World Report

Unicef has placed Angola in first place for education growth rate in 2005.

ince the signing of the peace treaty in 2002, President dos Santos and his administration have been keenly aware of the importance of the post-war transition stage in determining the future outcome of the country. Consequently, government efforts to consolidate national unity have been substantial and concentrated not only on resettlement and reintegration of the displaced and the former soldiers, but also on reaching out to the country as a whole. “We are a single people and a single nation,” states Minister of Culture Boaventura Cardoso, citing the government’s slogan promoting political unity. “This does not mean that we are excluding the great diversity of culture that exists within Angolan borders. We have various ethnic groups with various cultures and languages but also with a common project – the construction of an Angolan nation.”

Accordingly, Mr Cardosa says that the Ministry of Culture has a vital part to play in the creation of an inclusive national identity. Funding is being provided for projects ranging from artistic training and the preservation of natural and cultural heritage to the organisation of festivals. Simultaneously, the ministry is working to support the nation’s budding artists and to revive the music recording, publishing and cinema industries.

Boaventura Cardoso Minister of Culture

“We have various cultures and languages but also a common project”

Albertina Júlia Hamukuaya Minister of Health

“The country wants to ensure access to at least basic health services ”

The government has also been ceaseless in its efforts to widen the provision of social services. New programmes are being implemented practically on a daily basis, and much progress has been made. Unicef’s State of World’s Children report for 2005 placed Angola in first place for education growth rate. A million children have enrolled since the government launched its Back to School campaign in 2003, and more than 30,000 teachers have been recruited.

Likewise, the number of medical doctors in Angola has increased from 708 in 2002 to 1,179 at the end of 2004. Hospitals have been rebuilt and temporary medical outposts established where the government has yet to build new medical facilities. Minister of Health Albertina Júlia Hamukuaya says that the country’s main priority is to ensure that all Angolans have access to at least basic healthcare until the health network has been completely restored. Other concerns are endemic diseases and infant mortality. A child vaccination programme has been carried out throughout the country and a comprehensive national campaign for HIV awareness and treatment has been launched.