WHO Angola Enhances Health Collaboration at UPRA Medical Congress

BENGUELA, Angola — On July 3, 2025, the World Health Organization (WHO) in Angola participated in the International Congress of Medicine hosted by the Private University of Angola (UPRA) in Benguela. This event marked a significant step in WHO's ongoing collaboration with academic institutions, aiming to advance universal health coverage (UHC) and strengthen health systems in Angola.

Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, WHO's representative in Angola, delivered a keynote presentation during the event's high-level opening session, attended by various national and provincial authorities. In his remarks, Dr. Hazarika stressed the urgent need for reinforcing primary health care, increasing public financing, addressing health inequities, investing in the health workforce, and enhancing governance. He emphasized that these actions are critical to accelerating progress towards UHC in Angola and throughout Africa.

Following Dr. Hazarika's address, WHO representatives Victor Luteganya and Filipa Vaz led presentations on sustainable financing for UHC and health research in Angola, respectively. Luteganya highlighted the importance of equitable and efficient funding models that ensure access to health services without financial hardship. In contrast, Vaz discussed the necessity of developing locally relevant science to address public health priorities. Their presentations sparked engaging discussions among the participants, reinforcing WHO's commitment to knowledge sharing and technical collaboration.

The congress also featured contributions from emerging health leaders, including medical students Bezaleel Guerra, Fábia Leite, and Fernanda Spencer from UPRA. These students previously collaborated with WHO during Angola's successful national immunization campaigns in 2023 and presented their research on pressing health issues such as human papillomavirus (HPV).

Dr. Hazarika expressed pride in witnessing these young professionals actively contributing to the national health dialogue. "We are proud to see our young collaborators now presenting their own work and contributing meaningfully to the national health dialogue," he stated. "This is what partnership looks like, empowering institutions and individuals to shape a healthier future."

WHO Angola appreciates UPRA's invitation and its continued partnership, emphasizing that the involvement of academia, particularly young health professionals, is vital in the pursuit of resilient health systems and a healthier Angola for all. The ongoing collaboration between WHO and educational institutions is expected to yield significant improvements in health outcomes across the nation, further solidifying the foundation necessary for achieving UHC.

As Angola continues to address its health challenges, events like the International Congress of Medicine play a crucial role in fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and promoting the next generation of health leaders. The insights gained from such gatherings are indispensable for shaping policies and practices that will improve health systems in Angola and beyond.