The Role of Youth in Advancing Medical Practice and Policy in Cape Verde: A Short Report

The engagement of young professionals is considered important for health sector innovation. In Africa, the specific contributions of youth within medical systems require further description. This report focuses on the role of young medical practitioners and students in Cape Verde. This short report aims to describe and analyse the contributions of youth to medical practice and health policy development in Cape Verde. It seeks to identify their primary areas of influence and the mechanisms of their engagement with the health sector. This is a descriptive, non-empirical report synthesising observations and documented initiatives from professional networks, youth-led health organisations, and academic institutions in Cape Verde. It draws on available programme reports and stakeholder commentaries. Young health professionals were instrumental in advocating for and implementing community-based health education, particularly in sexual and reproductive health. A key finding was their role as catalysts for integrating digital health tools into clinical practice. They have also formed advocacy groups influencing national policy discussions on medical training and workforce retention. Youth in Cape Verde are active contributors to clinical practice and health policy discourse. Their involvement strengthens community health outreach and drives the adoption of new technologies within the medical field. Formalise channels for youth representation in medical policy-making bodies. Invest in leadership and advocacy training for young medical professionals. Encourage intergenerational mentorship programmes to sustain youth-led innovations. Youth engagement, Medical practice, Health policy, Cape Verde, Africa, Medical education This report provides a focused overview of the role of youth in Cape Verde's medical sector, highlighting their practical and policy contributions for a regional readership.