Angolan Health Minister Highlights Focus on Healthcare Amid Financial Constraints

Angolan Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta recently emphasized the government's commitment to the health sector despite facing financial limitations. She highlighted that the Ministry of Health is actively working on a new National Health Information System Strategic Plan for 2024-2030.

The strategic plan aims to address existing gaps in the health information system, which were identified in previous assessments. The plan's objectives include developing an actionable and cost-effective strategy, creating a monitoring and evaluation framework, and ensuring consensus and engagement from all health sector partners.

This new initiative follows the evaluation conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health partners in 2010, which led to the development of the National Health Information System Strategic Plan 2011-2015. The previous plan sought to strengthen Angola's national health system by improving the effectiveness and efficiency of health information systems.

Despite these efforts, the most recent SCORE assessment published in March 2021 revealed mixed results in the coverage and functionality of Angola's National Health Information System. While 68% of health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators are available for monitoring, only 25% of children under five had complete birth registration, and the causes of deaths with medical certificates reported by major hospitals remain unknown.

The Angolan government's focus on the health sector despite financial constraints has significant implications for the country's overall development and well-being. Effective healthcare systems can lead to improved health outcomes, increased life expectancy, and a more productive workforce, contributing to the country's economic growth and stability.

To support the development of the new strategic plan, the WHO is seeking a consultant to provide technical assistance to the Ministry of Health. The consultant will be responsible for traveling to various provinces as needed and will be remunerated at a rate equivalent to USD 9,224 per month.

The ideal candidate for this consultancy role should possess a first university degree in Health Information Systems, Public Health, Biostatistics, Statistics, Epidemiology, or a related field. Additionally, at least five years of practical experience in health information systems, particularly in developing strategic plans, is required. Proficiency in Portuguese is crucial, with a working knowledge of English or French being desirable.

The new National Health Information System Strategic Plan 2024-2030 aims to build on the foundations laid by previous efforts and address the current challenges faced by Angola's health sector. By focusing on developing a robust and efficient health information system, the government hopes to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes across the country.

To recap, the Angolan government, under the leadership of Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta, is prioritizing the health sector despite financial constraints. The upcoming National Health Information System Strategic Plan 2024-2030 is a vital step towards addressing existing gaps and enhancing the overall efficiency of the health information system.

Key Takeaways

• Angola's Health Minister prioritizes health sector despite financial constraints.
• New National Health Information System Strategic Plan 2024-2030 aims to address existing gaps.
• Plan's objectives include developing a cost-effective strategy and ensuring partner engagement.
• WHO seeks consultant to provide technical assistance to Ministry of Health.
• Effective healthcare systems can lead to improved health outcomes and economic growth.