The Planet4Health project recently received notable recognition: our work is featured in a compelling article by National Geographic Spain. Journalist Daniel Pellicer Roig, a biotechnologist specialising in biomedicine and rare diseases, penned this insightful piece, highlighting the critical issue of leishmaniasis prevention and how initiatives like ours, driven by experts including our partners Carla Maia from NOVA University Lisbon
and Suzana Blesic from the Institute for Medical Research, are contributing to real-world solutions.
The article, titled “This is how we can prevent leishmaniasis in the Iberian Peninsula,” delves into the pressing public health challenge posed by vector-borne diseases as warmer weather arrives. It clearly explains how leishmaniasis, transmitted by sandflies, impacts over a million people globally each year, leading to severe cutaneous or visceral forms of the disease.
The article brilliantly details current prevention strategies, from personal repellents to the crucial role of domestic dogs as reservoirs in endemic areas. What truly stands out is the emphasis on a population-level One Health strategy. The piece highlights how PLANET4HEALTH contributes to this by supporting disease monitoring studies in regions like the Iberian Peninsula. Experts Carla Maia (UNL) and Suzana Blesic (IMR) are quoted, underscoring the vital need for collaboration and consistent data collection among researchers, veterinarians, and healthcare professionals to prepare for future outbreaks.
Understanding the intricate life cycle of the Leishmania parasite and its interaction with sandflies and hosts is central to effective prevention. As the article explains, monitoring projects are key to assessing a region’s risk, allowing healthcare providers to raise awareness and establish appropriate safety protocols for both animals and people.
At PLANET4HEALTH, we believe in the power of knowledge and collaboration to tackle complex health challenges. Being featured in National Geographic Spain validates our commitment to advancing the One Health approach and underscores the urgency of our mission. We encourage you to read this compelling article to gain a deeper understanding of leishmaniasis prevention and the role of data-driven strategies in safeguarding health.
