By Amadú Tidjane, WAJESHA, GUINEA BISSAU REPRESENTATIVE
Guinea-Bissau has been given a leading role in the formation of a new association of African Portuguese-speaking dermatologists following the unanimous election of one of its medical specialists, Dr Sílvio Coelho, to coordinate the association’s Interim Committee.
The decision was taken on October 29, 2026, at the Alfândega do Porto Congress Centre in Porto, Portugal, during the 2026 Ibero-Latin American Congress of Dermatology (CILAD).
The proposed Association of African Portuguese-speaking Dermatologists (ALDA) brings together 23 dermatologists from five Portuguese-speaking African countries: Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and São Tomé and Príncipe.
At the meeting, the specialists unanimously approved a proposal to establish and formally constitute the association.
The name ALDA received 21 votes in favour, with two abstentions and no votes against.
Five countries agree to establish association
The meeting marked an important step in efforts to strengthen professional relationships and scientific cooperation among dermatologists in the five African Portuguese-speaking countries, collectively known as the PALOP.
The discussions provided an opportunity for specialists to consider shared challenges in dermatological healthcare, particularly in countries where access to diagnostic facilities and treatment remains limited.
The meeting was held alongside CILAD Porto 2026, which placed particular emphasis on strengthening relationships among scientific communities from Portuguese-speaking countries.
The congress provided a platform for participants from the PALOP to exchange clinical experiences and discuss common challenges in their respective healthcare systems.
The congress organisers also provided a dedicated room for the African dermatologists to hold their meeting.
The participants expressed appreciation for the invitation and hospitality, with special recognition given to Professor Omar Lupi for his leadership of CILAD and his support for cooperation among Portuguese-speaking medical professionals.
One-year deadline to establish association
Although the decision to establish ALDA has been approved, the association is still in the process of being constituted.
Participants agreed on a one-year period to prepare its statutes, internal regulations, formalise its brand, establish a budget and determine its membership fee arrangements.
The location of the association’s headquarters has not yet been decided.
To support communication and mobilise other dermatologists in their respective countries, representatives were also identified for all five participating countries.
The representatives are Professor Lídia and Dr Juliano for Angola; Dr Raquel and Dr Melinda for Cape Verde; Dr Sílvio and Dr Edgar for Guinea-Bissau; Dr Rolanda and Dr Lúcia for Mozambique; and Dr Keyla for São Tomé and Príncipe.
Training and joint research among priorities
The proposed association aims to build a more connected community of African Portuguese-speaking dermatologists capable of working together to address healthcare needs across their countries.
Its priorities include continuous professional training, mentorship for young specialists, professional placements, joint research and the exchange of experiences among hospitals, universities and scientific organisations.
These areas of cooperation are expected to create opportunities for specialists to share knowledge and strengthen professional capacity across the five countries.
The initiative also seeks to encourage stronger collaboration between medical professionals and scientific institutions within the Portuguese-speaking African region.
What the initiative could mean for Guinea-Bissau
For Guinea-Bissau, participation in the proposed association could create opportunities for professional training, technical support and improved access to specialised knowledge in dermatology.
The country continues to face challenges relating to access to complementary diagnostic examinations, specialist services and treatment.
Cooperation through ALDA could be particularly useful in the diagnosis and management of leprosy, infectious skin diseases, autoimmune skin conditions and blistering diseases.
It could also support the development of clinical research in the country.
The election of Dr Sílvio Coelho to coordinate the Interim Committee gives Guinea-Bissau a central role in the preparatory process of the regional scientific initiative.
However, the practical benefits of the association will depend on its successful formal establishment and the implementation of the work plan agreed upon by representatives of the five countries.
The October 29 meeting in Porto marks a new phase in efforts to organise dermatologists across the Portuguese-speaking African countries, moving the initiative from earlier discussions towards an agreed structure, shared responsibilities and a defined timeline for its establishment.
