On 19th October 2023, Luanda: WHO Angola marked another step in its continuous effort to strengthen health systems in Angola with the delivery of technological material to the Studies, Planning and Statistics Office (GEPE) at the Ministry of Health with support from the European Union (EU).

A total of six laptops were donated to GEPE. Five of these were funded by the European Union to bolster capabilities and enhance the health information system. This contribution is a segment of a broader initiative that will see the donation of 64 laptops, all as part of the EU’s collaboration with WHO Angola in support of the Ministry of Health. In addition, 354 smartphones will be donated, aiming to equip the Ministry technically.

The donation ceremony saw the laptops presented by Victor Luteganya, WHO’s Data Manager, and Monica Manuel, WHO’s Programme Assistant.

Expressing his gratitude, the Director of GEPE, Dr. Pedro Duarte, acknowledged the significance of the contribution. "We're extremely pleased with the donation," he said. "Given that a portion of our technical staff is mobile, laptops are more beneficial than desktops. This aids in facilitating their tasks as we aim to fortify the health information system. With GEPE's plans to bring more people on board, we hope such support will continue."

In addition, GEPE highlighted some of the vital work that WHO is involved in bolstering the office. This includes reviewing the National Health Development Plan and the National Health Information System Strategic Plan (PESIS), amongst other initiatives.

For Victor Luteganya, the donation holds paramount importance. "It's integral for empowering the GEPE team. This will allow them to support the provinces with a robust health information system adeptly," he remarked. He further emphasised, "without a comprehensive health information system that integrates and triangulates routine institutional, population, notifiable and survey-based events that enables effective resource allocation and measuring progress towards Universal Health Coverage, it will be more challenging to have a clear path to achieve the SDGs for health.”

Such collaborations underline the commitment of WHO and partners such as the EU to build a resilient and responsive health framework in Angola.