The government of Cape Verde and the World Health Organization (WHO) on Tuesday signed a two-year work plan valued at approximately 2.46 million U.S. dollars, aimed at modernizing the archipelago’s health system and strengthening its capacity to respond to emerging health challenges.
At the signing ceremony in Praia, Health Minister Jorge Figueiredo emphasized that the plan aligns with the country’s broader Health Charter and National Health Policy 2025-2035, which focus on improving service organization, promoting equity across islands, expanding digital health initiatives, and enhancing human resources.
“The funding provided under this work plan will support national priorities, including tackling non-communicable diseases, mental health challenges, an aging population, and the health impacts of climate change,” Figueiredo said. He highlighted that Cape Verde’s decentralized geography requires careful planning to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services.
The WHO Representative in Cape Verde, Ann Lindstrand, noted that the program would also bolster efforts toward universal health coverage, primary care enhancement, and improved service quality. The plan will support digitalization initiatives, strengthen medicine regulation, and foster development of the health workforce.
“Cape Verde has made remarkable strides in recent years, including certification as a malaria-free country, elimination of measles and rubella, and achieving the nation’s first kidney transplant,” Lindstrand said. “This work plan builds on that progress, aiming to further enhance the health system and ensure sustainability of these achievements.”
The two-year initiative is expected to mobilize additional international support, with partners such as Morocco and China being engaged to help close remaining funding gaps. The WHO and Cape Verdean authorities stressed the importance of collaboration to advance health sector reforms and expand access to quality care.
Figueiredo highlighted the dual focus of the plan: immediate improvements in healthcare delivery and long-term system strengthening. Key interventions include upgrading primary health facilities, training health personnel, introducing new digital health platforms, and reinforcing emergency preparedness and response capabilities.
“The work plan will enable Cape Verde to respond more effectively to public health emergencies while continuing to enhance routine health services,” he said. “It represents a strategic investment in the health and well-being of all our citizens.”
The WHO’s engagement reflects the organization’s commitment to supporting small island developing states, which often face unique healthcare challenges due to limited resources, dispersed populations, and vulnerability to climate-related health risks.
Lindstrand added that technical assistance will be a key component of the program, including advisory support for health policy implementation, capacity-building for medical professionals, and strengthening regulatory frameworks for medicines and health technologies.
Officials said the signing of the work plan marks an important milestone in Cape Verde’s ongoing health sector transformation, demonstrating a commitment to both domestic reform and international collaboration.
The two-year plan, running through 2027, is expected to strengthen primary care networks, enhance disease prevention and control, and improve the efficiency and resilience of health services across the archipelago’s nine inhabited islands.
By aligning with global health standards and mobilizing international partnerships, Cape Verde aims to sustain the gains achieved in recent decades and lay the groundwork for continued progress in population health.
