Cabo Verde strengthens health and climate strategies ahead of COP31

Cabo Verde has defined new priorities to reinforce public health protection against climate change effects at the National Dialogue on Climate and Health. The event, held on November 3 in Praia, was supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and aimed to align national priorities for the 31st United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP31). The conference will take place in Antalya, Turkey, from November 9 to 20, 2026.

The National Dialogue on Climate and Health was promoted by the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, and Energy. The meeting sought to establish a concerted national position on the climate challenges affecting the archipelago, including water scarcity, droughts, and heatwaves. These challenges have consequences for the health and well-being of the population.

The Director of National Health, Ana Paula Santos, emphasized the need to protect vulnerable communities, reinforce water security, prevent climate-related diseases, and improve the response capacity of health services. She also advocated for greater international technical and financial support to countries particularly vulnerable to climate change effects. This support would strengthen prevention and adaptation mechanisms.

Cláudia Rodrigues, representing the Ministry of Environment, Climate Action, and Energy, considered climate challenges as public health problems requiring coordinated responses across different sectors. She highlighted the importance of the One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health. Rodrigues also emphasized the need for investment in scientific research, early warning systems, and community participation.

The WHO representative in Cabo Verde, Ann Lindstrand, reaffirmed the organization's commitment to supporting the country in strengthening its health systems and integrating health issues into national climate policies. Lindstrand stated that there is no true climate resilience without resilient health systems and no sustainable development without healthy populations.

During the dialogue, participants identified key priorities, including strengthening health service response capacity, water security, climate risk surveillance, and mobilizing financing for adaptation projects. The meeting also discussed measures to improve community preparedness for extreme weather events and strengthen cooperation between national institutions and international partners.

The event included the presentation of a study on the relationship between temperature and public health in Cabo Verde. The initiative was attended by national technicians and specialists. The country's efforts to address climate change and protect public health are crucial, given its vulnerability to climate-related challenges.

Key points

• Cabo Verde is strengthening its health and climate strategies ahead of COP31.
• The country aims to protect vulnerable communities and improve health service response capacity.
• International support is crucial for Cabo Verde to address climate change effects.