The +Investigação – Support for Health Research Projects for Senior Researchers from PALOP programme, promoted and funded by the Fundação Calouste Gulbenkian and evaluated by an independent jury, supports clinical research projects aimed at improving the quality, effectiveness and equity of healthcare delivery in Portuguese-speaking African countries (PALOP), including Angola, Cabo Verde, Guiné-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe.
The initiative seeks to strengthen knowledge on disease diagnosis and the development of new therapeutic approaches, generate scientific evidence to improve clinical protocols, reinforce the clinical research capacity of health and research institutions, and foster national and international partnerships, particularly among PALOP institutions and global research networks.
Among the selected projects in Cabo Verde, the project PREPARA-M.CV (PREvenção Para Resistência Anti-Microbiana em Cabo Verde), led by Isabel Araújo, from the University of Cabo Verde and a member of the GHTM R&D Unit at Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (IHMT NOVA), aims to improve pediatric antibiotic prescription practices through the use of rapid diagnostic tests, molecular surveillance and clinical training. This initiative seeks to reduce antimicrobial resistance and enhance the quality of pediatric healthcare.
This proposal aligns closely with GHTM priorities and expertise, and will be developed in collaboration with Isabel Couto, Coordinator of THOP-GHTM Research Group, and her research team.
Within the framework of this call, a two-month fellowship was first awarded to the researcher, followed by a grant to support the implementation of the project, with a maximum duration of three years.
Through the approval of this project, GHTM | IHMT NOVA once again sees its scientific excellence recognized, with continued support from the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation for clinical research in PALOP countries.
Overall, the funded projects contribute to strengthening scientific and diagnostic capacity, improving healthcare quality, and promoting the integration of PALOP researchers into national and international research networks, with a direct impact on health outcomes in these countries.
Learn more about the funded projects here.