Ensuring the mental health and well-being of public servants in Mozambique within the scope of the Sustainable Development Goals: advances, limitations, and perspectives

Abstract

Introduction: Guaranteeing the mental health and well-being of public servants is a necessary action for the materialization of national public policies and the achievement of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals. Objective: To understand the advances, limits and perspectives of guaranteeing the mental health and well-being of public servants in Mozambique. Methods: Qualitative research, developed through documentary and bibliographic analysis. Results: From 2016 onwards, elements of decent work were incorporated into current labor legislation, namely: entry into the State through provisional appointment, adequate hygiene and safety conditions at work, salary equity and labor justice. However, in reality, the realization of these rights is a utopia, since public institutions operate in a scenario of austerity and little public investment, which limits the provision of adequate working conditions, human resources and career development opportunities. Furthermore, a situation of suffering and mental distress among public servants was observed, which manifests itself in symptoms of stress, burnout, depression and alcoholism. Conclusion: It is necessary to transform legislated rights into practice in the Mozambican context, in line with advances made in other parts of the world.