ORTARChI Day 2: A successful second day in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso -

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The second day of the ORTARChI annual meeting got off to a flying start on October 29, 2024. It began with a brilliant presentation by Prof. Nathaniel BOSO of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana on entrepreneurship and the place of young people in research.

This was followed by a presentation by Prof. Gerald Minsinzo from the University of Sokoine in Tanzania on viral epidemics, a particular focus of his chair’s research. He placed particular emphasis on the response to these epidemics in Africa, the role of technology in this response and the need for innovation to find efficient solutions to these epidemics. Research into the different viruses causing the main epidemics, their genotypes and the search for vaccine solutions were also presented. Recommendations were also issued.

Prof. David Meya of Uganda’s Makerere University, also a Professor at the University of Minnesota, spoke about his Chair’s work on infectious and neurological diseases, with a particular focus on neuroinfectious diseases. He highlighted the problem of antimicrobial resistance in the current treatment of infections. “We need to develop efficient African solutions to overcome this problem”.

Dr. Constantin Bashengezi Mihigo also discussed the development of medicines for certain diseases in the Congo. He spoke of the honor of representing Congo at this annual ORTARChI meeting. His presentation focused on drug development research in the Congo, including Doubase C, a powerful anti-viral effective against HIV and SARS-COV-2, and Gastro c, another product effective against mucocutaneous ulcerations and proven effective against helicobacter pylori. The big discovery is another product: Cancure, developed in the Congo to combat cancer. Studies have shown Cancure to be effective as a herbal anti-tumor agent. It has been developed as a multi-molecule chemotherapy in 30 mg tablets. It can be used in neoadjuvant, adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy.

Particular emphasis was placed on the impact of research on health in Africa, with the development of a drug for sickle-cell anemia in Burkina Faso: FACA. Pr Innocent Pierre Guissou presented the research carried out on this drug. The research carried out showed the product’s action on falciformation, inflammation, pain, fever and inhibitory activity on smooth muscle contraction. The studies demonstrated the product’s anti-inflammatory effect, both steroidal and non-steroidal. The promising results obtained have enabled this product to be made available to populations with good market returns. For Pr Innocent Pierre Guissou, collaboration is the key to research: “We need to work together to develop a common approach in Africa”.

Discussions also focused on strengthen collaborative and funding initiatives for impact research across Africa.

The successful day ended with a gala dinner at which the participants exchanged views. The final day, October 30, 2024, will be devoted to a visit by participants to the SIAO, to the Thomas SANKARA memorial and feedback to these days of ORTARChI.

Afiya

The team