Health Services & Regulations

Cape Verde has made considerable progress in terms of health in recent years. Malaria is being eliminated, and other diseases such as diphtheria, polio, tetanus and measles have been successfully combated.

Despite health improvements in the Cape Verdean health system, the standard of national health services can differ greatly from their country of origin. The Cape Verdean health system is mostly public, with service fees. The amount paid by non-nationals, as in other countries, is different (more expensive).

Health Services in Cape Verde

Cape Verde currently has six public hospitals. All the islands have doctors and nurses.

Two central hospitals provide the most specialized services:

• Agostinho Neto Hospital, Praia, Santiago Island
• Dr. Baptista de Sousa Hospital, Mindelo, island of São Vicente

The four regional hospitals, smaller than the central ones, respond to local demand and less specialized services:

• Dr. João Morais Hospital, Ribeira Grande, island of Santo Antão
• Ramiro Alves Figueira Hospital, Espargos, Sal Island
• Santa Rita Vieira Regional Hospital, Assomada, Santiago Norte
• São Francisco de Assis Hospital, São Filipe, Fogo

All the islands also have health centers for primary care and small emergencies. However, bear in mind that the infrastructure on the smaller islands is limited and it may be necessary to evacuate the patient to other islands depending on the severity of the illness.

In addition to the public government hospitals, there are private clinics on most of the islands.

 Some resorts have a basic medical center, or doctors available on call for guests.

In an emergency, call 112!

Pharmacies and medicines

There are pharmacies on all the islands, but they operate with limited opening hours on weekends and public holidays.

Some medicines may be limited or unavailable in local pharmacies, so always bring any medication you need in sufficient quantity for your stay.

It is advisable to bring some basic medicines such as antidiarrheals, antiallergics and painkillers, as well as useful items such as insect repellent and sunscreen.

Check out our guide on what to bring to Cape Verde as an extra aid when packing.

Vaccines and prophylactic medication

Cape Verde does not require any prophylactic medication to enter the country! However, vaccination against yellow fever is recommended; a yellow fever vaccination certificate may be required of visitors from countries endemic for the disease.

You should also make sure that your DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) vaccine is up to date.

For more information, consult your family doctor or local health authority.

NoteIn the event of more serious health problems (such as complex cases, or due to the needs of the patient), it may be necessary to medically evacuate the traveler to a neighboring country or the country of origin. This exceptional procedure is considerably expensive, so it is advisable to purchase travel medical insurance as a precaution, or to make sure you have sufficient funds for a possible emergency!