Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Mónica Seidi reiterates Azores’ commitment to health literacy
Mónica Seidi reiterates Azores’ commitment to health literacy
Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego
Azores Crafts Fair – Santo Cristo, May 8-14 at Portas do Mar
Azores Crafts Fair – Santo Cristo, May 8-14 at Portas do Mar
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Mónica Seidi highlights “inclusive and collaborative process” at first meeting of Working Group for setting up Azores Academic Clinical Centre
Mónica Seidi highlights “inclusive and collaborative process” at first meeting of Working Group for setting up Azores Academic Clinical Centre
Secretaria Regional da Saúde e Segurança Social
Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar to mark International Family Day
Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar to mark International Family Day
Nota de Imprensa
May 6, 2026 Mónica Seidi reiterates Azores’ commitment to health literacy The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended today the opening session of the training course “Health Literacy: A Regional Commitment,” an initiative organised under the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Health Literacy, as part of the Regional Health Plan 2030. In her speech, the Regional Secretary emphasised that this training represents a strategic priority for the Region, based on the assessment of health literacy in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the training of professionals, acknowledging their essential role as mediators between technical information and health users. “Health Literacy is now an indispensable tool for promoting more informed decisions and better health choices. Informing is empowering, and empowering is promoting health,” stated Mónica Seidi. The Regional Secretary also highlighted that communication is the main focus of Health Literacy, valuing health professionals as pillars of the Regional Health Service and recognising their mission not only in the provision of care, but also as messengers and ambassadors to the Azorean population. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the crucial role of primary healthcare, given its close ties to local communities. She also called for continued investment in community-based care, always in coordination with Island Health Centres and professionals trained to respond more effectively to the needs of local communities. In this context, the Regional Secretary for Health presented indicators reflecting the strengthened capacity of the Regional Health Service, highlighting that, as of March 31, 2026, the Azores had achieved 92% coverage of family doctors. Furthermore, since 2019, the Regional Health Service staff has increased by 581, including 250 nurses and 131 doctors. Over the course of this year, it is also planned to recruit a further 20 doctors for Primary Healthcare and 18 doctors for regional hospitals. The Regional Secretary pointed out that disease prevention and health promotion remain key goals of regional policy, noting that 56.4% of Azoreans assess their health as good or very good, whilst chronic morbidity indicators remain below the national average. “These figures encourage us to continue investing, innovating and strengthening strategies that place citizens at the heart of decision-making, promoting a healthier, better-informed and better-prepared Region for the future,” she concluded. The event is taking place at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Archives in a hybrid format and comprises a series of activities that will run until November, reinforcing health literacy as a regional priority.
May 6, 2026 Mónica Seidi reiterates Azores’ commitment to health literacy The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, attended today the opening session of the training course “Health Literacy: A Regional Commitment,” an initiative organised under the Regional Programme for the Promotion of Health Literacy, as part of the Regional Health Plan 2030. In her speech, the Regional Secretary emphasised that this training represents a strategic priority for the Region, based on the assessment of health literacy in the Autonomous Region of the Azores and the training of professionals, acknowledging their essential role as mediators between technical information and health users. “Health Literacy is now an indispensable tool for promoting more informed decisions and better health choices. Informing is empowering, and empowering is promoting health,” stated Mónica Seidi. The Regional Secretary also highlighted that communication is the main focus of Health Literacy, valuing health professionals as pillars of the Regional Health Service and recognising their mission not only in the provision of care, but also as messengers and ambassadors to the Azorean population. Mónica Seidi also highlighted the crucial role of primary healthcare, given its close ties to local communities. She also called for continued investment in community-based care, always in coordination with Island Health Centres and professionals trained to respond more effectively to the needs of local communities. In this context, the Regional Secretary for Health presented indicators reflecting the strengthened capacity of the Regional Health Service, highlighting that, as of March 31, 2026, the Azores had achieved 92% coverage of family doctors. Furthermore, since 2019, the Regional Health Service staff has increased by 581, including 250 nurses and 131 doctors. Over the course of this year, it is also planned to recruit a further 20 doctors for Primary Healthcare and 18 doctors for regional hospitals. The Regional Secretary pointed out that disease prevention and health promotion remain key goals of regional policy, noting that 56.4% of Azoreans assess their health as good or very good, whilst chronic morbidity indicators remain below the national average. “These figures encourage us to continue investing, innovating and strengthening strategies that place citizens at the heart of decision-making, promoting a healthier, better-informed and better-prepared Region for the future,” she concluded. The event is taking place at the Ponta Delgada Public Library and Archives in a hybrid format and comprises a series of activities that will run until November, reinforcing health literacy as a regional priority.
Nota de Imprensa
May 5, 2026 Azores Crafts Fair – Santo Cristo, May 8-14 at Portas do Mar The 2026 edition of the Azores Crafts Fair, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA), kicks off on Friday, May 8, as part of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Ponta Delgada. This edition marks the beginning of the new season of local crafts fairs associated with the Region's main summer festivities. It will feature 56 artisans from several islands of the archipelago, who will showcase works from a variety of traditional craft areas, such as plant fibres, embroidery, lace, whale bone, fish scales, "lapinha" (sea-themed) nativity scenes, jewellery, paper, figurative ceramics, wood, glass, figurines, shells, toy making and cake production, confectionery and sweets and honey production, amongst others. The craft works and sectors on display will include products registered under the “Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand from 23 Craft Production Units (UPAs), with five of them also bearing the Geographical Indication (GI) certification. These units will be presenting their Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres registos (representations) bearing the GI seal for the first time at this event. The Azores Crafts Fair - Santo Cristo 2026 will be part of the Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair (FICSA), an initiative organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada. It will take place at the Alameda Pavilhão do Mar in Portas do Mar. The event will be open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. on May 8; from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on May 9, 10, 11 and May 14; and from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on May 12 and 13. The Azores Crafts Fair cycle will then continue with the Sanjoaninas Festivities, on Terceira Island, from June 19 to 28; the Praia Festivities, on Terceira Island, from July 31 to August 9; and the Sea Week, on Faial Island, from July 31 to August 9. Also in August, the Azores Crafts Fair will be at the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities, on Graciosa Island, from August 6 to 11, and at Whalers’ Week, on Pico Island, from August 24 to 30, closing with the Christmas Fair from December 4 to 8, on São Miguel Island. The crafts week organised by CADA as part of the Velas Cultural Week on the island of São Jorge will take place from July 2 to 5. The event will feature a local market, various workshops and guided tours of local craft workshops. From June 27 June to July 5, Azorean Handicrafts will be represented at the International Crafts Fair (FIA) in Lisbon.
May 5, 2026 Azores Crafts Fair – Santo Cristo, May 8-14 at Portas do Mar The 2026 edition of the Azores Crafts Fair, promoted by the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA), kicks off on Friday, May 8, as part of the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities in Ponta Delgada. This edition marks the beginning of the new season of local crafts fairs associated with the Region's main summer festivities. It will feature 56 artisans from several islands of the archipelago, who will showcase works from a variety of traditional craft areas, such as plant fibres, embroidery, lace, whale bone, fish scales, "lapinha" (sea-themed) nativity scenes, jewellery, paper, figurative ceramics, wood, glass, figurines, shells, toy making and cake production, confectionery and sweets and honey production, amongst others. The craft works and sectors on display will include products registered under the “Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand from 23 Craft Production Units (UPAs), with five of them also bearing the Geographical Indication (GI) certification. These units will be presenting their Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres registos (representations) bearing the GI seal for the first time at this event. The Azores Crafts Fair - Santo Cristo 2026 will be part of the Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair (FICSA), an initiative organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada. It will take place at the Alameda Pavilhão do Mar in Portas do Mar. The event will be open from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. on May 8; from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m. on May 9, 10, 11 and May 14; and from 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. on May 12 and 13. The Azores Crafts Fair cycle will then continue with the Sanjoaninas Festivities, on Terceira Island, from June 19 to 28; the Praia Festivities, on Terceira Island, from July 31 to August 9; and the Sea Week, on Faial Island, from July 31 to August 9. Also in August, the Azores Crafts Fair will be at the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities, on Graciosa Island, from August 6 to 11, and at Whalers’ Week, on Pico Island, from August 24 to 30, closing with the Christmas Fair from December 4 to 8, on São Miguel Island. The crafts week organised by CADA as part of the Velas Cultural Week on the island of São Jorge will take place from July 2 to 5. The event will feature a local market, various workshops and guided tours of local craft workshops. From June 27 June to July 5, Azorean Handicrafts will be represented at the International Crafts Fair (FIA) in Lisbon.
Nota de Imprensa
May 5, 2026 Mónica Seidi highlights “inclusive and collaborative process” at first meeting of Working Group for setting up Azores Academic Clinical Centre The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, chaired today, via video link, the first meeting of the Working Group responsible for the creation of the Academic Clinical Centre in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, a multidisciplinary body established by Order no.843-A/2026 of April 22. This working group comprises representatives from the University of the Azores, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, the three regional hospitals, the Island Health Units and the Azores Oncology Centre, whose members were appointed by Order no. 954/2026 of April 30, reflecting a comprehensive, collaborative and strategic approach to assessing the requirements necessary for the creation of a leading Academic Clinical Centre in the Region. It is also important to note that this group includes members with direct experience in creating and developing other Academic Clinical Centres in the country, reinforcing the technical and strategic strength of this work. At the opening of the proceedings, Mónica Seidi emphasised that this process is based on close cooperation between the Government of the Azores and the University of the Azores, reiterating their shared commitment to building a solid, recognised project of excellence. "We are rigorously following all the necessary steps to ensure that the Azores can have an Academic Clinical Centre on a par with the best in the country, with the conditions, critical mass and capacity to match or even surpass other existing centres,” stated the Regional Secretary. She also emphasised that the strategic goal is to create a solid model that ensures high standards of training, research and clinical innovation, always guided by the overarching aim of improving the quality of healthcare provision in the Region. “This is an inclusive, participatory and unifying process, developed in collaboration with all relevant bodies. The Regional Government is fully committed to ensuring its success,” stated Mónica Seidi. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that the creation of an Academic Clinical Centre represents a strategic opportunity to further distinguish the Regional Health Service, enhance medical and academic training in the Region, attract talent, and establish the Azores as a hub for health innovation. The work now underway will involve analysing models, identifying conditions and presenting a specific proposal on the terms for the potential creation of this structure. The Regional Government intends to pursue this initiative with ambition, rigour and a forward-looking vision.
May 5, 2026 Mónica Seidi highlights “inclusive and collaborative process” at first meeting of Working Group for setting up Azores Academic Clinical Centre The Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, chaired today, via video link, the first meeting of the Working Group responsible for the creation of the Academic Clinical Centre in the Autonomous Region of the Azores, a multidisciplinary body established by Order no.843-A/2026 of April 22. This working group comprises representatives from the University of the Azores, the Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, the three regional hospitals, the Island Health Units and the Azores Oncology Centre, whose members were appointed by Order no. 954/2026 of April 30, reflecting a comprehensive, collaborative and strategic approach to assessing the requirements necessary for the creation of a leading Academic Clinical Centre in the Region. It is also important to note that this group includes members with direct experience in creating and developing other Academic Clinical Centres in the country, reinforcing the technical and strategic strength of this work. At the opening of the proceedings, Mónica Seidi emphasised that this process is based on close cooperation between the Government of the Azores and the University of the Azores, reiterating their shared commitment to building a solid, recognised project of excellence. "We are rigorously following all the necessary steps to ensure that the Azores can have an Academic Clinical Centre on a par with the best in the country, with the conditions, critical mass and capacity to match or even surpass other existing centres,” stated the Regional Secretary. She also emphasised that the strategic goal is to create a solid model that ensures high standards of training, research and clinical innovation, always guided by the overarching aim of improving the quality of healthcare provision in the Region. “This is an inclusive, participatory and unifying process, developed in collaboration with all relevant bodies. The Regional Government is fully committed to ensuring its success,” stated Mónica Seidi. The Regional Secretary also pointed out that the creation of an Academic Clinical Centre represents a strategic opportunity to further distinguish the Regional Health Service, enhance medical and academic training in the Region, attract talent, and establish the Azores as a hub for health innovation. The work now underway will involve analysing models, identifying conditions and presenting a specific proposal on the terms for the potential creation of this structure. The Regional Government intends to pursue this initiative with ambition, rigour and a forward-looking vision.
Nota de Imprensa
May 5, 2026 Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar to mark International Family Day The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), will organise a webinar on "Families in Transition" on May 15 at 10 a.m. to mark International Family Day. This initiative aims to encourage reflection on the changes in contemporary family dynamics, as well as the challenges facing parenting and the protection of children’s rights in constantly changing family contexts. The session will begin with a message from the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, followed by presentations from guest speakers. Miguel Vale de Almeida, PhD in Anthropology, professor at ISCTE-IUL and researcher at CRIA, will address the topic “From the traditional family to multiple contemporary configurations,” reflecting on the evolution of family models and the diversity of realities that exist today. Inês Afonso Marques is a clinical psychologist and child and adolescent psychotherapist, head of the child and adolescent department at Oficina de Psicologia (psychology clinic) and author of several books aimed at children, young people and adults. She will address the theme “Educating and caring in times of uncertainty: the challenges of parenting in the 21st century,” highlighting the demands and complexities associated with education and care in today’s world. In the third session, Maria Perquilhas, Judge at the Court of Appeal of Évora and lecturer at the Centre for Judicial Studies, will address “The best interests of the child in changing family contexts,” bringing a legal perspective on safeguarding children’s rights within different family structures. Following the presentations by guest speakers, there will be time for questions and discussion, moderated by the CAI Technical Coordinator, Carmen Ventura. Participation is free of charge; registration can be completed via the QR code on the event poster or via the following link: https://shre.ink/LkhG. The webinar is part of the strategy pursued by CAI to promote children’s rights, with a particular focus on supporting families, strengthening parenting skills and raising community awareness of the current challenges of parenting and family dynamics.
May 5, 2026 Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood promotes webinar to mark International Family Day The Regional Secretariat for Health and Social Security, through the Azores Commissioner's Office for Childhood (CAI), will organise a webinar on "Families in Transition" on May 15 at 10 a.m. to mark International Family Day. This initiative aims to encourage reflection on the changes in contemporary family dynamics, as well as the challenges facing parenting and the protection of children’s rights in constantly changing family contexts. The session will begin with a message from the Regional Secretary for Health and Social Security, Mónica Seidi, followed by presentations from guest speakers. Miguel Vale de Almeida, PhD in Anthropology, professor at ISCTE-IUL and researcher at CRIA, will address the topic “From the traditional family to multiple contemporary configurations,” reflecting on the evolution of family models and the diversity of realities that exist today. Inês Afonso Marques is a clinical psychologist and child and adolescent psychotherapist, head of the child and adolescent department at Oficina de Psicologia (psychology clinic) and author of several books aimed at children, young people and adults. She will address the theme “Educating and caring in times of uncertainty: the challenges of parenting in the 21st century,” highlighting the demands and complexities associated with education and care in today’s world. In the third session, Maria Perquilhas, Judge at the Court of Appeal of Évora and lecturer at the Centre for Judicial Studies, will address “The best interests of the child in changing family contexts,” bringing a legal perspective on safeguarding children’s rights within different family structures. Following the presentations by guest speakers, there will be time for questions and discussion, moderated by the CAI Technical Coordinator, Carmen Ventura. Participation is free of charge; registration can be completed via the QR code on the event poster or via the following link: https://shre.ink/LkhG. The webinar is part of the strategy pursued by CAI to promote children’s rights, with a particular focus on supporting families, strengthening parenting skills and raising community awareness of the current challenges of parenting and family dynamics.
Nota de Imprensa
May 5, 2026 Regional Government brings youth, skills training and employment programmes to Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair – FICSA The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment (SRJHE) will be present at the next edition of the Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair – FICSA 2026, which takes place from May 8 to 14 at Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada, an annual event organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada. This institutional participation will be coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment and the Regional Directorate for Youth. It is intended to “raise public awareness of policies concerning youth, training, employment and skills development in the Region,” explained Maria João Carreiro. According to the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, the SRJHE stand will be an “open public service desk” to provide information on traineeship programmes, support for recruitment and professional retraining, as well as training opportunities in the Region, or youth mobility and volunteering programmes. “Our aim in taking part in this event is to bring citizens and businesses closer to the incentives and opportunities for qualification as well as training and employability available in the Azores, encouraging young people and workers to invest in their training and skills,” stated the government official. The SRJHE stand will be part of the “Qualifications Area” at FICSA. It will also feature a section promoting Vocational Education in Vocational Schools, as part of the “Your First Choice” campaign, which is run annually by the SRJHE to raise awareness among school-aged young people about the opportunities provided by this educational path and the application period for training programmes available at vocational schools. The courses for the 2026–2029 training cycle available at the 16 regional vocational schools and at the Azores Training Centre will be presented during FICSA, whose this year's edition is dedicated to employment and qualifications. Every day, the SRJHE stand will also hold sessions on “Your First Choice LAB – Discovering Careers,” featuring live and interactive demonstrations of occupations and career fields conducted by students from Azorean vocational schools. "When they see firsthand how people work or what they learn in a particular professional field, young people are better able to understand what each career path entails and identify areas of interest that they would often not discover from theory alone. These demonstrations are important in helping them make more informed decisions aligned with their interests," defended Maria João Carreiro. The schedule for the “A Your First Choice LAB” sessions can be found on the “Vocational Training and Employment in the Azores” and “Azores Youth” Facebook pages. FICSA, held annually during the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities, features this year 122 business stands and 56 craft stands, run by the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores, under the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment.
May 5, 2026 Regional Government brings youth, skills training and employment programmes to Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair – FICSA The Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment (SRJHE) will be present at the next edition of the Azores Industry, Trade and Services Fair – FICSA 2026, which takes place from May 8 to 14 at Portas do Mar in Ponta Delgada, an annual event organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Ponta Delgada. This institutional participation will be coordinated by the Regional Directorate for Vocational Training and Employment and the Regional Directorate for Youth. It is intended to “raise public awareness of policies concerning youth, training, employment and skills development in the Region,” explained Maria João Carreiro. According to the Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing and Employment, the SRJHE stand will be an “open public service desk” to provide information on traineeship programmes, support for recruitment and professional retraining, as well as training opportunities in the Region, or youth mobility and volunteering programmes. “Our aim in taking part in this event is to bring citizens and businesses closer to the incentives and opportunities for qualification as well as training and employability available in the Azores, encouraging young people and workers to invest in their training and skills,” stated the government official. The SRJHE stand will be part of the “Qualifications Area” at FICSA. It will also feature a section promoting Vocational Education in Vocational Schools, as part of the “Your First Choice” campaign, which is run annually by the SRJHE to raise awareness among school-aged young people about the opportunities provided by this educational path and the application period for training programmes available at vocational schools. The courses for the 2026–2029 training cycle available at the 16 regional vocational schools and at the Azores Training Centre will be presented during FICSA, whose this year's edition is dedicated to employment and qualifications. Every day, the SRJHE stand will also hold sessions on “Your First Choice LAB – Discovering Careers,” featuring live and interactive demonstrations of occupations and career fields conducted by students from Azorean vocational schools. "When they see firsthand how people work or what they learn in a particular professional field, young people are better able to understand what each career path entails and identify areas of interest that they would often not discover from theory alone. These demonstrations are important in helping them make more informed decisions aligned with their interests," defended Maria João Carreiro. The schedule for the “A Your First Choice LAB” sessions can be found on the “Vocational Training and Employment in the Azores” and “Azores Youth” Facebook pages. FICSA, held annually during the Senhor Santo Cristo dos Milagres Festivities, features this year 122 business stands and 56 craft stands, run by the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores, under the Regional Secretariat for Youth, Housing and Employment.
