Dr. Alexandra de Castro Vasconcelos, a GHTM researcher and member of the IHC – Individual Health Care Group, led an impactful mission in São Tomé and Príncipe in December 2024, dedicated to optimizing maternal and neonatal health across the country.
The mission aimed to address critical challenges such as reducing maternal, neonatal, and perinatal mortality rates and tackling adolescent pregnancy. This initiative underscores GHTM | IHMT-NOVA’s unwavering commitment to empowering and strengthening health systems in Portuguese-speaking African Countries (PALOP). By aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and fostering international cooperation, the mission represents a significant step toward sustainable health outcomes.
Key Highlights and Objectives of the Mission
- Engagement with Health Authorities
Proposals for improving maternal and neonatal health, along with adolescent reproductive health, were presented during meetings with doctors, nurses, and leadership from Dr. Ayres de Menezes Hospital and the Ministry of Health. - Collaboration with Maternal-Child Health Professionals
The mission facilitated collaboration between healthcare professionals to design and implement measures aimed at supporting pregnant women and newborns, fostering a shared vision for improved care delivery. - Introducing Future Projects for 2025-2027
Proposals for upcoming projects were shared, including the adoption of the Kangaroo Method, a technique promoting skin-to-skin contact for preterm infants, and the optimization of the Neonatal Care Unit.
Building Momentum for Change
During the mission, Dr. Alexandra de Castro Vasconcelos conducted presentations and facilitated discussions with health professionals at Dr. Ayres de Menezes Hospital, representatives from the Ministry of Health, and UNICEF. These dialogues focused on practical strategies to advance maternal and neonatal health in São Tomé and Príncipe.
The mission culminated in an agreement to schedule an official meeting with the country’s Minister of Health to finalize and implement the proposed measures, ensuring alignment with the mission’s objectives and long-term health goals.