The University Joseph Ki-Zerbo (UJKZ) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, has certified 20 new experts in bioinformatics and One Health. The professionals, from Burkina Faso and Chad, completed the fourth cohort of the certificate program in Molecular Epidemiology of Antimicrobial Resistance. The program, which ran from September 1 to 28, 2026, was organized by the UJKZ's Unit of Training and Research in Life and Earth Sciences.
The certification program aims to equip health professionals with skills to detect and monitor antimicrobial resistance mechanisms. The program focuses on bioinformatics, molecular biology, sequencing, and the One Health approach. According to Professor Isidore Bonkoungou, the program's coordinator, the goal is to train professionals to react to health threats and contribute to health security. The program was funded by the US government through FHI 360's Epic project.
The certified professionals have acquired new skills in using technological methods, including sequencing, to combat antimicrobial resistance. The program also contributes to strengthening the UJKZ's technological capacities, including a modern laboratory and a server to support research and training. The university's authorities have hailed the program as one of its flagship initiatives, bringing together state and non-state partners.
The One Health approach considers the interactions between human, animal, and environmental health. According to Bazié Yacinte, a pharmacist and biologist, this approach helps understand the mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance propagation. The program's focus on bioinformatics and molecular biology has also provided participants with new skills. Yacinte emphasized the need to sensitize populations to the risks of self-medication and inappropriate antibiotic use.
The certified professionals will now apply their knowledge in their respective structures and communities. They will contribute to the fight against antimicrobial resistance, a major challenge for health systems. The UJKZ aims to continue developing specialized skills in this area, where surveillance, research, and collaboration between sectors are crucial for a health response.
The program's impact extends beyond the certification of professionals, as it also strengthens the UJKZ's capacities. The university's authorities have welcomed the initiative, highlighting its importance in addressing health challenges. The certified professionals have received their diplomas, marking the end of the fourth cohort.
The fight against antimicrobial resistance requires a comprehensive approach, involving health professionals, researchers, and policymakers. The UJKZ's initiative is a step in this direction, providing professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to address this health challenge. The program's success will depend on the application of the certified professionals' new skills in their respective contexts.
Key points
- The University Joseph Ki-Zerbo has certified 20 new experts in bioinformatics and One Health to combat antimicrobial resistance.
- The certification program was funded by the US government through FHI 360's Epic project.
- The program's focus on the One Health approach considers the interactions between human, animal, and environmental health.
