ISLAND PROFILE
A small, rural island with limited medical infrastructure and services, requiring innovative partnerships for healthcare delivery and emergency response.
6,700+
Population
269 km²
Area
Porto Inglês
Capital
Flat, sandy
Terrain
Maio is a small, mostly flat island with low elevation. The landscape is characterized by sandy terrain and sparse vegetation. The climate is arid with minimal rainfall and strong trade winds. The island's small size makes it vulnerable to all types of weather events.
Maio has historically been one of Cabo Verde's less developed islands. Settlement was limited to a few small communities centered on fishing and subsistence farming. The island's remoteness and limited resources kept population growth minimal.
Maio's economy is primarily based on fishing and small-scale agriculture. There is limited commercial infrastructure. Employment opportunities are scarce, and many residents depend on fishing for income. The island faces ongoing economic challenges and limited development.
The island faces drought vulnerability, water scarcity, and coastal flooding risks. Medical infrastructure is extremely limited, making emergency health response critical. The island's small size and limited resources make disaster recovery particularly challenging.
We're exploring partnership opportunities with local healthcare providers and community organizations on Maio. Medical teams are a key focus, as the island lacks adequate healthcare facilities. Our goal is to strengthen response capacity through innovative local partnerships.