The Cabo Verde Directorate General of Health (DGS) is launching a pilot project to screen children for diabetes type 1 during their six-year vaccination. The initiative, set to begin this month, will be implemented in partnership with health centers and hospitals. According to Sónia do Vale, director of the program, the goal is to diagnose diabetes before symptoms appear, preventing acute decompensation and enabling better control.
The pilot project will be conducted in three health units: ULS de Coimbra, ULS São João in Porto, and ULS São José in Lisbon. During the vaccination process, a blood sample will be collected to check for antibodies indicating diabetes type 1. Sónia do Vale explained that this initiative aims to identify individuals with diabetes who have not yet shown symptoms, allowing for early intervention and potential future therapeutic options.
The project is part of a larger effort to address diabetes in Cabo Verde. According to the 2026 National Diabetes Program report, 70,399 new diabetes cases were registered in primary healthcare in 2025, bringing the total number of people with a registered diagnosis to 960,064. This represents 8.9% of registered users in the National Health Service (SNS).
The report also reveals improvements in disease control and cardiovascular risk factors. In 2025, 72% of users had hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels equal to or below 8%, 63% had LDL cholesterol below 100 mg/dl, and 81% had blood pressure below 140/90 mmHg. Additionally, 50% of the population was covered by diabetic retinopathy screening, with 9,775 positive screenings.
Despite these improvements, there are still challenges in providing access to diabetes screening. Only 772 out of 1,069 primary healthcare units have active screening, leaving 297 units without this service. The DGS cites limited resources and difficulties in providing screening within the recommended 12-month timeframe as reasons for this disparity.
The DGS is also promoting an educational program, "Mais Saúde, Menos Diabetes," which has already engaged 14 Local Health Units (ULS), the Azores Autonomous Region, and a private health institution. According to the DGS, the program has shown promising results, reducing the risk of developing diabetes and improving health indicators and lifestyle choices.
The pilot project and educational program are part of Cabo Verde's efforts to address the growing burden of diabetes. By expanding screening and education initiatives, the DGS aims to improve health outcomes and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications. The project will provide valuable insights into the feasibility of implementing diabetes screening in children during vaccination.
Key points
- The pilot project will screen children for diabetes type 1 during their six-year vaccination.
- The initiative aims to diagnose diabetes before symptoms appear, preventing acute decompensation and enabling better control.
- The project is part of a larger effort to address diabetes in Cabo Verde, where 8.9% of registered users in the National Health Service (SNS) have a diagnosis.
