Angola’s Minister of Health recently advocated for a focus on domestic production of medicines and vaccines as a strategic priority to reduce reliance on foreign supplies and strengthen public health security in the country.
Speaking in Luanda during World Health Day celebrations, Sílvia Lutucuta emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of the country and the African continent to international supply chains, arguing that “this mistake must not be repeated.”
The minister noted that the government is promoting policies to incentivize the domestic pharmaceutical industry, with a focus on essential medicines and strategic products, as well as technology transfer with international partners.
She also highlighted the commitment to science and innovation as the foundation of the health system, advocating for decisions “grounded in rigor and scientific evidence” to address current and future challenges.
In this context, she pointed to the training and specialization of approximately 38,000 health professionals as one of the pillars of the strategy to strengthen the capacity of the national health system.
The minister also emphasized that Angola is a young country, with over 60% of the population under the age of 25, arguing that investment in scientific training for this age group is essential to ensure sustainable solutions in the health sector.
On the technological front, Sílvia Lutucuta highlighted investments in digital health and new tools such as artificial intelligence, genomics, and real-time monitoring platforms, including vaccination registration systems and inventory management systems.
Source: Angola 24 Horas
