WHO Representative Concludes Two-Year Mission in São Tomé and Príncipe

The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in São Tomé and Príncipe, Dr Abdoulaye Diarra, has concluded his two-year mission in the country, highlighting progress in strengthening the national health system. During his farewell meeting with government officials, Diarra presented a report outlining key achievements and thanked the government and people for their cooperation. According to Gleba TV’s report on the end of the WHO representative’s mission, the work included support for health financing reforms, disease prevention and childhood vaccination.

One major achievement was support for the development of the National Health Financing Strategy. The strategy aims to strengthen the country’s ability to fund healthcare and reduce its reliance on international partners. WHO also highlighted progress in reducing malaria cases, advancing efforts to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem and maintaining high childhood vaccination coverage. These priorities form part of wider efforts to improve access to essential health services and build a more resilient healthcare system. The WHO Regional Office for Africa’s country updates also document ongoing initiatives to strengthen public health and advance disease elimination in São Tomé and Príncipe.

As the mission concludes, sustaining these gains will require continued government leadership, reliable health financing and close cooperation with development partners. WHO’s support for stronger primary healthcare and financial governance remains important to improving the quality and accessibility of services. Its 2024–2025 biennial report for São Tomé and Príncipe highlights progress in health system resilience, national leadership and equitable healthcare. The end of Diarra’s mission marks a transition in WHO’s country-level leadership, while ongoing collaboration will remain essential to advancing the nation’s public health priorities.