The Health Minister of São Tomé acknowledged the negative results of the Ibragim African Management Index (IIAG), which classified the country as the second in Africa with the greatest deterioration in the health sector over the last decade; however, he also highlighted recent positive changes.
In an interview with Lusa in São Tomé, Celso Matos stated: 'It is true. Over the last 10 years, we have regressed in some health parameters. In others, we have improved, but in others, we have regressed.'
Nevertheless, the minister clarified that this result pertains to the period from 2016 to 2025, whereas the current executive branch has only been in office for the last two years. Celso Matos noted: 'It is important to make clear that this is not the Government's fault. Moreover, I have an image here that shows that the greatest deterioration occurred in 2024. (...) Stabilization was observed in 2025.'
Among the achievements, the orthopedic doctor, who previously held the position of head of the Medical Order of São Tomé and Príncipe, pointed out improvements in malaria control indicators. In 2024, over seven thousand cases were recorded, almost double the previous year, but in 2025, there was a 'decrease' to four or five thousand cases.
Celso Matos also indicated progress in infectious disease control, particularly HIV, calling the results 'very good,' as well as in access to healthcare. He emphasized: 'We have medical posts almost throughout the country. We have increased the number of doctors for districts, and we have an orientation towards primary healthcare, whose mission is to have one doctor for every medical post in this country, and we are not far from achieving this goal.'
He added that this is being done specifically to improve people's access to medical care, and that primary level services need to be equipped with a large number of medicines and diagnostic tools.
Regarding the indicators that have deteriorated or require further improvement, Celso Matos noted that many of them do not depend solely or predominantly on the health sector. Concerning the control of non-communicable diseases, Matos admitted that 'this is a serious problem in the health system of São Tomé and Príncipe,' pointing to the sharp rise in cardiovascular incidents (strokes), diabetes, and arterial hypertension, as well as other diseases caused by nutrition, hygiene, and lack of physical activity.
The minister stated: 'We realize that non-communicable diseases are the most costly for the system. Besides the impact on human health, they are the most expensive. And our country does not have the money for (...) providing the quality of care that people need.'
He reported the creation of a department for chronic non-communicable diseases. This department has a team, a strategic program developed for non-communicable diseases and a strategic program for oncological diseases, and staff training has been conducted for oncological accounting and management at the primary level, and primary level administrators have been trained to improve the situation.'
However, the minister stressed that the implementation of all these strategic plans requires funding, which is a major problem. He noted that the health system of São Tomé and Príncipe, despite significant expenditures, is a system that is 'free, in quotes,' reflecting the real cost borne by the state.
According to Celso Matos, the lack of funding hinders several measures, such as modernizing hospital equipment, retaining human resources, and timely procurement of medicines and consumables.
Nevertheless, he assured that he would leave documents and guidelines for the next health minister, who is expected to take office in the coming weeks after the formation of a new Government following the September 27 elections.
