Claire Dawson
Cape Verde, an archipelago nation off the coast of West Africa, has made significant strides in healthcare. The country has six hospitals and an infant mortality rate of slightly over 15 deaths per 1,000 births. Cape Verde's healthcare system has three levels of care: national, regional, and community health posts. The nation has achieved universal health coverage, with all citizens entitled to basic health services, including antenatal and emergency treatment. To improve access to specialized care, Cape Verde introduced telemedicine in 2012, connecting all inhabited islands through an integrated telemedicine network. Additionally, the OPEC Fund for International Development has financed the construction of health centres in several municipalities to enhance primary healthcare services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitals | 6 |
| Infant mortality rate | 15 deaths per 1000 births |
| Average healthy life expectancy | 64 years |
| Life expectancy (as of 2016) | 79 years for women and 71 years for men |
| Population (as of 2002) | 460,000 inhabitants |
| Percentage of population in absolute poverty (as of 2010) | 24% |
| Number of inhabited islands | 9 |
| Area of the country | 4,003 km2 |
| Main hospitals | Praia, Mindelo, and São Filipe |
| Important hospitals | Agostinho Neto Hospital in Praia with about 350 beds |
| Availability of telemedicine | Yes, since 2012 |
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What You'll Learn
- Cape Verde has six hospitals, with smaller health facilities and clinics
- The main hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo
- A telemedicine program has been set up to connect all inhabited islands
- There are plans to build four new health centres and rehabilitate a fifth
- Pregnant women now have access to prenatal care, which was previously lacking
Cape Verde has six hospitals, with smaller health facilities and clinics
Cape Verde's healthcare system consists of national, regional, and community health posts. The country has achieved universal health coverage, with gains in economic development and quality of life. The OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) has financed the construction of health centres in several municipalities, improving access to primary healthcare and reducing the burden on existing facilities.
The largest hospitals are located in Praia and Mindelo, with the Hospital Central Dr. Agostinho Neto in Praia being one of the most important. Smaller health centres and private medical clinics are scattered throughout the country, offering variable quality in personnel and equipment. The islands of Brava and Santo Antão lack airports, presenting challenges for medical evacuations in emergencies.
Tourists visiting Cape Verde with children have expressed concerns about the limited medical facilities, particularly on islands other than Sal, Santiago, and São Vicente. Travel insurance is essential, as medical treatment and evacuation can be costly. The Cabo Verde Express offers emergency air transport to Lisbon for serious cases.
Cape Verde has made impressive progress in healthcare, ensuring access to essential services for its citizens and travellers. The collaboration between various sectors, such as the OPEC Fund, has contributed to the development of improved health centres and better equipment. The country's high literacy rates and widespread access to electricity and sanitation have also played a role in its healthcare advancements.
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The main hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo
Cape Verde has six hospitals in total, with the main ones located in Praia and Mindelo. The country has made significant progress in healthcare, with a basic package of health services available to all Cabo Verdeans, including antenatal and emergency care. The introduction of telemedicine in 2012 has improved access to specialised care and reduced patient evacuations from smaller islands.
Praia, the capital of Cape Verde, is home to the Hospital Central Dr. Agostinho Neto, one of the most important hospitals in the country. This hospital has approximately 350 beds and serves as a crucial medical facility for the region. In addition to the hospital, Praia offers a range of health clinics and pharmacies, ensuring accessible healthcare for its residents and visitors. Praia has also been the host city for the WHO Africa Health Forum, showcasing the country's advancements in healthcare.
Mindelo, the other capital of Cape Verde, also boasts several medical centres, including the Centro de Saúde de Fonte Inês, Centro de Saúde de Monte Sossego, and Centro de Saúde da Ribeirinha. These centres provide basic medical services to the community, although they may not be equipped to handle emergencies or complex procedures. Mindelo is known for its high tourist attraction, and visitors should be cautious of theft, especially in areas like Amílcar Cabral Square and the waterfront.
Both Praia and Mindelo offer a range of medical services, contributing to the overall healthcare infrastructure of Cape Verde. While the country faces challenges due to limited healthcare resources, the implementation of telemedicine and improvements in accessibility have positively impacted the health status of its citizens.
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A telemedicine program has been set up to connect all inhabited islands
Cape Verde has six hospitals, with notable facilities including the Agostinho Neto Hospital in Praia, which has about 350 beds, and the Hospital Central Dr. Baptista de Sousa in São Vicente. There are also smaller medical facilities in other places.
However, health in Cape Verde is limited due to restricted healthcare access. Medical facilities and some medicines are in short supply or unavailable. The distribution of medical facilities is also uneven. If you need to get to a full-service hospital, you might have to take a ferry or plane journey, depending on where you are in the country. For instance, the islands of Brava and Santo Antão no longer have functioning airports, so air evacuation in the event of a medical emergency is nearly impossible from these islands.
To address these challenges, a telemedicine program was set up in July 2012, funded by the Republic of Slovenia through ITF Enhancing Human Security. The program aimed to build a hospital-based telemedicine network for the entire country. As of January 2014, all the inhabited islands of Cape Verde are connected through an integrated telemedicine network, marking the first case in Africa of such an approach. The network has improved access to specialized care, reduced the rate of patient evacuations from smaller islands, enabled distance learning for medical professionals, and reduced healthcare costs.
The telemedicine program in Cape Verde has been deemed successful and effective, with key stakeholders committed to its integration into the country's healthcare system. It has also facilitated the establishment of a platform for continuous medical education through videoconferences and an electronic medical library.
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There are plans to build four new health centres and rehabilitate a fifth
Cape Verde has made significant strides in improving its healthcare system, with a focus on ensuring universal access and providing primary healthcare services. As of 2016, the country had six hospitals, an infant mortality rate of slightly over 15 deaths per 1,000 births, and a healthy life expectancy of 64 years. The introduction of telemedicine in 2012 has been a pivotal step in enhancing access to specialised care and reducing patient evacuations from smaller islands.
To further strengthen their healthcare infrastructure, Cape Verde has embarked on an ambitious plan to construct four new health centres and rehabilitate a fifth. This initiative specifically targets the municipalities of Boa Vista, Maio, Mosteiros, Tarrafal, and Santa Cruz. Each of these new centres will cater to a population ranging from 4,500 to 24,000 people. The centres will offer a comprehensive range of services, including 24-hour emergency care, general curative care, preventive medicine, public health initiatives, delivery units, medical services, dental care, and hospitalisation wards.
The project is financed with a total cost of US$9 million, of which the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID) contributes US$6.1 million. This investment reflects Cape Verde's commitment to improving healthcare access and quality, particularly in underserved areas. The new health centres will address the challenges of inadequate medical care and limited access to doctors and medication in certain regions.
The civil works for these centres have been completed, but the acquisition of equipment is still ongoing. The centre in Tarrafal, perched atop a hill overlooking the sea, has received positive feedback from doctors and patients alike for its pleasant surroundings and the relief it provides to those seeking healthcare. The impact of these new centres is already being felt, with locals expressing gratitude for being able to consult a doctor whenever needed.
Cape Verde's progress in healthcare is commendable, and the country continues to strive for better health outcomes for its citizens. The construction of these health centres is a testament to their dedication to ensuring that all Cape Verdeans can access quality healthcare services.
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Pregnant women now have access to prenatal care, which was previously lacking
Cape Verde, officially known as Cabo Verde, is an archipelago nation consisting of 10 islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It has made significant strides in healthcare since gaining independence in 1975, when there were only 13 doctors in the country. Today, Cape Verde has six hospitals, and over 80% of the population lives within 30 minutes of a health facility. The country has achieved universal healthcare access, with all Cabo Verdeans entitled to a basic package of health services, including prenatal and emergency care, as well as treatment and prevention for HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria.
Despite these improvements, healthcare in Cape Verde is still limited, with some medical facilities and medicines in short supply or unavailable. The government is working to address these issues and improve access to primary healthcare, particularly in the municipalities of Boa Vista, Maio, Mosteiros, Tarrafal, and Santa Cruz. These efforts include the construction of new health centres, providing 24-hour emergency services, general curative care, preventive care, and delivery units.
Pregnant women in Cape Verde now have access to prenatal care, which was previously lacking. While specific details on the availability and quality of prenatal care are scarce, it is included in the basic package of health services that all Cabo Verdeans are entitled to. This indicates that prenatal care is accessible and provided for pregnant women in the country.
The introduction of telemedicine in 2012 has also improved access to specialised care for pregnant women and the general population. Telemedicine has reduced the need for patient evacuations from smaller islands to those with large hospitals, making it easier for women to access the care they need without having to travel long distances. This is particularly important for pregnant women, as medical air evacuation is extremely difficult from certain islands, such as Brava and Santo Antão, due to the lack of functioning airports.
Overall, while Cape Verde has made impressive strides in healthcare, including improving access to prenatal care for pregnant women, there are still limitations and areas for improvement, particularly in terms of the availability of medical facilities and medicines. The government's ongoing efforts to enhance primary healthcare and increase collaboration across sectors demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that all Cabo Verdeans have access to the healthcare they need.
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Frequently asked questions
Cape Verde currently has six hospitals.
The names of the hospitals in Cape Verde are not known, but the country's largest hospitals are in Praia and Mindelo.
Yes, smaller public health centres and private medical clinics are located throughout the country.
The standard of hospitals in Cape Verde varies. While the larger hospitals in Praia and Mindelo are well-equipped, smaller islands may have more basic facilities. In the event of a serious emergency, patients are airlifted to Lisbon or the Canary Islands.
Yes, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance before travelling to Cape Verde. Medical treatment and hospital care abroad can be very expensive, and a medical evacuation can cost upwards of $50,000.
