Under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), organized a roundtable discussion to reflect on how science continues to drive progress, resilience, and innovation globally and within São Tomé and Príncipe’s health system.
The event highlighted the central role of WHO’s technical leadership and its long-standing collaboration with the Government in translating global health strategies into concrete national results. Through sustained cooperation, science, research, and evidence-based policies have strengthened health system performance and improved health outcomes for the population.
Speaking on behalf of WHO, the WHO Representative acknowledged the significant advances achieved in recent years, noting that these gains are the result of strong national ownership, supported by WHO technical guidance and capacity-building efforts. Key achievements include strengthened training and capacity development of health professionals; high and sustained immunization coverage contributing to reduced child mortality; enhanced epidemiological surveillance and public health emergency preparedness; decentralization of health services to bring care closer to communities; and notable improvements in diagnostic and laboratory capacity across the country.
The Minister of Health reaffirmed the country’s strong alignment with WHO policies and strategic frameworks, underscoring the importance of science as the foundation of sustainable health development. As stated by the Minister:
“Health is the most precious asset of every human being on our planet,”
highlighting São Tomé and Príncipe’s commitment to the One Health approach and to evidence-based health policies that recognize the interconnection between human, animal, plant, and environmental health.
This integrated vision, promoted by WHO, reinforces prevention, preparedness, and response capacities, particularly in the face of emerging health threats, climate change, and future pandemics.
Science was further emphasized as a critical pillar for protecting lives and strengthening health security. The WHO Representative commended São Tomé and Príncipe’s progress, noting that:
“The experience of São Tomé and Príncipe demonstrates that even in small island contexts with limited resources, significant results are possible when knowledge, determination, and partnerships come together.”
During the panel discussion, professors, representatives from the Ministry of Education, and members of civil society expressed their desire to be more actively involved in strengthening the health sector—whether by fostering spaces for dialogue or by mobilizing and raising awareness among agents of change—because, as the saying goes, “you have to start small.”
WHO reaffirmed its continued commitment to working closely with national authorities to consolidate achievements, address remaining gaps, and ensure that scientific innovation benefits all communities, without exception.
