Selected by an independent jury under the +Investigação competition, aimed at researchers from the Portuguese‑speaking African Countries (PALOP), the projects cover areas such as bacterial infections, antibiotic resistance, diagnosis of severe haematological diseases and early diagnosis of heart failure.

In Cape Verde, the PREPARA‑M.CV project, led by researcher Isabel Araújo from the University of Cape Verde, aims to improve antibiotic prescribing practices in paediatrics through rapid tests, molecular surveillance and clinician training, helping to reduce antimicrobial resistance and improve the quality of paediatric care. The HemaPro‑CV project, led by Pamela Borges from Hospital Agostinho Neto, seeks to implement an integrated haematopathology diagnostic platform using molecular tests and techniques such as flow cytometry for leukaemias and lymphomas, in order to reduce response times and enable targeted therapies.

In Mozambique, researcher Celso Khosa will lead the SToP NGS TB project at the National Institute of Health, focusing on rapid diagnosis of drug‑resistant tuberculosis, allowing earlier initiation of appropriate treatment and reducing transmission and mortality. Researcher Tacilta Nhampossa, from the Manhiça Foundation, will characterise the vaginal microbiome of Mozambican women to assess its association with bacterial vaginosis, sexually transmitted infections and preterm birth, helping to prevent obstetric complications and improve maternal and child health. Finally, the project led by Albertino Damasceno, from the Faculty of Medicine at Eduardo Mondlane University in Maputo, proposes the use of AI‑assisted echocardiography and ECG in primary care for the early diagnosis of heart failure, improving access in low‑resource settings.

Through this initiative, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation aims to strengthen scientific knowledge, build the capacity of research and health institutions, promote national and international partnerships and integrate PALOP researchers into global networks, contributing to improved healthcare provision in these countries.