Ana Armada, researcher at the PRIME-GHTM Research Group, has been appointed as Portugal’s Management Committee Member for COST Action CA25142 – ONE-LEP: One Health European Network for Leptospirosis and Rodent-Borne Threats.
Following her nomination, Ana Armada has formally accepted the position and will represent Portugal as a full member of the Management Committee of this new COST Action.
Advancing a One Health approach to leptospirosis
Leptospirosis represents an important public health, animal health and ecological challenge in Europe. Its complex transmission dynamics, alongside increasing human cases, expanding rodent populations, challenges in rodent control, gaps in surveillance and diagnosis, and limited prevention options, highlight the need for a coordinated and integrated approach.
ONE-LEP aims to establish a network of excellence that will integrate, harmonise and disseminate existing knowledge while supporting the development of innovative services and tools. Adopting a One Health framework, the Action brings together expertise in human, veterinary, environmental and wildlife health to strengthen scientific capacity, partnerships and infrastructure for addressing leptospirosis and the wider rodent–pathogen interface.
The network is structured around five Working Groups, which will coordinate existing and emerging activities related to leptospirosis across Europe. Ultimately, ONE-LEP seeks to contribute to stronger healthcare systems, support evidence-based policymaking and improve health outcomes for both humans and animals affected by leptospirosis.
Building an international network
ONE-LEP brings together professionals from academia, government and non-governmental organisations across a broad international network. Participants represent 32 COST Full Member countries, including Portugal, alongside the Cooperating Member Israel and Partner Member South Africa. The Action also promotes collaboration with Egypt as a Near Neighbour Country and Brazil, Madagascar and the United States as International Partner countries.
The network places particular emphasis on gender balance and the active participation of Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs), with special attention to researchers from underrepresented groups and Inclusiveness Target Countries.
Ana Armada’s appointment provides an important opportunity for Portugal to contribute to the strategic development of ONE-LEP and to strengthen national participation in this international research network. It also further enhances the visibility and engagement of the PRIME-GHTM Research Group and the GHTM research community in European and international research collaborations.
GHTM | IHMT NOVA congratulates Ana Armada on her appointment and wishes her every success in this new role.
Learn more about COST Action CA25142 – ONE-LEP here.
