From 24 to 30 May 2026, researchers from GHTM R&D Unit participated in a scientific mission in São Miguel, Santiago Island, Cabo Verde, as part of the municipality’s schistosomiasis management plan.
This mission was conducted within the framework of the cooperation agreement between the Instituto de Higiene e Medicina Tropical, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (IHMT NOVA) and the Instituto Nacional de Saúde Pública in Cabo Verde (INSP), with the support of the GHTM. Manuela Calado and Pedro Ferreira, who are part of the VBD-GHTM Research Group at GHTM | IHMT NOVA, took part in the week-long mission.
The initiative focused on collecting molluscs that act as intermediate hosts for helminths in the field, while also strengthening local laboratory capacity by implementing protocols for sample characterisation.
The mission also included working meetings with stakeholders involved in the schistosomiasis control programme. These discussions aimed to contribute to the definition of case-recording procedures and the identification of appropriate control measures, as well as the development of educational strategies to raise public awareness of the disease and its prevention and control.
This mission strengthens the collaboration between GHTM | IHMT NOVA and INSP, contributing to the reinforcement of schistosomiasis prevention and control strategies in Cabo Verde. It also demonstrates GHTM’s dedication to international health cooperation, building technical capacity, and developing sustainable responses to public health challenges.
