RIU Opens Free Children's Health Clinic on Boa Vista - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

RIU Hotels & Resorts, together with the NGO África Avanza, Fundação Bem Estar and Cape Verde's Ministry of Health, has officially opened a free paediatric medical clinic on the island of Boa Vista. The new Consultório Solidário de Saúde Infantil (CSSI) offers universal healthcare for children from birth to the age of 14 and represents the latest initiative under RIU's Proudly Committed sustainability programme.

Located within the Posto Sanitário - Chã de Salinas health centre in the Boa Esperança district, the clinic has been created to provide both primary and specialised medical care for the island's young residents. The project follows a healthcare model already established on the neighbouring island of Sal.

Partnership brings together public and private sectors

The inauguration began with a presentation at Hotel Riu Karamboa attended by representatives of RIU Hotels & Resorts, África Avanza, Fundação Bem Estar, the Boa Vista Municipal Council, the Cape Verdean government and local authorities.

"This project stems directly from the special sensitivity the Riu family holds for childhood within the communities where we operate. We would like to express our gratitude for the work of África Avanza, the Fundação Bem Estar and the Ministry of Health, whose joint efforts have been fundamental in bringing this purpose to fruition," said Naomi Riu, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer of RIU Hotels & Resorts.

Félix Casado, Board Member of RIU Hotels & Resorts, described the clinic as the continuation of a successful partnership model.

"The opening of this space is not an isolated action, but rather the consolidation of a successful model. It demonstrates that public-private collaboration and working hand-in-hand with the social fabric is the most transformative path to generating a real impact," he said.

Iñaki Gascón, project manager representing África Avanza and Fundação Bem Estar, added: "The Consultório Solidário de Saúde Infantil in Boa Vista is a much-needed and long-awaited project for the health of our children. At África Avanza, we continue to work towards improving the quality of life for the population of Cape Verde."

Hundreds of children already treated

Although officially inaugurated this month, the clinic began operating on 11 May. Since then, it has provided medical care to 293 children and carried out 353 consultations.

The facility is led by Cape Verdean physician Manuela Santos Lima, supported by medical teams from África Avanza and Fundação Bem Estar. An advanced electronic medical records system has also been introduced to improve patient registration and long-term follow-up.

Funding secured through 2029

RIU has committed long-term financial support to ensure the clinic's continued operation. The company has allocated €53,151 for operational costs in 2026, following an initial investment of €21,091 during the start-up phase in 2023 and 2024 and a further €24,460 provided in 2025 to strengthen the project.

The funding covers medical staff salaries, technical maintenance, specialised medical equipment and healthcare licensing, providing a stable financial foundation for the clinic through 2029.

The project forms part of RIU's Proudly Committed sustainability strategy, which focuses on creating measurable social and environmental benefits through initiatives supporting biodiversity, child health and the development of local communities.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration