Praia - The document that will guide the World Health Organization (WHO) activities in Cabo Verde for 2026–2027 was signed on 31 March 2026 by the Minister of Health, Jorge Figueiredo, and the WHO Representative, Ann Lindstrand. 

According to Ann Lindstrand, the joint signing of this plan, budgeted at US$2.4 million for activities, not only complies with the WHO’s principles of transparency in its planning and budgeting process but also reaffirms a solid, mature partnership based on mutual trust built since 1976 with the Government of Cape Verde. 

The WHO Representative in Cabo Verde highlighted that this plan reflects a commitment to collaboration and technical support in line with the WHO’s mandate to strengthen public health policies across the Organization 194 Member States.

She also noted that, over the past 50 years, the country has demonstrated exemplary leadership in the field of public health, with observable results such as one of the lowest maternal and infant mortality rates in Africa, certification as a malaria-free country, the elimination of measles and rubella, the strengthening of the emergency response and, more recently, the performance of the first kidney transplant.

The WHO Work Plan 2026–2027 is aligned with the WHO Cooperation Strategy with Cabo Verde 2024–2028 and reflects national health priorities, addressing the country’s current challenges. The plan aims to consolidate strategic investment in universal health coverage, strengthen primary health care, improve the quality and safety of care delivery, promote sustainable health financing, strengthen medicines regulation, drive digital transformation and develop the health workforce. It also includes actions focused on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, mental health, maintaining malaria elimination, strengthening immunization throughout the life cycle, responding to antimicrobial resistance, and preparing the health system for the impacts of climate change.

As the first biennial plan of the WHO’s 14th General Programme of Work (2025–2028), approved at the 77th World Health Assembly in May 2024, it is now the management tool that will enable the strengthening of actions considered essential and a priority for the reinforcement of Cabo Verde’s health system.

The WHO thus reaffirms its commitment to supporting Cabo Verde in implementing the priorities set out in the 2026–2027 Work Plan, by strengthening strategic, results-oriented technical cooperation aimed at the sustainable strengthening of the health system and the continuous improvement of the health and well-being of the Cape Verdean population.