There were few surprises this week when the final results for Mozambique’s general elections on December 1 and 2 were announced. On Tuesday, the National Elections Commission said the presidential poll had been won by Armando Guebuza of the ruling Frelimo party. This group also garnered a majority of seats in Parliament.

When her husband died two months ago, Albertina Come did not only lose him. She also lost their house and belongings acquired through hard work over ten years of marriage. Come’s husband is among some 97 000 Mozambicans who health authorities say will die of HIV/Aids this year alone. And Come’s situation is not unique.