The Minister of Health of Portugal underscored the historical ties, shared language, and solidarity with São Tomé and Príncipe during a collaborative initiative involving the two nations. Ana Paula Martins emphasized these factors while participating in a handover event.
The minister expressed gratitude to the Marquês de Vale Flôr Institute (IMVF) for its longstanding work across all Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP). She particularly highlighted the “Saúde para Todos” project, describing it as a long-term intervention with significant outcomes.
Paulo Freitas, President of IMVF, mentioned that the medical supplies and consumables would support not only the hospital but also primary health care across various disease areas within the African archipelago.
Freitas praised the successful partnership with the Portuguese cooperation and the Ministry of Health of São Tomé and Príncipe.
“São Tomé has some of the best health indicators in Sub-Saharan Africa, largely due to the Portuguese cooperation and this long-term relationship,” emphasized the IMVF president.
Celso Matos, the Health Minister of São Tomé and Príncipe, expressed appreciation for the provision, noting that the supply of medications, consumables, and reagents is a significant challenge for the country’s health system.
He recognized the enduring Portuguese cooperation, which involves various forms of support including medication provision to health districts, hospital aid, and regular medical missions. These efforts reduce the need to transfer patients to Portugal and facilitate the treatment of those evacuated there.
Minister Matos hopes for the advancement of health sector cooperation between São Tomé and Príncipe and Portugal to create solutions within São Tomé.
“We look forward to achieving a new level in our upcoming review by structuring our systems to address certain healthcare issues within our country,” Matos advocated.
Portugal’s Health Minister participated in the VII meeting of Health Ministers of the CPLP held in São Tomé on Tuesday and visited some services at the Central Hospital of São Tomé supported by Portuguese cooperation through the IMVF.
Ana Paula Martins highlighted Telemedicine as a priority and essential project within the ongoing cooperation between Portugal and CPLP countries.
