Health care in Cabo Verde

Health precautions in Cabo Verde for island visitors

Cabo Verde is known for its health and well-being standards within the African continent. To ensure a safe and pleasant journey, it's essential to be aware of some health and preventive measures, including how to handle potential medical emergencies.

When planning your trip to Cabo Verde, we recommend following the advice provided on this page.

Medical consultation before travelling to Cabo Verde

Many countries offer a “Travel Consultation” service. This consultation is extremely useful and should ideally be booked 1 to 2 months before your trip.

During the travel consultation, you will receive essential information about preventive health measures to consider before, during, and after your journey. These measures are tailored to the travel destination as well as the traveller's characteristics.

Preventive measures include information on:

• Vaccination;
• Hygiene and precautions with water and food;
• Medications and pharmacy prescriptions;
• Medical assistance;
• Accident risks and safety.

If the “Travel Consultation” is not available in your country, it's advisable to seek advice from a healthcare professional for guidance suited to your profile.

Vaccines for travelling to Cabo Verde

While no vaccinations are mandatory for entry into Cabo Verde, travellers are advised to be up-to-date with their home country's vaccination schedule.

Recommended vaccines include Tetanus, Hepatitis A, and Typhoid Fever. Depending on the traveller's risk profile, Diphtheria, Meningitis, and Hepatitis B vaccines may also be considered.

An international certificate of vaccination for Yellow Fever is required for travellers over one year of age arriving from a destination (or transit) within a Yellow Fever risk zone.

Protection against mosquitoes in Cabo Verde

Two main diseases can be transmitted through mosquito bites: Malaria, a parasitic disease, and Dengue, a viral infection.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has certified Cabo Verde as malaria-free. 

However, there is still a risk of Dengue, especially in more urban areas. Therefore, it is advisable to take precautions against insect bites, such as using repellents.

Overall, Cabo Verde's dry climate and sanitary conditions significantly reduce the risk of insect-borne disease transmission.

Food and water precautions in Cabo Verde

To avoid common health issues during travel, prefer bottled mineral water over tap water and avoid adding ice to drinks.

Most hotels and restaurants across the islands adhere to stringent hygiene standards. However, it is advisable to choose well-cooked foods and avoid eating salads or pre-peeled fruits. Opt for bottled beverages over natural juices.

Remember to wash your hands before meals and use bottled water when brushing your teeth.

Proteção solar

Cabo Verde, with its dry tropical climate, can reach temperatures above 32°C, particularly from August to October.

To prevent sunburn, use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30, as recommended by health authorities in various countries. Additionally, use sunglasses and hats to protect your face.

Avoid direct sun exposure during peak heat hours and ensure proper hydration. Special care should be taken with children.

Travel pharmacy kit

Before travelling to Cabo Verde, prepare a "pharmacy kit." Include essentials such as painkillers, anti-diarrhoeal tablets, repellents, disinfectants (alcohol gel), and plasters.

For travellers who take regular or chronic medication, it is advisable to bring extra supplies. A good practice is to split these medications between hand luggage and checked luggage. This way, you'll always have your medication in case of loss.

Health or travel insurance

Whenever you travel abroad, it's advisable to have Health Insurance to cover potential medical needs, especially when travelling with children.

In general, travellers opt for Travel Insurance that can cover health-related risks, including medical assistance (including dental expenses), repatriation (of injured or sick individuals), hotel convalescence, among others.

These insurances may also cover other risks such as baggage theft or damage, reimbursements for delays, and personal accident risks related to adventure sports.

Hospitals and Health Services in Cabo Verde

In addition to the recommendations mentioned above, it’s also important to know what to do in case of an emergency during your stay in Cabo Verde.

Pharmacies in Cabo Verde

Pharmacies in Cabo Verde are well-stocked with basic medicines and staffed with skilled professionals.

However, if you take chronic or regular medication, it's advised to bring a sufficient supply for the duration of your stay.

Here, you can access the network of pharmacies in Cabo Verde, including those that offer 24-hour services.

Hospitals in Cabo Verde

The public hospitals in Cabo Verde are:

• Dr. Agostinho Neto Central Hospital, Santiago Island: +238 26121 42
• Dr. Santa Rita Vieira Regional Hospital, Santiago Island: +238 265 76 00
• Dr. Baptista de Sousa Central Hospital, São Vicente Island: +238 232 85 28
• Dr. João Morais Regional Hospital, Santo Antão Island: +238 221 13 37
• Dr. Ramiro Figueira Regional Hospital, Sal Island: +238 241 11 30
• Sal Rei Hospital, Boa Vista Island: +238 251 11 67
• São Francisco de Assis Regional Hospital, Fogo Island: +238 281 26 85

Here, you have access to the list of Hospitals and Health Centres in Cabo Verde. 

While Central and Regional Hospitals handle more severe cases due to their greater concentration of technical and human resources, Health Centres are designed for less serious health issues.

For severe health problems, it is recommended to go directly to a hospital.

If medical evacuation outside the country is necessary, the costs will be borne by the traveller or their insurance if it includes international medical evacuation. For travellers from continents other than Africa, travel insurance with intercontinental evacuation is advisable.

In addition to public hospitals, Cabo Verde also has private medical facilities offering consultations in various specialties, including Dentistry, and laboratory tests.

In case of emergency, dial 112.