CPLP's Strategic Health Cooperation Plan Highlighted as Innovative Model at Ministerial Meeting [1]

The Strategic Health Cooperation Plan (PECS-CPLP) was recognized as an innovative and effective model during the 7th Meeting of Health Ministers of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), [4] held this Monday in São Tomé and Príncipe. Under the theme "Promoting Comprehensive and Sustainable Health in CPLP: Innovative Strategies for All Generations," the event highlighted progress in health cooperation among member countries, with emphasis on human resource capacity building and strengthening resilient health systems.

During the opening session, Manuel Clarote Lapão, Director of Cooperation at the CPLP Executive Secretariat, emphasized that the PECS-CPLP, approved in 2009, has been instrumental in advancing health professional training and knowledge exchange among member states. *"The positive results of the 2022-2024 Action Plan are encouraging and reflect the consistent work developed so far,"* he stated.

However, Lapão warned about the need to mobilize additional resources – both financial and technical – to expand the cooperation's impact. "Without these assets, progress will remain limited," he stressed, calling on countries to strengthen partnerships with CPLP advisory entities and observers.

In a global context marked by uncertainties and challenges such as pandemics and climate change, Lapão reinforced the urgency of coordinated action: "It is precisely in times like these that our collective responsibility for the health and dignity of populations becomes most critical." The CPLP maintains equity, networking, and health diplomacy as pillars, seeking intersectoral solutions and solid partnerships.

The meeting was attended by Angola's Health Minister Sílvia Lutucuta (representing the outgoing CPLP presidency) and São Tomé and Príncipe's Health Minister Celso Vaz Matos (host of the event). Discussions focused on accelerating PECS-CPLP implementation, with emphasis on health training and technology; expanding collaborative networks among Lusophone countries; and integrating lessons learned from recent crises.

In their final declaration, ministers approved guidelines to strengthen cooperation, aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The document underscores the importance of: reinforcing health surveillance systems; promoting equitable access to health services; and investing in innovation to respond to emergencies. The CPLP nations reaffirmed their commitment to transforming the health cooperation plan into concrete actions benefiting all Portuguese-speaking populations.