On April 21, 2006, a former staff member of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency’s (ADRA) office in Sao Tome and Principe, Dr. Arlindo Carvalho, was named Minister of Health for that country.

Carvalho joined ADRA in July of 2005, serving as the Health and Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Coordinator for its malaria-reduction program in the West African island republic.

During his tenure at ADRA, Carvalho organized Roll Back Malaria workshops and coordinated several malaria-reduction campaigns at the community level, assisted in preparing several health publications, and strongly contributed to the agency’s health strategic plan that will be implemented over the coming years. "We are very proud of Dr. Carvalho’s appointment,” says Emanuel G. da Costa, country director for ADRA Sao Tome and Principe. “This honor recognizes the quality of ADRA’s staff, and considering the excellence of his work, as well as his knowledge of the national health situation, and his strategic planning capacity, it comes as no surprise to us.

“Dr. Carvalho’s committed work will produce important improvements to the health situation of the country. ADRA looks forward to continuing and reinforcing its support of the Ministry of Health," da Costa finished. As Minister of Health, Dr. Carvalho will continue a close relationship with ADRA, and remains an active member of the ADRA Board of Directors.

ADRA has been present in Sao Tome and Principe since 1992, but became officially registered as an NGO in Sao Tome and Principe in 1998. The Sao Tome and Principe office works primarily in the areas of preventive health care, economic development, agriculture, and education.

ADRA is present in 125 countries, providing community development and emergency management without regard to political or religious association, age, or ethnicity.