The Angolan Minister of Health, Sílvia Lutucuta, defended on Tuesday (April 7) prioritizing the national production of medicines and vaccines as a strategic measure to reduce external dependence and strengthen the country’s health security.
Speaking in Luanda during World Health Day celebrations, Sílvia Lutucuta emphasized that the COVID-19 pandemic exposed the vulnerability of both the country and the African continent to international supply chains, arguing that this mistake “cannot be repeated.”
The Minister noted that the Government is promoting policies to incentivize the national pharmaceutical industry, focusing on essential medicines and strategic products, as well as technology transfer with international partners.
She also highlighted the emphasis on science and innovation as the foundation of the health system, advocating for decisions “based on rigor and scientific evidence” to address current and future challenges.
In this context, she pointed to the training and specialization of around 38,000 health professionals as a key pillar of the strategy to strengthen the capacity of the national health system. The Minister further emphasized that Angola is a young country, with more than 60% of the population under 25 years old, advocating investment in scientific training for this age group as essential to ensure sustainable solutions in the health sector.
On the technological front, Sílvia Lutucuta mentioned investments in digital health and new tools such as Artificial Intelligence, genomics, and real-time monitoring platforms, including vaccination record systems and stock management.
Source: Angola 24 Horas
