Africa-Press – Cape verde. The Ministry of Health signed the Annual Work Plan (AWP) 2026 this Monday in Praia with the Joint Office of UNDP, UNFPA and UNICEF, worth US$770,000 (approximately 72 million escudos).
The document was initialed by Minister Jorge Figueiredo, while David Matern represented the United Nations Office.
According to him, this Work Plan focuses on four fundamental pillars: alternative financing and management to ensure sustainability; consolidation of maternal, child and adolescent health; strengthening sexual and reproductive health and rights; and health promotion, risk communication and community engagement.
“These pillars are fully aligned with the Government’s priorities, particularly regarding innovative health financing,” Figueiredo pointed out, adding that prevention and protection of the most vulnerable groups will be “reinforced” and “harmful practices,” namely female genital mutilation, will be eliminated. Asked about cases of female genital mutilation in Cape Verde, Jorge Figueiredo did not provide specific numbers, but admitted that there are practices that constitute public health problems.
According to the governor, the history of genital mutilation is shrouded in secrecy and involves “very unclear behaviors regarding the women themselves, who do not expose themselves.”
In his view, health professionals should approach women who are victims of these practices and help them overcome these issues.
“We are training all those who work in women’s health to be attentive to signs that they are facing a problem of genital mutilation,” indicated the minister, who considers the United Nations to also be a good partner of Cape Verde in the field of health.
In turn, the representative of the Joint Office of the United Nations, David Matern, referring to the agreement signed, highlighted the “strong partnership” that has existed for decades between Cape Verde and the international organization he represents.
According to Matern, the funds raised will contribute to further strengthening sexual and reproductive health in Cape Verde.
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