Ouagadougou:The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) will hold its first open days from October 14 to 16, 2026, in Ouagadougou. This event will coincide with the inaugural session of its Scientific and Technical Council, aiming to increase awareness of its mission, promote research outcomes, and enhance scientific governance in public health.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director General of INSP, Dr. Seydou Barro, stated that these activities are designed to bridge the gap between scientific research, decision-makers, and the public, particularly in a time of evolving health needs and persistent epidemic threats. Dr. Barro emphasized the importance of making research results accessible and actionable to maximize their impact.
The open days will serve as a platform for researchers, healthcare professionals, students, technical and financial partners, the media, and citizens to learn about the Institute's missions, technical capabilities, laboratories, and services. The INSP plans to showcase research results from 2019 to 2025, share insights, and discuss how these findings can effectively support decision-making and benefit the population.
The event will officially open on Wednesday, October 14, at the National Malaria Research and Training Center, with the Minister of Health presiding. The ceremony will include a flag-raising at 730 a.m., the inauguration of the clinical biology laboratory, a presentation of the 2026-2030 strategic plan, and a tour of the facilities and exhibitions.
Throughout the open days, the INSP will offer free screenings for viral hepatitis B and C, diabetes, and diagnostics for malaria and dengue at the National Center for Research and Training on Malaria. Additionally, the INSP will present the accreditation certificate of its clinical biology laboratory at the Muraz Centre, adhering to the ISO 151892022 standard.
As part of its civic initiatives, the INSP will contribute to the construction of the Thomas Sankara mausoleum and the Faso Mêbo initiative on October 14. A blood drive is also planned for October 16. A media engagement session will highlight the Institute's research results, field realities, and operational capabilities.
The Scientific and Technical Council's first session will evaluate the INSP's scientific and technical activities, assess their relevance and quality, and provide recommendations to guide future research, expertise, and training priorities.
Established in 2018, the INSP consolidates several operational structures, including the National Center for Research and Training on Malaria, the Muraz Center, and the Nouna Health Research Center. It has also created entities such as the Center for Emergency Health Response Operations (CORUS), the National Reference Laboratory, and the National Population Health Observatory. These structures collaborate with health districts and stakeholders to streamline and coordinate public health initiatives, offering health monitoring, research, and expertise development.