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Giving Hope:
Support Cape Verde

Program Overview

Improving access to dental and medical care in underserved communities in Santa Cruz through the establishment of a polyclinic with a GP and Dental Unit, twice-yearly two-week medical convoys led by local and international specialists, and more than 30 outreach convoys delivering medical examinations, preventive care, and health awareness activities. The project also conducts three annual awareness campaigns covering hypertension, diabetes, malaria, STIs, teen pregnancy, addiction, and palliative care, while training and mentoring local healthcare professionals to strengthen long-term capacity. The work is delivered through formal partnerships with the Ministry of Health and Santa Cruz Municipality.

By integrating surgical care with clinical consultations, the mission ensured patients received both immediate intervention and guidance for post-operative recovery and long-term health management.

 

Health

Cape Verde

Santa Cruz, Cape Verde

From Jan. 2026 to Dec. 2026

Ongoing

€ 65,651

Approximately 3000 local beneficiaries of all ages

The project targets underserved communities in Cape Verde, particularly Santa Cruz, where a dental clinic was established in 2026. Around 3000 local beneficiaries of all ages, particularly underrepresented low-socioeconomic children and women, who benefit from the health awareness sessions.

Why This Project?

Giving Hope: Supporting Cape Verde's Health

The Problem and Need

Cape Verde’s healthcare system is stretched far beyond capacity. Non-communicable diseases accounted for 64% of deaths in 2021, hypertension affects 44% of the population, and maternal mortality stood at 40 per 100,000 live births in 2023. With only six hospitals nationwide, access is limited and unevenly distributed across the islands, often forcing residents to travel by sea. Only 40% of citizens have employment-based insurance, while the country has just 7.18 doctors and 0.15 dentists per 10,000 people. For underserved communities such as Santa Cruz, basic medical and dental care often remains out of reach.

Our Solution

The project addresses this gap by establishing a fully equipped polyclinic in Santa Cruz, deploying medical convoys staffed by local and international specialists, and running outreach campaigns across surrounding communities. It brings essential medical and dental services directly to people who need them most. It also invests in the long-term resilience of Cape Verde’s health system by training and mentoring local healthcare professionals, helping improved access continue beyond the project period.

Project Goal

Improve beneficiaries’ overall quality of life by reducing pain and preventable dental diseases, preventing disease progression, and encouraging lifelong healthy oral hygiene habits.

Why This Project?

Main Activities: Supporting Cape Verde's Health

Oral Health Awareness

8 awareness sessions conducted, reaching 242 beneficiaries.

Dental Screening

11 screening activities completed for 222 beneficiaries, including primary and secondary school students, shelter residents, and rehabilitation-center beneficiaries.

Dental Clinic Services

8 Dental Clinic service days delivered at the Medical Centre, providing treatment and consultations to 187 patients.

Community Outreach

6 one-day medical outreach campaigns organized in underserved communities, providing dental services to 205 beneficiaries.

Program Impact

Giving Hope: Supporting Cape Verde's Health

0

Awareness sessions

0

Screening activities

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Clinic beneficiaries

Program Impact

Supporting Cape Verde's Health

  • Expanded access to preventive and curative dental care for vulnerable populations
  • Reduced the risk of untreated oral diseases through early detection and timely intervention.
  • Promoted healthier behaviors that support long-term reductions in dental decay, gum disease, and related complications.
  • Strengthened collaboration among schools, community institutions, and healthcare providers.
  • Improved quality of life by reducing pain, preventing disease progression, and encouraging lifelong oral-hygiene habits.

Associação Luz Para Todos – Santa Cruz

Partnership Role

An MoU was signed with Santa Cruz Municipality. The municipality is committed to providing a plot of land with utility access for construction of the polyclinic, as well as logistical and organizational support for the project’s medical missions, including identifying beneficiaries in Santa Cruz.

What’s Next?

Future Plans and Next Phase

1-Finalize the dental unit in the polyclinic.
2-Provide higher-quality dental treatment services to local communities.
3-Continue medical outreach convoys and awareness campaigns.
4-Reach the project’s targeted number of beneficiaries.

Be Part of Our Health Initiative

Every donation — large or small — becomes a spark of hope that lights another tomorrow.

This program is part of our Global Health & Medical Access Initiative, which works across multiple countries to expand access to essential healthcare, promote preventive care, and strengthen community health systems.

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