• Plan focuses on universal health coverage, primary care, and system resilience
• Includes digital health, workforce development, and disease prevention measures
• Builds on Cape Verde’s strong health indicators and recent malaria elimination

Cape Verde and the World Health Organization (WHO) have signed a joint work plan worth $2.46 million for the 2026–2027 period. The information was made public by the institution on April 1, 2026, via its Facebook page.

The program aims to strengthen strategic investments in universal health coverage, reinforce primary healthcare, and improve the quality and safety of care. It also includes measures to promote sustainable health financing, strengthen pharmaceutical regulation, accelerate digital transformation, and develop human resources in the health sector.

The plan further incorporates initiatives focused on the prevention and control of non-communicable diseases, mental health, maintaining malaria-free status, strengthening immunization across the life cycle, combating antimicrobial resistance, and preparing the health system for the impacts of climate change.

According to WHO, Cape Verde stands out for its strong health performance. The country records a maternal mortality rate of about 42 deaths per 100,000 live births, one of the lowest in Africa, while under-five mortality stands at 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Cape Verde was also certified malaria-free by WHO in 2024, following several years without local transmission. It has eliminated measles and rubella, with vaccination coverage exceeding 90% for key antigens. The country is now preparing for its first kidney transplant.

This partnership comes as Cape Verde implements its Health Charter and its National Health Policy 2025–2035, which aim to improve service organization, ensure greater equity across islands, and accelerate digitalization and workforce development. The 2026–2027 work plan is also aligned with the WHO–Cape Verde cooperation strategy covering the 2024–2028 period.

Ingrid Haffiny