AORTIC PALOP VII Conference 2026

AORTIC PALOP VII

Building Together the New Era of Oncology in the PALOP Countries

Maputo, Mozambique | April 22–24, 2026

Welcome Note

It is with great satisfaction and a deep sense of responsibility that the Scientific Committee welcomes AORTIC PALOP VII, the seventh Oncology Congress of Portuguese-Speaking African Countries, which will take place in Maputo, Mozambique, from April 22 to 24, 2026.

Maputo welcomes us for the second time. This return to Mozambican soil is no coincidence—it is symbolic. Mozambique is among the countries where the burden of cancer is most acutely felt, where challenges are most visible, and where the determination to transform this reality is both urgent and deeply inspiring. Hosting this conference in Maputo is, therefore, a powerful statement: oncology in Lusophone Africa is built from within – grounded in its own voices, informed by its own data, and strengthened by its own experience.

Since the establishment of the PALOP-AORTIC Oncology Group, following the 9th AORTIC International Conference in Durban, South Africa, significant progress has been made — yet much remains to be done. The five countries that make up the PALOP — Angola, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde and São Tomé and Príncipe — have been working persistently and in a spirit of solidarity to build a shared platform for action against cancer. This conference stands as the most visible expression of this collective effort..

The theme of this edition, “Building Together the New Era of Oncology in the PALOP”, reflects precisely where we stand: at a moment of transition, in which the foundations laid in previous editions are gaining new strength, and new opportunities emerging — whether through the consolidation of cancer registries, the expansion of radiotherapy capacity, the training of a new generation of oncologists, or the strengthening of the international partnerships that support our work.

A Program Built for Action

The scientific program of this edition has been carefully designed to address the real priorities of our countries. This is not a distant academic exercise; rather, each session, each workshop, and debate has been structured to generate actionable knowledge, strengthen professional networks, and foster concrete commitments.

The pre-congress, on April 21st, opens the meeting with practical training in cervical cancer prevention and a breast cancer course organized by the PALOP Oncology Group itself — affirming, from the outset, this group’s ability to generate and share knowledge based on its own regional experience. The day concludes with a scientific research course supported by the MD Anderson Cancer Center, reinforcing the skills of our professionals for the production of high-quality scientific evidence.

Throughout the three days of the congress, we will address the issues that most concern and most unite us: the epidemiology of cancer in the PALOP countries and the urgency of making cancer a notifiable disease; cervical and breast cancers, which continue to claim lives that could be saved through early diagnosis and timely treatment; the training of human resources in oncology; access to radiotherapy; and scientific research as a driver for transformation.

Gratitude and Commitment

The realization of this congress would not be possible without the commitment and generosity of our partners. The Scientific Committee wishes to express its sincere gratitude to AORTIC, the Ministry of Health of Mozambique, MD Anderson Cancer Center, International Gynecologic Cancer Society (IGCS), African Cancer Registry Network (AFCRN), Vital Strategies, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Roche, whose support has been essential in making this space for exchange and learning possible. To all the speakers, moderators and participants who traveled to Maputo — from within and outside the PALOP countries —, our deepest appreciation.

To all the speakers, moderators, and participants who have travelled to Maputo—from within and beyond the PALOP countries—our deepest appreciation.

As we prepare for three days of intensive work, generous exchante, and open, constructive debate, we invite each participant to bring not only their knowledge, but also their commitment to act. Our patients are counting on us.

Welcome to AORTIC-PALOP VII. Welcome to Maputo.

With esteem and anticipation,

Professor Lúcio Lara Santos

Scientific Committee of AORTIC-PALOP VII

Maputo, April 2026