Admission of Children from Portuguese-Speaking African Countries to a Portuguese Early Childhood Medical Unit

Admissions of children from PALOP had an upward trend from 2018 to 2022, with most patients presenting complex comorbidities in both groups, and requiring highly specialized healthcare resources, prolonged hospitalizations, and readmissions. Mortality rate was considerable, and only a few returned to their country. These findings emphasize the need for improved coordination between countries to provide sustainable healthcare from both patient/families and healthcare system perspectives.