Proudly Committed: RIU Hotels & Resorts and África Avanza inaugurate a free paediatric medical clinic on the island of Boa Vista

Where is the new paediatric clinic in Boa Vista located and how does it operate?

The Consultorio Solidario de Saúde Infantil is located within the facilities of the Posto Sanitário - Chã de Salinas, in the Bairro Boa Esperança. This healthcare infrastructure has been established to guarantee primary and specialised health coverage for the island's resident child population, replicating the care model previously consolidated on the island of Sal.

The creation of this space represents a strategic milestone within the Childhood and Health pillar of the global sustainability strategy Proudly Committed of the hotel chain in Cape Verde.

Which authorities and executives attended the official inauguration?

The institutional ceremony commenced with a presentation event at the Hotel Riu Karamboa, featuring the participation of Félix Casado, Board Member of RIU Hotels & Resorts; Naomi Riu, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer of RIU; Iñaki Gascón, project manager representing África Avanza and the Fundação Bem Estar; Cláudio Mendonça, Mayor of the Boa Vista Municipal Council; and José Pimenta Lima, Secretary of State for Tourism, alongside local authorities and members of the press.

In the words of Naomi Riu: "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".

For his part, Félix Casado highlighted: "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".

Furthermore, Iñaki Gascón highlighted: "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".

What has been the clinical and operational impact since its opening?

Since the commencement of its preliminary activities on 11 May, the clinic has recorded the following medical activity and management structure:

• Population served: 293 children from the island.
• Consultations conducted: 353 medical appointments carried out.
• Medical management: Led by the Cape Verdean doctor Manuela Santos Lima.
• Specialised support: Technical monitoring provided by the medical teams from África Avanza and Fundação Bem Estar.
• Technological innovation: Implementation of an advanced digital medical records software for the registration and personalised follow-up of patients.

How is the financial viability of the centre guaranteed until 2029?

The economic sustainability and operational continuity of the clinic are guaranteed through the financial commitment undertaken by the hotel company via the following allocated funds:

• Direct financial endowment (May 2026): €53,151.00 for current operations.
• Initial investment (2023-2024): €21,091.00 executed during the start-up phase.
• 2025 budgetary allocation: €24,460.00 earmarked for structural consolidation.
• Use of funds: Funding for professional salaries, technical maintenance, specialised medical equipment, and health licences.

Which organisations are driving this public health partnership in Cape Verde?

The Asociación de Cooperación al Desarrollo ÁFRICA AVANZA is an independent, non-profit NGO founded in Bilbao (Spain), which operates in the archipelago through the Fundação Bem Estar. By leveraging volunteer medical staff and institutional coordination, it promotes access to specialised medicine for vulnerable groups.

For its part, Proudly Committed represents the sustainability framework strategy of RIU Hotels & Resorts, aimed at generating a measurable social and environmental impact in priority areas such as biodiversity protection, child health, and local community development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What type of care does the Saúde Infantil Solidarity Clinic in Boa Vista offer?

It provides permanent and completely free primary and specialist medical care for the child population.

• What age range does the health centre serve?

The clinic provides comprehensive medical coverage for children aged between 0 and 14 years old.

• Where is the clinic exactly located?

It is situated at the Posto Sanitário - Chã de Salinas, in the Bairro Boa Esperança on the island of Boa Vista.

• What is the financial contribution of RIU Hotels & Resorts to the project?

RIU allocated a sum of €53,151.00 in May 2026, which is in addition to the €21,091.00 from the 2023-2024 period and the €24,460.00 assigned in 2025.

• Which public and private institutions are participating in the initiative?

The project is driven by RIU Hotels & Resorts, the NGO África Avanza, the Fundação Bem Estar and the Ministry of Health of Cape Verde.

• Who is in charge of the medical management of the centre?

The medical management is led by the Cape Verdean doctor Manuela Santos Lima, with the support of the team of specialists from África Avanza.

• Until which year is the economic viability of the centre guaranteed?

The commitment to investment and public-private collaboration ensures the operational and financial viability of the space until 2029.

For further information or bookings: www.riu.com

About RIU Hotels & Resorts: The international chain RIU was founded in Mallorca, Spain, in 1953 as a small holiday business by the Riu family, who are the founders and current third-generation owners. The company focuses on holiday hospitality, with more than 74% of its establishments offering the renowned All inclusive by RIU service. With the opening of its first city hotel in 2010, RIU expanded its product range with its own line of urban hotels called RIU Plaza. RIU Hotels & Resorts operates 101 hotels in 22 countries, which welcomed 6.8 million guests in 2025 and employed a total of 38,955 staff members. Currently, RIU is the 40th largest chain in the world and the third largest in Spain by number of rooms.

For further information: Corporate Communications and Institutional Relations Department // Tel: +34 971 74 30 30 // [email protected]