On World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, GHTM | IHMT NOVA highlights its work on Human African trypanosomiasis, commonly known as sleeping sickness, a parasitic disease that continues to affect vulnerable populations in sub-Saharan Africa. Aligned with the WHO’s 2026 WNTD Day theme — “Unite, Act and Eliminate” — GHTM’s research contributes to strengthening knowledge, surveillance and strategies for the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).
Research and Innovation at GHTM
Sleeping sickness, caused by Trypanosoma brucei and transmitted by tsetse flies, remains a significant public health challenge despite progress in reducing cases. Early diagnosis and effective vector control are crucial to preventing transmission and improving patient outcomes. At GHTM, researchers are advancing integrated research across epidemiology, parasitology, vector biology and public health. Jorge Seixas, Clinical Director of ADMT / Travel Medicine Clinic and researcher at the IHC–GHTM Research Group, leads work on tsetse fly ecology, parasite–vector interactions and innovative surveillance approaches, contributing to evidence-based strategies for disease control and elimination. Among the latest developments, he highlights two major clinical research projects led by the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), with the participation of GHTM | IHMT NOVA and funded by EDCTP2. These projects—HAT-r-ACC and ACOZI-KIDS—aim to expand treatment options to a broader range of patients, including those affected by the more neglected forms of human African trypanosomiasis.
“World Neglected Tropical Diseases are not distant diseases”
In the context of World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, Jorge Seixas also published an opinion article in Healthnews, reflecting on the importance of this global observance. In his contribution, he highlights that “commemorating this day is essential because it reminds us that NTDs are not “distant diseases””. He stresses that continued investment in research, international cooperation, surveillance and the engagement of affected communities is crucial to safeguard the gains achieved so far and to continue progressing towards elimination worldwide — including in Portugal.
The full article can be consulted here: Doenças negligenciadas: unir, agir e eliminar o ciclo da pobreza
Through a combination of field studies, laboratory research, and data-driven modelling, GHTM | IHMT NOVA is helping to inform strategies for vector control, disease monitoring, and community engagement. These efforts are aligned with global initiatives to eliminate sleeping sickness as a public health problem, while also building local capacity for disease surveillance and response.
By marking World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day, GHTM emphasizes the ongoing need for research, collaboration, and innovation to tackle diseases like sleeping sickness that disproportionately affect marginalized communities. The institute’s work exemplifies how scientific research, public health expertise, and field engagement can combine to address neglected diseases and strengthen global health.
This article is published as part of the World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) Day celebrations. To learn more about our work on neglected tropical diseases, see our related news:
World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day: Advancing Research to Leave No One Behind
World NTD Day: Decoding Leishmania from Dogs to Emerging European Vectors
Advancing Research on Helminth Neglected Tropical Diseases at GHTM