Sao Tome and Principe health system deteriorates
The health minister admitted the country is ranked second in Africa for health sector decline over the past decade.
Sao Tome and Principe's health sector has seen deterioration over the last 10 years, according to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. Minister of Health Celso Matos acknowledged the poor results, stating that while some parameters have regressed, others have improved.
Matos clarified that the reported deterioration covers the period from 2016 to 2025, with his government taking office only two years ago. He highlighted a stabilization in 2025 and improvements in combating malaria, with cases reducing from over 7,000 in 2024 to four to 5,000 in 2025.
Progress was also noted in controlling communicable diseases like HIV and improving access to primary healthcare, with a goal of one doctor per health post. However, non-communicable diseases such as cardiovascular accidents and diabetes are a serious concern, straining the nation's limited resources.
Why it mattersThe health system's decline affects all citizens' access to adequate medical care and treatment for both communicable and non-communicable diseases.