The Minister of Health, Filomena Gonçalves, called for international “solidarity” for the country to face the risk of a resurgence of diseases, two days after scientists announced that 2023 was the hottest year on record. “Cabo Verde is one of the small island states most affected by climate change,” she said, in an interview with Lusa.

“We already have signs, such as dengue fever. There is a greater spread, and one of the causes of its appearance, with such force, has to do with the fact that there is an increase in temperature caused by climate change,” she added. The disease resurfaced in the country at the beginning of November, and the situation “is under control”, she said, noting that it is confined to “one or two daily cases” on Fogo Island, south of the archipelago.

The vigilance and action of the health authorities should eradicate the outbreak soon, the minister estimated, noting that solidarity will be necessary for future challenges.

Source: “Balai Cabo Verde”/Lusa