The World Health Organization (WHO) and the Cape Verdean government signed a €2.08 million work plan on Tuesday (31) to strengthen the health sector and improve services, with a focus on preparedness for emerging health risks.
“We want this plan to help us move forward more solidly with the reform of a more modern system, strengthening national capacities and contributing to a sector that is more modern, preventive, resilient, and close to the people,” said Cape Verde’s Minister of Health, Jorge Figueiredo, during the signing ceremony in the city of Praia.
The plan defines the priority areas of intervention for 2026–27, as well as the financing and monitoring mechanisms, ensuring transparency in planning and budgeting processes.
The document is aligned with the cooperation strategy between the WHO and the government and also aims to address the sector’s main challenges, including the rise in noncommunicable diseases, pressure on hospital services, an aging population, and the impacts of climate change on health.
The minister also noted that the partnership with the World Health Organization has accompanied the country through the different stages of its development.
The WHO representative in Cape Verde, Ann Lindstrand, added that the plan consolidates investments in universal health coverage, primary care, service quality, digitalization, and drug regulation.
She also highlighted the progress made in recent decades, such as the elimination of malaria, measles, and rubella, as well as advances in emergency response, mental health, and noncommunicable diseases.
Source: Lusa
