WHO takes part in the University of Santiago’s Scientific Conference with a conference on technology and humanization in healthcare

Praia, Cabo Verde. The World Health Organization (WHO) in Cabo Verde took part in the conference organized by the Department of Health Sciences, Environment and Technologies at the University of Santiago, which took place from 16 to 18 June in Praia and Assomada.

On the first day, 16 June, the formal opening session, held on the Praia campus, featured a keynote lecture entitled "Technology and Humanisation: the challenges facing healthcare in the 21st century", delivered by the WHO Representative in Cabo Verde, Ann Lindstrand.

In her address, the WHO Representative highlighted that health systems face growing challenges linked to non-communicable diseases, health emergencies and inequalities in access, emphasizing the need to invest simultaneously in technological innovation and the humanization of care.

She also noted that digital transformation must be geared towards improving access, quality and continuity of care, whilst always ensuring a person-centred approach tailored to the local context, particularly in countries such as Cape Verde, which are characterized by geographical dispersion and resource constraints.

The conference also highlighted the potential of solutions such as telemedicine to overcome geographical barriers and enhance equity in access to healthcare services across the archipelago.

Over the course of three days, the Conference brought together students, lecturers, researchers and professionals from different fields, featuring workshops, round-table discussions, technological and scientific exhibitions, as well as health and wellbeing activities.

The event provided an important forum for scientific exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue, strengthening the link between the academic world and the real-world challenges facing health systems. WHO's participation reinforces its commitment to supporting the country in the digital transformation of healthcare and in promoting more equitable, humanized and person-centred care.