Angola's Ministry of Health has announced a new initiative to improve hospital services and strengthen patient safety, with support from the World Health Organization (WHO).

The programme focuses on improving healthcare standards through professional training, hospital assessments, stronger technical committees and better monitoring of medical services.

The announcement followed a national workshop on healthcare quality and patient safety held on October 29 at the Cardeal Dom Alexandre do Nascimento Cardiopulmonary Diseases Hospital Complex in Luanda.

One of the main developments is a pilot hospital quality and accreditation programme, which is expected to deliver its first concrete results during the first quarter of 2027.

The initiative will help identify weaknesses in hospital operations, monitor improvements and establish corrective measures. It also aims to strengthen infection control, clinical audits, medicine safety and the overall organisation of healthcare facilities.

State Secretary for Hospital Affairs Leonardo Europeu Inocêncio stressed the importance of involving hospital directors, doctors, nurses, laboratory specialists and pharmacists in improving service delivery.

The WHO will provide technical assistance in two phases. The first includes consultations, hospital visits and a workshop, while a second phase is scheduled between February and April 2027, when an international specialist is expected to work directly with Angolan healthcare teams.

The initiative represents an important step towards improving the quality, safety and reliability of hospital care in Angola. Its progress will be closely watched as the country works to strengthen its healthcare system.