The CT Luso project organized a Workshop on Emerging Human and Animal Diseases on April 1st to mark the conclusion of Training Module 4. The event brought together experts from Portugal, Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, and São Tomé and Príncipe to discuss the challenges and strategies in combating these diseases.
The workshop was moderated by Maria do Céu Patrão Neves, the CT Luso project coordinator, and Sofia Núncio, a researcher at the National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge (INSA) and head of the Center for the Study of Vectors and Infectious Diseases (CEVDI).
The structure of the workshop included an introduction of the speakers and the topic, followed by individual presentations on the status of emerging, neglected, and zoonotic diseases in each country. This was followed by a debate moderated by the hosts, including responses to questions from the trainees.
Key discussion points included current investments in disease control, strategies adopted by each country, collaboration between laboratories, and the role of molecular biology in the One Health approach. The discussion also examined each country’s endogenous capacity to respond to pandemics, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation.
The workshop featured five experts who shared insights from their respective countries:
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Maria Cecília de Almeida (Angola) – Coordinator of the Neglected Tropical Diseases Control Program;
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Maria Lara Ferrero Gómez (Cape Verde) – Researcher at Jean Piaget University of Cape Verde and coordinator of the Master’s in Tropical Diseases;
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Inácio Alvarenga (Guinea-Bissau) – Former WHO officer for epidemic response in Guinea-Bissau, currently involved in health program management for WHO in Mozambique;
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Osvaldo Frederico Inlamea (Mozambique) – Coordinator of the Neglected and Zoonotic Tropical Diseases Program at Mozambique’s National Institute of Health;
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Adionilde Aguiar (São Tomé and Príncipe) – General and Family Medicine specialist, contributor to the country's National Health Development Plan.
The event reinforced the importance of joint efforts among Portuguese-speaking countries in the prevention and control of emerging diseases, fostering knowledge sharing and strengthening local capacities.
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