Latest news and stories about public health in Lisboa, Portugal for expats and residents.
The Portuguese National Health Service is launching lung cancer screening pilot projects at the Gaia/Espinho and Santa Maria local health units following a new government order.
The Zero Association criticizes Lisbon's Noise Action Plan as ineffective and proposes a 5.7 euro noise tax per passenger to fund building insulation and mitigate aircraft noise impacts on over 370,000 residents.
Artificial intelligence is revolutionising tuberculosis diagnosis by enabling rapid identification via chest X-rays, helping to combat the disease's stigma and improve early intervention for respiratory conditions.
A new gynaecology and obstetrics referral network is being implemented in Portugal, centralising patient flow to Loures while highlighting critical staffing shortages across multiple regional hospitals.
Fertility needs to be on the European political agenda as a public health priority. This was the central message of the 'Tackling Infertility' summit, which brought together policymakers, experts, and representatives of patient associations from several European countries in Lisbon.
The initiative comes in a context where Portugal continues to have above-average rates regarding HIV and hepatitis. More than 50 pharmacies in Lisbon will provide free and rapid screenings.
The 'Aedes albopictus' mosquito species, which causes diseases such as dengue and yellow fever, was recorded in 2025 in Lisbon, Oeiras, Almada, and Sesimbra, confirming its expansion in Portugal.
Lisbon, Alentejo, and Braga are launching a pilot prostate cancer screening program for 20,000 patients, focusing on populations with limited access to healthcare and the early detection of the disease.
The overwhelming majority were performed by the woman's choice within the first ten weeks. The Lisbon and Tagus Valley region accounted for more than half of the pregnancy terminations that occurred in 2024.
The Portuguese government is set to initiate a pilot programme aimed at screening for prostate cancer.
The Local Health Unit (ULS) is installing the necessary equipment for the screening, and the local authority is awaiting a meeting with the Secretary of State for Health, scheduled for the end of the month.
Tender opened by the hospital for a USF-C in Lumiar contested: “They want a low-cost unit”, says owner of a bidding company
The General Inspectorate for Health Activities identified 511 surgeries with overpayments. Reimbursement will be requested from the 28 team members who participated in the additional activity scrutinised between 2021 and 2025. Miguel Alpalhão, the specialist at the centre of the case, has not received any official information.
The evolution of family planning in Portugal and the challenges for the coming decades were discussed this Wednesday at a conference organised by Gedeon Richter, marking 50 years of these policies in the country. Expresso was involved as a media partner.
The president of the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) stated today that 'it has not been demonstrated that the cases of poisoning that allegedly occurred abroad' are related to clams harvested in the legally exploitable area of the Tagus River.
The president of the IPMA highlighted the importance of distinguishing between 'what is legal and duly licensed fishing in the Tagus estuary, and what has allegedly been illegal and unlicensed fishing'.
A flexitarian diet, richer in vegetables, would save thousands of lives in Portugal, argues Marco Springmann. 'It makes no sense to serve beef in public canteens,' he warns.
The coordinator of the Voice Unit at Egas Moniz Hospital warned today about the increase in cases of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the larynx, including in children, some of whom end up needing a tracheostomy to be able to breathe.
The answer is yes, according to a study released this Friday by the Nova University of Lisbon.
A team led by Portuguese scientist Nuno Faria has reconstructed the 1857 yellow fever epidemic in Lisbon. While the risk in Portugal remains low, the researcher warns that climate change and the spread of mosquitoes like Aedes albopictus necessitate increased vigilance and public health preparedness for mosquito-borne diseases.
The problem affects health centres within the São José and Santa Maria Local Health Units and is caused by the failure of subcontracted cleaning companies to pay their employees.
The 2nd National Congress on Health and Environment takes place today and tomorrow in Lisbon. “It is crucial to communicate that health and the environment are inseparable,” argues the Portuguese Council for Health and Environment.
Health and environment will be debated by more than 100 experts at the National Congress on Health and Environment at the Gulbenkian. One of the main topics is the impact of environmental changes on health.
The fragility of trust in health has never been so visible, she stated, also lamenting that there are situations where perception prevails over facts.
This Monday, April 6, marks World Physical Activity Day and the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace. These simultaneous observances highlight the importance of regular exercise for health and the role of sport in social inclusion, education, and peace. In Portugal, the occasion is marked by initiatives from local authorities, academic institutions, and public bodies. Notable events include a joint programme by the municipalities of Lisbon, Oeiras, and Cascais, featuring the partial closure of the Avenida Marginal on April 12 for running, walking, and cycling. The Champalimaud Foundation is also hosting a community walk, while the Portuguese Institute of Sport and Youth is promoting the #BEACTIVE programme to encourage movement in schools and workplaces. Despite these efforts, the article notes a contrast between physical activity levels and alcohol consumption in Portugal compared to other OECD countries.
The environmental association Zero considers the 2024-2029 Noise Action Plan for Lisbon Airport ineffective and regrets that the health of more than 370,000 people continues to be affected by aircraft noise.
With 60,000 people exposed to night-time noise above legal limits, the Zero association advocates for an urgent review of the plan and the closure of the airport.
It also regrets that the health of more than 370,000 people continues to be affected by aircraft noise.
An exploration of the cultural and religious heritage spanning from the Mirandese region to the traditional Passion routes.
