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Brazil, Angola launch human resources training program

There are 3,620 openings available for training Angolan professionals
Paula Laboissière
Published on 24/04/2024 - 11:18
Agência Brasil - Brasília
Palácio do Itamaraty na Esplanada dos Ministérios
© Fabio Rodrigues Pozzebom/Agência Brasil

Brazil and Angola jointly launched on Tuesday (Apr. 23), in Brasília, the Human Resources in Health Training Program, uniting the efforts of both nations. This technical-educational cooperation initiative aims to bolster the African country's public health system.

The project is coordinated by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency (ABC), under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Education, and the Brazilian Hospital Services Company.

In a statement, the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that the request was put forth by the Angolan government during President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's visit to the country in August last year. Subsequently, in November, a binational workshop on training human resources in health was held in Luanda, the Angolan capital.

"Angola’s national health system faces challenges such as the scarcity and uneven distribution of skilled human resources across urban and rural areas, exacerbated in recent years by the exponential population growth," stated the Brazilian ministry.

The program provides the training of Angolan professionals in hospitals affiliated with training institutions identified by the Brazilian Hospital Services Company and the Ministry of Health. Various teaching modalities are offered, including fellowships (akin to residencies), doctorates, master's degrees, specializations, advanced training, and supplementary internships.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Brazilian institutions have thus far accepted approximately 200 Angolan health professionals into their educational programs. Among the 3,620 available slots, 500 are allocated for in-person instruction, while 3,120 are designated for distance learning courses.

The slots have been allocated by 28 Brazilian public educational institutions. The ministry stated, "Additional institutions are anticipated to join the initiative, thereby expanding the available slots."