US-Based Doctors Launch Major Medical Mission in Cape Verde
A massive humanitarian effort led by the Society of Cape Verdean Physicians in the United States (SCVP-US) launched today, bringing over 70 healthcare professionals to the archipelago for a high-impact clinical mission. The initiative aims to tackle complex medical cases that typically require costly and life-altering medical evacuations to Europe.
Groundbreaking Surgeries and Specialized Care
The mission features a highly ambitious surgical oncology program designed to resolve cases that currently lack local solutions. “We are going to handle many complex cases awaiting medical evacuation, such as liver and ovarian tumors,” stated Júlio Teixeira, president of the SCVP-US.
In a historic move for the nation’s healthcare system, the team plans to perform Cape Verde’s first mastectomy with immediate breast reconstruction. This procedure aims to mitigate the physical and psychological impact of breast cancer surgery. The mission will also introduce advanced techniques in liver surgery and the treatment of sarcomas.
A Multi-Island Approach to Critical Care
Running through April 24, the delegation includes surgeons, nurses, psychologists, and technicians working simultaneously across the islands of Santiago, Sal, Fogo, São Vicente, Brava, Santo Antão, and São Nicolau. Key focuses include:
- Ophthalmology: Large-scale cataract surgeries to combat preventable blindness.
- Cardiology: An aggressive screening program for rheumatic heart disease, with a goal of performing up to 150 echocardiograms per day on each island.
- Specialized Response: Establishing new protocols for managing cardiac arrhythmias.
Reducing the Burden of Medical Evacuations
The timing of this mission is critical. Health Minister Jorge Figueiredo recently revealed that medical transfers to Portugal have tripled between 2023 and early 2025. While the bilateral agreement with Portugal stipulates 300 transfers annually, that number has surged to approximately 900 due to local gaps in cardiology, oncology, and ophthalmology.
To address this dependence, the Cape Verdean government is launching specialized training for local doctors in six key areas this year. Furthermore, progress is expected on the construction of the €210 million National Hospital of Cape Verde (HNCV). This state-of-the-art facility is designed to provide advanced services that currently do not exist in the country.
Future Partnerships: Transplants and Beyond
Following Cape Verde’s first successful kidney transplant in March—conducted in partnership with Portugal—Teixeira expressed his association’s readiness to help build a permanent transplant program. “I worked in the transplant field for over 25 years,” Teixeira said. “It would not be difficult to support that program as long as there is interest. We are available to collaborate regularly.”
Image: Pexels – Turan Kaymaz
