Luanda: Angola is preparing to reach a remarkable milestone in the health sector, going from a single infectious disease specialist since 1975 to 207 doctors in this specialty by March 2027. With the completion of the training of this large group of professionals by March 2027, the Angolan government hopes to radically transform the response to infectious diseases, leaving behind decades of dependence on isolated professionals. According to Angola Press News Agency, this figure represents a significant leap and symbolizes the concrete results of a strategic investment in the training of national professionals designed by the Angolan Government, through the Ministry of Health. The coordinator and manager of the Implementation Unit of the Human Resources Training in Health Project of the Ministry of Health, Job Monteiro, shared insights into the initiative. The training of these specialists aligns with the Ministry of Health's goal of specializing 38,000 professionals by 2028, with training programs taking pl ace in various provinces. The training plan, initially outlined in 2024, focuses on governance, digitalization, and curriculum structuring, with governance based on new management software, cooperation with professional bodies, and the official recognition of 39 new curricular programs. Continuous training seeks to ensure that all Angolans, regardless of region, have access to quality healthcare, with well-trained professionals prepared to deal with the most varied clinical situations. The official, speaking at a ceremony awarding certificates to new medical specialists, emphasized the importance of qualifying professionals in essential areas to ensure an effective response to the country's health needs. The progress is part of an ongoing effort to increase the quantity and quality of specialists in various health areas, with emphasis on critical specialties like infectious diseases, pediatrics, and intensive care medicine. The certificate award ceremony in Moxico, presided over by the Vice-Governor for the Political, Social and Economic sector, Elizabeth Ayala, reflects the specialization strategy being implemented throughout the country. The project aims to train not only doctors and nurses but also diagnostic and therapeutic technicians, hospital managers, and other support professionals, contributing to the creation of a more qualified and decentralized health network. The training is promoted by the Institute of Specialization in Health (IES), in partnership with the Implementation Unit of the Human Resources in Health Training Project (UIP-PFRHS) of the Ministry of Health.
