We have strengthened the network of health services in the region by supporting existing health centres and also constructing two new ones – one a centre for nutritional therapy, the other a nutritional assistance centre within Hospital Divina Providência. We created an emergency transportation system for patients in the municipality’s six districts and improved the technical, management and disease-control skills of healthcare staff by training doctors and paramedics.
We have provided refresher courses in gynaecology and obstetrics, paediatrics, nutrition and biology/laboratory work, as well as training sessions on specific aspects of maternal and child medicine. They have included theory classes, practical experience and participation at international conferences. Two-year specialisation courses in paediatrics were organised for local doctors at the Brazilian Institute in Luanda and short courses for doctors and paramedics were held in Recife in Brazil.
We have also strengthened and expanded medical services for mothers and children, including paediatric and prenatal appointments, vaccinations, diagnostic work and efforts to raise awareness in families of prevention and nutrition. The Eni Foundation was also committed to improving the health of women and children in Luanda, as well as reducing the incidence of preventable diseases and diseases caused by malnutrition. Over the course of three years, the Foundation increased access to treatment services with a paediatrics assistance service covering all stages of pregnancy and childbirth, including post-partum.
In March 2012, we opened the first new health centre, complete with furniture and healthcare equipment, in a project managed directly by the Eni Foundation. In December of the same year, we handed over the second facility. We organised training and refresher courses and trained healthcare staff to integrate systems for data collection and analysis in the municipality. The Eni Foundation also organised a number of healthcare sessions to teach mothers how to have a safe and healthy pregnancy.
