Planning and Statistics: The Silent Engine Sustaining Health in Huíla

This Wednesday’s “Vamos Falar de Saúde” program brought to the center of the debate a topic that is often invisible, but crucial: the challenges of planning and statistics in the health sector. The guest, Dr. Elizabeth José, Head of the Planning, Statistics and Human Resources Department of the Huíla Provincial Health Office, began by emphasizing that behind every consultation, diagnosis, or medical intervention lies a complex mechanism of management and organization. The department she leads plays a strategic role, coordinating human resources, assets, and the implementation of public policies, in direct connection with the Provincial Health Directorate.

Among the main challenges, she highlighted:

  • The shortage of qualified professionals
  • High absenteeism, particularly in rural areas

The difficulty in retaining staff in remote areas continues to be influenced by cultural factors and the limited prospects for career progression. In response, the Executive has reinforced incentives, such as isolation allowances, to attract and retain professionals in these regions.

In a sign of commitment to the future, the existence of a specialized center serving the provinces of Huíla and Namibe was highlighted, with 114 professionals currently in training in crucial areas such as pediatrics, community health, medical-surgical specialties, and clinical analysis.

In terms of services, the province has 317 health units, including 6 provincial hospitals, demonstrating a significant network, although pressured by increasing demand.

The final message was clear: improving the health system is a shared responsibility. Users must take an active role, utilizing the available complaint and dialogue channels to contribute to building more efficient, humane services that better meet the needs of the population.

From Surveillance to Vaccination: The Role of Public Health in Protecting Communities

Public health is one of those invisible gears that keep a society functioning. When everything is going well, almost no one notices. When it fails, the impact is immediate. This week’s “Vamos Falar de Saúde” program focused precisely on this behind-the-scenes aspect of collective health, with the participation of the Head of the Public Health Department, Kama Sandra Chimuco.

At the beginning of the conversation, she explained that the Public Health Department works on a dimension that is often less visible in medicine: the health of the community as a whole. Instead of treating only the individual patient, the focus is on preventing problems before they turn into crises. To this end, the work is based on three fundamental pillars:

1.Epidemiological surveillance and disease monitoring

2.Health promotion and prevention within communities

3.Strategic organization of health services.

One of the central themes addressed was the cholera situation. According to Kama Sandra Chimuco, the outbreak has shown signs of slowing down, but the state of alert must be maintained. She highlighted a positive piece of data: the municipality of Lubango has not registered any new cases recently. Even so, she reinforced that the absence of cases does not mean that precautions can be abandoned, since continuous prevention is the best way to avoid new outbreaks.

Another interesting point of the conversation was the role of communication in public health. In many communities, the language barrier hindered the transmission of prevention messages, especially when the information was disseminated only in Portuguese. This challenge has been overcome with the integration of specialists in national languages ​​into health teams, allowing information to reach the population clearly and effectively and strengthening local surveillance and early disease detection systems.

During the program, rabies vaccination was also discussed. In the municipality of Lubango, more than 1,146 cases of animal attacks were registered, the highest rate in the province. Despite this, all patients received assistance. The official advised that, in case of an attack, it is crucial to immediately seek medical attention at a hospital and provide important information, such as the type of animal attacking and whether it was vaccinated.

Regarding routine vaccinations, the province is prepared to meet the demand. The appeal was directed to parents and guardians: rigorously adhering to children’s vaccination schedules remains one of the most effective ways to protect public health.

In closing, Kama Sandra Chimuco acknowledged that the public health sector still faces challenges, but emphasized the significant progress made over the years. She therefore reaffirmed her commitment to continue improving care, surveillance, and response to health needs in all hospital units in the province.

Ultimately, the logic of public health is almost philosophical: small actions repeated by many people produce large effects on society. Washing hands, vaccinating a child, storing water safely—simple gestures that, added together, make an entire community more resistant to disease.

Health Beyond the Hospital: Who Decides the Policies That Impact Your Life?

When we talk about public health, we’re not just referring to consultations, medications, or surgeries. We’re talking about structural decisions, planning, and determinants that begin long before someone enters a hospital.

In the first edition of March, the program “Vamos Falar de Sáude” featured Dr. Paulo Miguel Luvangamo, Director of the Provincial Health Office, former head of the INEMA department for six years, and specialist in Occupational Medicine.

The conversation began by explaining the role of the Provincial Health Office. This structure defines health policies at the provincial level, plans and manages health units, and coordinates four departments responsible for the functioning of the system. In other words: before the service, there is organization. Before the consultation, there is strategy.

Dr. Luvangamo also explained the three levels of hospital units—primary, secondary, and tertiary care—and helped to understand a frequent phenomenon: the overload of the Lubango Central Hospital.

According to the director, many of the problems faced by the unit—including failures in the public telephone service—are linked to the high number of patients. And why does this happen? Because there is still a shortage of dedicated primary care units in neighborhoods like Comandante Cowboy and other regions.

When the first level fails or is insufficient, the third level overflows.

Despite the challenges, Lubango Central Hospital is now the second hospital in the country to obtain international quality certification—a fact that demonstrates significant progress in the organization and standardization of services.

The conversation then moved to an essential point in health education: the determinants of health.

Determinants of health are the social, economic, environmental, and educational factors that influence people’s health status. It is not only the presence of hospitals that defines the well-being of the population. It is also the level of education, access to information, sanitation conditions, family income, and cultural habits.

Dr. Luvangamo highlighted two major provincial challenges: low investment in the sector and weak health education among the population. The most deficient area continues to be primary care services—precisely the ideal entry point for a balanced health system.

Another critical point addressed was technical training. Every year, professionals are trained in Brazil and Portugal with the aim of improving the quality of services. Even so, the shortage of technicians directly impacts the efficiency of operating rooms in municipalities such as Caluquembe, Matala, and the Olga Cháves hospital unit.

The practical message from this edition is clear: public health begins with prevention and the correct use of services. Seeking primary care first, valuing health education, and understanding how the system works are attitudes that help reduce hospital overload and improve care for all.

By promoting this dialogue with provincial health leaders, the Liberatos Group reinforces its commitment to health education and to bringing public management and the community closer together. Informing is also caring.

March begins with a strategic reflection: to improve the health of the population, it is necessary to look beyond the hospital walls and understand the structures that support the entire system.

Registration with ANPG Consolidates Liberatos Group’s Expansion in the Energy Sector

Liberatos Manuntec Lda, a company belonging to the Liberatos Group, has received a Registration Certificate issued by the National Agency of Petroleum, Gas and Biofuels (ANPG), a document that confirms its formal registration in the oil and gas sector in Angola.

The certificate attests that the company is registered with the regulatory body, in accordance with applicable legislation, and consolidates institutional credibility and opens new opportunities for action in the energy market.

In a highly regulated and technically demanding sector, registration with the ANPG is a fundamental requirement for providing services and participating in activities related to the oil industry. This means that Liberatos Manuntec, Lda now meets the formal conditions to collaborate with operators and partners in the sector, strengthening its strategic positioning and its capacity for expansion.

The impact is clear:

For clients, it increases confidence in the company’s legal and technical compliance.

For employees, it opens up a horizon of professional growth in one of the most relevant sectors of the Angolan economy.

For the community, it represents the consolidation of a national company aligned with regulatory standards and prepared to actively contribute to economic development.

In a context where formalization, transparency, and technical qualification are crucial for business sustainability, this certificate symbolizes commitment, responsibility, and a vision for the future.

The next natural step is to transform this provisional recognition into definitive certification, further strengthening Liberatos Manuntec, Lda’s presence in the national energy sector and expanding its market impact.

Learn more about ANPG here: https://anpg.co.ao/

The influence of the hospital environment on patient recovery, as discussed in “Vamos Falar de Saúde”

The radio program “Vamos Falar de Saúde” addressed the topic “The Influence of the Hospital Environment on Patient Recovery” today, featuring nurse Zonaid Chipinga.

During her presentation, the guest emphasized that patient recovery depends not only on medication or clinical procedures, but also on the environment in which care is provided. She explained that it is fundamental that the hospital environment be welcoming from the beginning to the end of hospitalization, contributing to a faster and more efficient recovery.

The nurse stressed that when a patient leaves their home environment for the hospital, they naturally face an adaptation process. At this time, the attitude of healthcare professionals becomes crucial. Attentive and humanized care promotes emotional stability, while negative or indifferent attitudes can generate anxiety and even worsen the clinical condition.

The importance of humanization in care was reinforced, promoting healthy interaction between family and patient, as well as between patients, family members, and healthcare professionals. This bond of trust allows everyone to feel safer, more protected, and more optimistic about the recovery process.

During the program, listener Benita de Deus participated to thank and praise the good care she received at the psychiatric hospital, highlighting the importance of dignified and respectful care in the therapeutic process.

The broadcast reinforced the need for continuous investment in the quality of the hospital environment, recognizing it as an essential factor for the health and well-being of patients.

Learn more about the February programs here: https://liberatos.co.ao/acoes-sociais/educacao-em-saude-impacto-real-na-comunidade/

Liberatos Group reinforces efficiency in fuel distribution with technology implemented in 2025.

Since January 2025, the Liberatos Group has been operating with a technological fleet management and monitoring system, enhancing efficiency and safety in fuel distribution.

All vehicles are equipped with GPS devices integrated with control software, allowing for real-time tracking, route optimization, and greater accuracy in operational management. The solution has brought significant gains in logistics organization, operational control, and transparency of the service provided.

The implementation of this technology represents a strategic step in modernizing internal processes, aligning the Liberatos Group’s operations with best management and innovation practices in the energy sector.

Trauma and its impact on adult life highlighted on “Vamos Falar de Saúde”

Today, the radio program “Vamos Falar de Saúde” addressed a profound and necessary topic: the influence of life trauma on mental health. The guest was psychologist Ana Ngueve, who offered clear insights into how our experiences shape the way we face challenges throughout life.

Right at the start, the expert pointed out that many of the experiences that mark adulthood originate in childhood. She explained that it is in the family environment and early relationships that the emotional foundations are laid that determine whether an event will be experienced as traumatic or not. In a clinical context, she said, it is often found that the root of anxiety and depression is linked to early family experiences.

When defining the concept of trauma, the psychologist made an important point: “Not everything is trauma. There is a growing tendency to dramatize difficult events. Situations such as a separation, for example, can be painful, but they need to be understood and processed in a healthy way, avoiding the crystallization of suffering.”

During the program, the impact of trauma on the development of anxiety and depression was discussed. The professional explained that treatment is multidisciplinary and begins in the family, supported by the so-called “therapeutic triangle”: patient, family, and health professionals. Social support, she emphasized, makes all the difference in the recovery process. In more advanced cases, medication may be necessary, always in conjunction with psychological counseling.

When asked about the consequences in adulthood of childhood trauma, such as abuse, the psychologist explained that, in some situations, it is necessary to promote a kind of “reframing” of experiences, helping the patient to reconstruct the meaning of what they have lived through, so that they do not remain stuck in the past. She also highlighted the importance of removing feelings of guilt, an essential element in overcoming trauma.

Another question raised was whether only psychological trauma can cause suffering of this nature. The expert clarified that this is not the case, since physical and contextual experiences can also have significant emotional impacts.

The psychologist also emphasized that dialogue is the main tool for identifying psychological problems. In addition to psychotherapy, practices such as leisure and physical exercise are mechanisms.

The edition reinforced the message that understanding one’s own experiences is a fundamental step in promoting mental health, reminding us that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but of awareness and self-care.

Liberatos Group Launches New Vehicle Painting Service

The Liberatos Group is strengthening its portfolio of solutions with the launch of a vehicle painting service, expanding its operations in the automotive sector.

The new service includes general painting, touch-ups, body damage repair, and aesthetic renovation, focusing on quality of finish, durability, and surface protection. This initiative arises in response to the growing demand for specialized services that combine technique, precision, and responsibility.

With a qualified team and processes suited to the sector’s demands, the Liberatos Group now offers a complete solution for clients seeking to restore, enhance, or personalize their vehicles.

For more information about our vehicle painting service, follow our pages or visit our facilities.

“Vamos Falar de Saúde” Warns About the Risks of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Today’s edition of the radio program “Let’s Talk About Health” discussed Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, with explanations from Dr. Estevão Manuel, warning about the dangers of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.

Answering listeners’ questions, the specialist explained that even when the pregnant woman does not feel intoxicated, alcohol crosses the placenta and directly affects the fetus. Consumption during pregnancy can also cause complications during childbirth, in addition to increasing the risk of developmental problems.

According to the doctor, babies exposed to alcohol in the womb may present physical alterations, cognitive difficulties, behavioral problems, and growth delays, effects that can accompany the child throughout their life.

The program reinforced that there is no safe amount of alcohol during pregnancy, highlighting the importance of information and prevention for maternal and child health.

Maternal Mental Health in Debate: “Vamos Falar de Saúde” Addressed Postpartum Depression with Psychotic Features

In this week’s edition, the program “Let’s Talk About Health” addressed one of the most serious conditions in maternal mental health: postpartum depressive disorder with psychotic features. Dr. Joaquim Cipriano explained that it goes beyond the common sadness after the birth of a baby, and can involve profound thought disorders, delusions, hallucinations, and risks for both mother and child.

During the broadcast, listeners actively participated. An anonymous listener questioned whether treatment becomes more difficult when a woman experiences postpartum depression multiple times. The specialist explained that recurrence can increase the risk and require more rigorous monitoring, reinforcing the importance of continuous medical follow-up.

Another question raised was whether the treatment of postpartum psychosis can separate the mother from the baby for a long time. The doctor clarified that, in some more serious cases, temporary hospitalization may be necessary to ensure the safety of the mother and child, but the goal of treatment is always to re-establish the bond in a safe and healthy way.

Listener Madalena sought to understand the causes and symptoms of postpartum depression. Hormonal, emotional, and social factors were highlighted, as well as warning signs such as persistent sadness, sleep disturbances, intense feelings of guilt, disorganized thoughts, and, in psychotic episodes, delusions or hallucinations.

The program reiterated that postpartum depression is a clinical condition that requires medical attention and family support, and that it is essential to break the silence and seek timely specialized help.