Sao Tome and Principe inaugurates its first pathological anatomy laboratory
On inauguration day, 8th May, the Hospital’s technical staff processed the first sample from a patient in Ayres de Menezes Hospital and, with support from Maputo Central Hospital, produced the first ever histopathologic diagnosis in Sao Tome and Principe.
The pathological anatomy laboratory shall enable faster and more precise diagnoses, in particular for cancer, reducing the dependence on third parties and making treatment more accessible. In addition to diagnosis, the laboratory is also to serve as a training centre for health professionals -pathologists, laboratory technicians and other specialists – and as well as a source of epidemiologic data that shall bring about a better understanding of the national oncological reality, support the drafting of public policies and enable future Hospital participation in research networks.
The Sao Tome and Principe epidemiological profile has undergone significant changes in recent years with non-transmissible diseases now the main challenge to public health, with oncological diseases contributing to the mortality profile in accounting for around 13% of the total. The rise in incidence in such cases, in conjunction with late diagnoses, the limited treatment capacity and the lack of healthcare integration means cancer stands out as one of the greatest challenges to the health system and wellbeing of the population. Cancer was the reason behind 38% of the medical evacuations carried out between 2019 and 2025, demonstrating the strong dependence on external services for specialist diagnoses and treatment.
The founding of the laboratory took place following a request to the Gulbenkian Foundation from the national Ministry of Health for support for the project enabling pathological diagnosis at Sao Tome’s leading hospital.
This project counted on technical partnerships with the Oporto Oncology Unit and the Fernando Pessoa University both for support in setting up the laboratory and for hosting Sao Tome health professionals undertaking internships.