic recession ;
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the IMF also revises its GDP growth rate downwards in 2020, to 1.2%, as indicated in the
respective update report of the Economic Forecasts for Sub-Saharan Africa, released on 29
June;

Data from the National Institute of Statistics of Mozambique (INE) published at the end of June,
show a year-on-year growth in the economy, in the first quarter of 2020, of 1.6%. of growth of
this economy, shows a negative growth of -11.7%;

there is the transport of goods by air, land and sea, but with constraints with regard to the
respective authorization processes, namely by air;

There are also constraints in supplying the market resulting from breaks in the transport and
logistics chains resulting from both internal measures and measures to combat and prevent
COVID-19 imposed by the supplier markets and which also act as a maritime and air hub for
Mozambique ( most prominent case is that of South Africa).

2.6. Main constraints for companies

The state of public calamity is in force, and the main measures affecting business activity in
general are those related to the prohibition of public events. Mandatory curfew between 10:00
pm and 4:00 am.

Teleworking is recommended and is being watched globally. Closure of some maritime ports
and domestic airports, the main ones remaining in operation. Authorized tourist visas. Transport
and logistics chains and the supply of goods return to normal functioning, although affected by
the disruptions that exist at the global level and, specifically, by the impact of the pandemic in
the neighboring country and Mozambique's biggest trading partner, South Africa.

The most negatively affected sectors are Hotels and Tourism and Restaurants and, in general,
export-oriented sectors (extractive sector, agricultural sector, namely cashew and sugar
production) affected by the global reduction in demand and drop in prices.

After a period of devaluation, the metical, through measures imposed by the Bank of
Mozambique, such as the increase in interest rates, and also through the injection of foreign
exchange into the economy (resulting in particular from aid packages to the country) is in a
sudden cycle of strong appreciation, namely against the dollar and the euro. This appreciation
of the metical is having a positive impact on imports, but a negative one on exports, on which
the Mozambican economy is heavily dependent. The inflation rate has increased since the

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beginning of the year, reaching 5.76% in March, according to information from the Bank of
Mozambique.

2.7. Business opportunities arising from post-covid

In the current context, there are some business opportunities with regard to the supply of
specialized protective equipment for the prevention of COVID-19 (example: masks and visors),
as well as in the sector of IT solutions and services in the scope of telework and related needs.
Opportunities also in terms of supplying the market with equipment and goods necessary for
the construction and industrial sector, as a result of difficulties in the productive and export
capacity of the markets.

2.8. Covid19

2.8.1. Origin of Coronavirus

The first cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) originated in the seafood market in the city of Wuhan
located in China, the first occurrences were reported at the turn of the year 12/31/2019 and the
incidence increased exponentially in the first weeks .

It is believed that the Sars-CoV-2 virus has as hosts certain species of bats and the pangolin, an
animal consumed as an exotic food in some regions of China.

Several cases of pneumonia were identified in the city of Wuhan, China, in December 2019.
Studies identified that the disease was caused by an unknown type of virus, now called Covid-
19.

Covid-19 is part of the coronavirus family, micro-organisms in the shape of a crown, known to
cause respiratory and, in some cases, gastrointestinal disorders.

The incubation period varies between 4-14 days, and it is too early to say that the virus is only
transmitted by symptomatic individuals.

The virus transmission rate is 2.75, which means that an infected person transmits, on average,
to another 2.75 individuals.

The disease has an overall lethality of 3.4%, increasing according to the age of the person
affected and the comorbidities present.

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Patients with chronic diseases, which represent around 25 to 50% of infected patients, have
higher mortality rates, as follows:

 Cancer: 5.6%
 Hypertension: 6%
 Chronic respiratory disease: 6.3%
 Diabetes: 7.3%
 Cardiovascular disease (CVD): 10.5%

2.8.2. Causes of covid-19

This disease is caused by a virus. and people can become contaminated in the following way:

 Vacuuming droplets from the cough or sneezes of an infected person.

 Touching an object, such as a table or doorknob, that has been exposed to the virus
(contaminated) and then touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
 Staying close to animals carrying the virus or eating uncooked or undercooked meat or
animal products that contain the virus.

This disease is mainly transmitted from one person to another through respiratory droplets. In
addition, when coughing or sneezing, the patient can contaminate objects. A person can become
infected by touching contaminated objects and putting the hand to the mouth, nose and eyes
without first cleaning it. Among the measures to prevent contagion and prevent the spread of
the disease, we can mention the importance of hand washing frequently with soap and water or
70% alcohol gel, in addition to avoiding agglomerations.

2.8.3. Which increases the risk of contracting covid-19

people are more likely to have this clinical picture if:

 Living in or traveling to an area with an outbreak of COVID-19.

 Contact an infected person who has recently been in an area contaminated with COVID-
19.
 Caring for or living with a person infected with COVID-19.

2.8.4. Ways of transmission of COVID-19

The main form of transmission of COVID-19 is through contact with the patient, who, when
coughing or sneezing, eliminates respiratory droplets, which end up contaminating other
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people. In addition, when coughing or sneezing, the patient can contaminate objects. A healthy
person, when touching a contaminated object and putting his hand to his mouth, nose or eyes,
without first cleaning them, can also become contaminated.

2.8.5. Signs or symptoms

COVID-19 has an incubation period (period between infection and onset of symptoms) of about
14 days. The main symptoms of the disease are fever, dry cough and difficulty breathing. In
addition, some patients may also experience body aches, runny nose, fatigue, sore throat, and
diarrhea.

Symptoms usually appear mild and gradual, and many patients can be cured without the need
for special treatment. However, some people may experience aggravation of the disease,
developing difficulty breathing and even dying. Elderly people and individuals who have
certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure, heart problems and diabetes, are more
prone to worsening the disease.

Epidemiological data from China indicate that infected with Covid-19 have symptoms common
to other respiratory diseases, including:

 cough;
 fever;
 progressive shortness of breath;
 wheezing.

For most symptoms are bearable and can be easily treated. However, a smaller portion of the
population may experience severe symptoms such as pneumonia, severe acute respiratory
syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

Special attention is needed with the elderly, children and cancer patients, people with
immunodeficiency’s, respiratory diseases and other diseases. In these, the risk of complications
from Covid-19 is much higher.

It is recommended to seek medical assistance when experiencing the first discomfort.

2.8.6. Social, economic, cultural and political impacts of the pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus or New Coronavirus, has produced
not only biomedical and epidemiological repercussions on a global scale, but also

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unprecedented social, economic, political, cultural and historical repercussions and impacts on
the recent history of epidemics.

The estimate of infected and dead directly contributes to the impact on health systems, with the
exposure of vulnerable populations and groups, the economic support of the financial system
and the population, the mental health of people in times of confinement and fear of the risk of
illness and death, access to essential goods such as food, medicines, transport, among others.

In addition, the need for actions to contain social mobility such as isolation and quarantine, as
well as the speed and urgency of testing medicines and vaccines, show ethical and human rights
implications that deserve critical analysis and prudence.

Starting from the theoretical perspective that diseases are both biological and social phenomena,
historically constructed through complex processes of negotiation, disputes and consensus
building, the objective of the activities of this axis involves understanding and partially
responding to the challenges posed by the pandemic, organizing a network of researchers in the
field of social sciences and humanities aiming at investigation, response and training as
strategies for coping with Covid-19 in the country.

2.8.7. Prevention and control of COVID-19

To prevent and also prevent the spread of COVID-19, some precautions must be taken, such
as:

 Wash your hands frequently with soap and water and, in the absence of these, sanitize
them using 70% alcohol gel;
 When coughing and sneezing, cover your nose and mouth using a handkerchief, which
should be discarded afterwards, or the inside of your elbow;
 Avoid shaking hands, kissing and hugging;
 Keep the rooms airy;
 Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose with your hands without proper hygiene;
 Do not share personal items such as glasses and cutlery;
 Sanitize objects that are handled frequently, such as cell phones;
 Keep at least 3 feet away from people who are coughing or sneezing;
 Avoid crowds;
 Health professionals should pay special attention to the use of Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE).
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2.8.8. Diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19

The diagnosis of COVID-19 is made by performing laboratory tests using respiratory material
collected from the patient. Two samples are collected, upon suspicion of the disease.

So far there is no specific treatment for COVID-19, only the treatment of symptoms is
performed. However, it is recommended that severe cases be referred to referral hospitals so
that the patient can be isolated and treated, which basically consists of maintaining the
functioning of the body, including respiratory support. Mild cases are advised to maintain some
home care, such as rest and hydration, and are monitored by Primary Health Care (PHC).

2.8.9. How to treat Covid-19

No cure for the new coronavirus has been discovered. The rapid mutation makes it difficult for
specialists to study. While there is no vaccine or 100% effective treatment, all cases are being
treated with symptomatic medications to reduce symptoms.

Research on drugs originally designed for diseases is underway. In China, some people are
being treated with a combination of HIV drugs and severe flu.

When identifying signs or symptoms of Covid-19 infection, seek help from a physician.

Never before has the world seen so many people work in real time to defeat a disease. And the
biggest challenge is the search for quick answers, at a pace opposite to the traditional and
judicious research dynamics

In this marathon against time and patients' suffering, two medications with potential,
chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, were elevated too soon to the position of favorites.
Laboratory experiments carried out on cells attested that these compounds used against malaria
and autoimmune diseases inhibited the replication of the Sars-CoV-2 virus.

Artemísia The Cure for Covid-19 The President of Madagascar is encouraging the use of so-
called "Madagascar tea" to treat the disease. The medicinal herb is also traditionally used in
South Africa, where the sale of the product is increasing.

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3. Conclusion

At the end of the work, we conclude that Sars-CoV-2 belongs to the coronavirus family,
microorganisms that affect humans and animals. In cats, one of the group's pathogens, called
FCoV, causes mild symptoms but can lead to infectious peritonitis (FIP), a complication that
often results in death. However, a drug developed by veterinary scientists can cure this disease.
It is a protease inhibitor, a substance that interferes with the virus's ability to replicate and,
therefore, ends the infection.

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4. Bibliographic references

wateraid.org.mz. Recuperado em Junho 10, 2021, em https://www.wateraid.org/mz/covid-19-

em-mocambique.

igmozambique.wider.unu.edu. Recuperado em Junho 10, 2021, em

https://igmozambique.wider.unu.edu/pt/opini%C3%A3o/sombra-da-pandemia-para-os-
rec%C3%A9m-formados-o-impacto-da-covid-19-na-transi%C3%A7%C3%A3o-dos-
jovens.

portal.fiocruz.br. Recuperado em Junho 10, 2021, em https://portal.fiocruz.br/impactos-sociais-

economicos-culturais-e-politicos-da-pandemia.

biologianet.com. Recuperado em Junho 10, 2021, em

https://www.biologianet.com/doencas/covid-19.htm.

elsevier.com. Recuperado em Junho 10, 2021, em

https://www.elsevier.com/__data/assets/pdf_file/0003/1021089/COVID-
19_06042020.pdf.

rededorsaoluiz.com. Recuperado em Junho 10, 2021, em

https://www.rededorsaoluiz.com.br/doencas/covid-19.

unicef.org. Recuperado em Junho 17 de 2021, em

https://www.unicef.org/mozambique/historias/os-impactos-da-covid-19-nas-
crian%C3%A7as-em-mo%C3%A7ambique. accessed in June 2021

covid19aicep.pt. Recuperado em Junho 17 de 2021, em

https://covid19aicep.pt/mercados/mocambique/. accessed in June 2021

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