São Tomé e Príncipe has recorded the second-largest deterioration in health indicators in Africa between 2016 and 2025, surpassed only by Ghana. This trend contrasts with the continental average, where 40 of 54 African countries improved their healthcare performance during the same period. The data comes from the 2026 Ibrahim Index of African Governance, which evaluates various aspects of governance, including healthcare.
The country's health sector degradation is not surprising to its Minister of Health, Celso Matos. He stated that the signs of deterioration had been evident for some time, reflecting a reality that demonstrates the country's healthcare has been declining. Matos highlighted that despite progress in primary healthcare coverage and vaccination programs, the hospital response capacity remains severely constrained by infrastructure fragility and a shortage of healthcare professionals.
The Ibrahim Index report also notes that São Tomé e Príncipe faces significant challenges in addressing non-communicable diseases, which is complicated by financial limitations that hinder the provision of adequate care to the population. Minister Matos expressed concern over the increasing cases of stroke, diabetes, and hypertension, many of which are linked to diet and hygiene conditions. However, the country lacks the necessary resources to ensure the quality of care that people need.
According to Minister Matos, the main challenges affecting the national health system have been identified for several years, and it is urgent to mobilize resources to address them. These challenges include infrastructure, equipment, health products, human resources, endemic malaria, the new epidemiological profile, health financing, and the organization of the National Health System. Matos emphasized the need for a sustained focus on the health sector.
The Minister of Health expects the next government, which is expected to be formed in the coming days, to prioritize the health sector, reinforcing investment and the capacity of health services in the archipelago. This expectation is based on the understanding that healthcare remains a critical area of need for São Tomé e Príncipe.
The situation in São Tomé e Príncipe highlights the complexities of healthcare development in the country. Despite some progress in healthcare access, the overall performance of the health sector has been deteriorating. The government's response and future priorities will be crucial in addressing these challenges and improving healthcare outcomes for the population.
Key points
- São Tomé e Príncipe ranks second in Africa for health indicator deterioration between 2016 and 2025.
- The country's healthcare challenges include infrastructure fragility, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and a rise in non-communicable diseases.
- The next government is expected to prioritize the health sector and reinforce investment in healthcare services.
