Sao Tome & Principe/Brazzaville, 11 July 2018 – The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, has concluded a 2-day official visit to the Republic of Sao Tome & Principe.

The visit began on 9 July 2018, in the capital city of São Tomé where Dr Moeti and her delegation met with the Minister of Health, Dr Maria de Jesus Trovoada, and senior ministry officials. They had in depth discussions focusing on a range of issues including measures to address the country’s health priorities, more strategic investment, and ensuring essential package of services towards the Universal Health Coverage (UHC). In-depth discussion was also conducted around the response to the outbreak of necrotizing cellulitis that had occurred in the Country since September 2016 and is now under control.

Other subjects such, a need for good management of the health system, the need for support for preventing No Communicable Diseases, the support for strengthening health system and coordination of health partners were also discussed. The Minister expressed the Government’s commitment to work together with the WHO for the UHC and to achieve other health priorities in Sao Tome & Principe. The two parties discussed ways of further strengthening cooperation between WHO and the Government of Sao Tome & Principe to improve people’s health.

The Regional Director paid a courtesy calls on His Excellency Patrice Trovoada, Prime Minister and His Excellency Evaristo Carvalho the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe. The need for an integrated delivery of public health, as well as coordination between national health sectors partners were discussed.

The Regional Director commended São Tome e Príncipe for the achievements in malaria control/elimination, polio elimination, reduction of HIV/AIDS from 1.5% to 0.5%, improvement in maternal and child health, high immunization coverage above 90%. The Government’s vision and commitment to health development was also applauded.

During the meetings with bilateral cooperation and civil society, the Regional Director called for harmonizing and alignment of actions to improve the health of the people of São Tome e Príncipe.  

A working session was held with the United Nations Country Team (UNCT) headed by Ms Zahira Virani, the Resident Coordinator. They discussed issues including UN reforms and its potential impact on the work of the UN for São Tome e Príncipe.

Dr Moeti and her delegation met with staff at the WHO Country Office staff during which a number of welfare issues were discussed.