Ouagadougou:The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) is set to host its inaugural open days from October 14 to 16, 2026, in Ouagadougou. This event will coincide with the first session of its Scientific and Technical Council, aiming to increase awareness of its missions, showcase research results, and enhance scientific governance in the field of public health.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the Director General of INSP, Dr. Seydou Barro, emphasized that these activities are designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and both decision-makers and the general public, particularly in a context where health needs are evolving and epidemic threats persist. Dr. Barro highlighted the importance of making research results accessible and actionable.
The open days will provide an opportunity 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. INSP plans to present research outcomes from 2019 to 2025, share insights gained, and identify further needs to enhance the integration of scientific knowledge into health policies.
Dr. Barro pointed out that the event is not only about showcasing what the INSP does but also about discussing effective ways to leverage these results to support decision-making and benefit the population.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for October 14 at the National Malaria Research and Training Center, chaired by the Minister of Health. It will include a flag-raising ceremony, the inauguration of the clinical biology laboratory, the presentation of the 2026-2030 strategic plan, and a tour of the facilities and exhibition booths.
During the event, INSP will offer free screenings for viral hepatitis B and C, as well as diabetes, and provide diagnoses for malaria and dengue at the National Center for Research and Training on Malaria. Additionally, the Institute will present its clinical biology laboratory's accreditation certificate, aligned with the ISO 151892022 standard, to health authorities.
In its commitment to civic engagement, INSP will showcase its contributions to the Thomas Sankara mausoleum and the Faso Mêbo initiative on October 14. A blood drive is also planned for October 16.
The event will feature a session with media professionals to discuss research findings, field realities, and the Institute's operational capabilities. The Scientific and Technical Council will evaluate the scientific and technical activities of the INSP, assess their relevance and quality, and make recommendations to guide future research, expertise, and training priorities.
Since its inception in 2018, the INSP has incorporated several operational structures, including the National Center for Research and Training on Malaria, the Muraz Center, and the Nouna Health Research Center. New entities such as the Center for Emergency Health Response Operations, the National Reference Laboratory, and the National Population Health Observatory have also been established.
These entities collaborate primarily with health districts and other stakeholders in the health system. The consolidation of these structures within the INSP aims to streamline, coordinate, and enhance the consistency of public health initiatives, focusing on health monitoring, sectoral research, promotion of scientific results, technical expertise, and skills development.