About the institution
Center of Malaria and Other Diseases
Text produced by the institution
The Center of Malaria and Other Diseases is a Research and Training Unit from
FCT and the Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.
We work on aspects of several diseases eg malaria,
leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, Lyme disease, sexually transmitted diseases, TB
and Aids, and within these, we have specific interests such as immunology,
entomology (vectors), applied molecular biology and epidemiology.
Being located in Europe we try to carry out basic
research (within our own labs) and, whenever possible, applied or field
research, in the tropics. For example, from medicinal plants used by locals in
some islands in West Africa we have now identified a couple with excelent
activity in our in vitro experimentation.
Other studies on Health Systems can be carried out
in Africa or in immigrant populations who live in Portugal.
Most of our field work takes place in portuguese
speaking countries in Africa, though we have some collaboration in Brazil too.
One needs to be aware that regions differ considerably in aspects of the same
disease and solutions are seldom universally accepted or used.
To the younger generation it is also important or
relevant to let them know that not all research has an immediate application,
and that not all research is or seems to be of interest to the ministries
directly related to health and control of diseases.
Research is indeed a complex environment where
competition can be biased and unfair. However, curiosity is a very important
quality in answering questions or devising techniques which help control
diseases.
