The World Health Organization (WHO) is set to increase health care quality and accessibility in São Tomé and Príncipe, seeking to prioritize health services and foster societal development.
WHO’s acting representative, Françoise Bigirimana, highlights the plan to offer technical support, establish standards, and build partnerships to enhance health outcomes in the nation.
Valued at US$10.125 billion, the new strategy outlines five key areas over the next half-decade, including reorienting local health approaches, managing public health emergencies, enhancing international health regulations, and implementing health-focused policies.
The aim is to boost the population’s well-being through multi-sector coordination.
The plan also features sustainable health financing by institutionalizing national health accounts and resource mobilization.
Workforce improvements, such as capacity building in management, leadership, and technical expertise, are also targeted.
São Tomé and Príncipe’s Minister of Health, Celsio Junqueira, views this strategy as a positive step forward.
Aligned with the United Nations cooperation framework for 2023-2027, this initiative intends to expedite progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in 2030.
The strategy was formally presented in São Tomé’s capital, in the presence of governmental and health sector officials and UN representatives.