1998-2001 Programmes
complete list of programmes for 1998-2001
Programmes of the World Health Organisation in São Tomé and Príncipe
São Tomé and Príncipe in general suffers from diseases that relate to the environment, especially poor sanitation and insufficient drinking water sources, as well as from the problems of minimal resources, materials and personnel. Having been left with a legacy of low staffing and expensive infrastructure, the country still struggles to find a more efficient system of health care that will allow it to keep up its relatively good health indicators. It is in this light that the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe are working in a programme of co-operation, to identify the political objectives, train the necessary staff and strengthen the systems of primary health care.
The programme has two overall aims:
to improve the quality of health, especially for vulnerable groups, in support of sustainable development
Within the programme much headway has already been made in the development of human resources. Important training, both specialised and general, has been undertaken among doctors, nurses, health care workers and community groups. WHO has also been instrumental in its work to fight malaria and the spread of AIDS, to provide essential medicine, and to support systematic changes across the health sector.
Development and administration of programmes
A major objective of the WHO in São Tomé and Príncipe is that of improving the systems of primary health care in the six districts and the autonomous region of the island of Principe. By training health workers and community members in managing the spread of diseases the capacity of many districts will be increased for the provision of primary health care. Community involvement in the health system is encouraged by WHO as an effort to develop effective use of preventative measures.
Politics and national health programmes
WHO is supporting the government in drawing up and implementing a comprehensive national health programme. This will be a crucial element in the effort to direct and manage an area of governance that attracts a lot of external co-operation. Training will be provided to all technical directors and management/administration workers in technical planning and management. Attention is being paid to reinforce the capacity of the Ministry of Health, particularly in integrating health development programmes with activities of socio-economic development.
In preparation for situations of emergency and adequate humanitarian response WHO is supporting the government in drawing up a health emergency plan.
Organisation and management of a primary health care service
WHO is working with the government to redynamise the district level health systems and strengthen the Health for All initiative. Support includes developing the capacity of the Ministry of Health for the implementation of health sector reform and the management/organisation of district health teams. WHO also supports the strengthening of capacity in the district councils and health teams to manage the systems on the local level.
Human resources in the health sector
A major area of emphasis for WHO São Tomé and Príncipe is to create conditions for an adequately functioning "Escola de Formacão de Quadros Saúde" (EFQS). Training is concentrating on the areas of epidemiology, public health, Maternal Infant Health and Family Planning, both for nurses and for specialised doctors. The EFQS is to be rehabilitated not only in terms of equipment and organisation, but also in terms of the recruitment and training of staff. Further specialised training outside of the country, is to be arranged for up to 10 candidates.
WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health in the development of two important documents: a national political document on human resources and a national development plan for human resources.
Essential Drugs
WHO is furnishing the Ministry of Health with the support necessary to cover 30% of essential drugs for district health units. Within this support, attention is being placed on further strengthening the capacities to manage the distribution of essential medicines across the nation, and on technical training for a greater number of pharmacists.
Reproductive Health
In strengthening community health and maternity without risks, WHO supports a number activities in reproductive health. Support is being given to furnish four maternity centres with the necessary technical support and equipment to offer childbirth facilities. Two nurses or traditional midwives per maternity centre are to be trained in midwifery. WHO is also strengthening the capacity of the Reproductive Health Programme in its efforts to establish a Baby Friendly Hospital. Technical training will be provided under this programme, for up to two technicians per district and at the central level, with special emphasis on adolescent health.
Disability and Mental Health
As a largely invisible aspect of life on the political scale, WHO is supporting a major information, education and communication campaign on mental health care. Support will be provided to manage mental health programmes at the district levels, and to involve community participation and care.
Environmental Health
As many of the causes of mortality in the country are related to poor living conditions, this is a crucial area of health work. WHO is training the local health commissions in problems related to water and sanitation, and is working to collect the necessary information for a full analysis of the situation.
WHO is conducting a major knowledge and awareness campaign on issues of toxic substance pollution, and is furnishing technical support to the Government for drafting, and implementing legislative reform in this area.
Control of Communicable Diseases
WHO is working to train health personnel, and provide logistical support to health units on the district level. This is in an effort to increase surveillance regarding epidemics. Technically WHO is supporting the capacity of health personnel in clinical management of epidemics, and providing logistics and finance to extend the programme of malaria control.
Control of Non-Communicable Diseases
WHO is providing technical, financial, and logistical support for oral health activities to be carried out in the country's primary schools. Support is also being provided to the Ministry of Health for a study of cardiovascular disease that will enable priorities and prevention strategies to be established.
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