Praia, Cabo Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) participated virtually in the 9th International Congress on Ageing, held from 18 to 22 May, under the theme “Ageing without growing old”. The event was organized by the Portuguese Association of Social Gerontology (ANGES) and brought together experts, academics, policymakers and professionals from different countries to discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with population ageing.

The WHO’s participation helped to reinforce the importance of healthy ageing as a growing public health priority, particularly in a context marked by rising life expectancy and the accelerating demographic transition observed globally.

During her presentation, WHO expert Edith Pereira highlighted the need to strengthen more integrated, person-centred health systems geared towards maintaining functional capacity throughout the life course. The importance of the Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) was also emphasized; this is a global United Nations initiative led by the WHO, which aims to improve the lives of older people, their families and communities.

The WHO also shared experiences and best practices related to person-centred integrated care, the promotion of functional abilities, health literacy, community participation and the creation of age-friendly environments.

For Cabo Verde, where demographic changes pose new challenges to the health and social protection system, initiatives of this nature represent important opportunities to strengthen technical exchange and accelerate the implementation of national strategies focused on healthy ageing.

WHO in Cabo Verde has been supporting the country in implementing interventions aimed at promoting healthy ageing, including initiatives related to integrated care for older people (ICOPE), strengthening the capacities of health professionals, and developing national policies and strategies in this area.