Trusting Science to Protect Tomorrow’s Health: Interview with Professor Francine Ntoumi on Africa’s Health Future

On World Health Day 2026, under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa highlighted the critical role of local research and scientific trust in building resilient health systems across the continent. Central to this message was an interview with Professor Francine Ntoumi, a leading molecular biologist and Founder and Executive Director of the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research (FCRM), who emphasized that strengthening public trust in science begins with making research accessible, transparent, and connected to everyday life.

Professor Ntoumi explained that trust in science is not built through isolated laboratory work but through sustained engagement with communities. “Research must not remain confined to laboratories or reserved for specialists,” she stated. “It is important to clearly explain what is being done, why it is being done, and what results are achieved. Communities must be able to understand and take ownership of the work of local researchers.” This approach, she noted, requires improved communication between scientists, communities, and decision-makers to ensure that science is not only understood but valued as a public good.

Drawing from decades of experience combating malaria in Central Africa, Professor Ntoumi underscored the indispensable role of biomedical research in shifting from emergency responses to proactive threat anticipation. “Biomedical research allows us to move from emergency reaction to anticipation,” she said. “It helps us detect disease-causing agents earlier, understand their evolution, and monitor their transmission in our specific contexts.” This forward-looking capacity, she argued, is essential for preparing health systems to confront both known and emerging infectious diseases before they escalate into crises.

As the head of FCRM, Professor Ntoumi has worked to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and community needs by strengthening local research capacity and ensuring that studies reflect African realities. Her organization focuses on developing solutions tailored to regional health challenges, particularly in the fight against malaria, which continues to burden communities across the region. By training local scientists and involving communities in the research process, FCRM aims to create sustainable models of scientific engagement that empower rather than extract.

She also highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared health threats. Infectious diseases do not respect borders, and Professor Ntoumi pointed out that pooling knowledge, resources, and expertise across countries enhances the effectiveness of public health interventions. Such collaboration, she noted, improves surveillance, accelerates response times, and strengthens health systems collectively — especially in regions facing similar epidemiological profiles.

The interview formed part of a broader WHO initiative for World Health Day 2026 to showcase individuals across the African Region who are using science to improve lives. Similar efforts were highlighted in other countries, including an interview with Dr Bintou Dembélé in Mali, who spoke about the value of scientific collaboration in strengthening health systems and preventing crises through better understanding of disease origins and spread.

Professor Ntoumi’s message reinforced a central principle of modern public health: that science serves society best when it is inclusive, communicative, and grounded in local realities. By fostering trust through transparency and community involvement, she argued, African nations can build stronger defenses against future health threats while ensuring that scientific progress benefits everyone.