Ouagadougou: The Burkinabe Society of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetics (SOBURHEC), alongside the Francophone African Society of Histology, Embryology and Cytogenetics (SAFHEC), launched a four-day international congress on Wednesday. The event aims to integrate fundamental science with indigenous knowledge and the African therapeutic heritage.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the president of SOBURHEC and the organizing committee, Alfred Rakissida Ou©draogo, highlighted the importance of this congress for the fields of histology, embryology, and cytogenetics in Burkina Faso. He emphasized the congress's role in fostering discussions on how to bridge the gap between indigenous and scientific knowledge.

Ou©draogo spoke in Ouagadougou at the inaugural SOBURHEC congress, which also marked the 5th meeting of SAFHEC. The event centered on the theme: "Experimental Histology, Genetics and African Pharmacopoeia." He noted that the Popular Progressive Revolution's manifesto supports research, as seen in the recent acquisition of a scanning electron microscope, with plans to acquire a transmission electron microscope.

Addressing the researchers, Ou©draogo assured them that their work in histology, embryology, and cytogenetics is in capable hands and will continue to benefit the people.

SAFHEC president, Rapha«l Darboux, stated that this congress represents a collective research ambition benefitting Burkina Faso, Benin, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Niger. He praised the scientific community's commitment to contributing to Francophone Africa's medical and scientific progress.

Darboux also expressed SAFHEC's support for Burkina Faso's health reforms aimed at benefiting the population.

Dr. Robert Lucien Jean-Claude Kargougou, the Minister of Health and patron of the event, praised the congress as a significant milestone for Burkina Faso and Africa's health sector. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between scientists and traditional practitioners in exploring genetics, histology, embryology, and African pharmacopoeia.

Dr. Kargougou noted Africa's role in both consuming and producing science, facilitated by exchanges that advance progress. He highlighted the congress's commitment to addressing histological abnormalities and genetic mutations that are crucial in diagnosing and treating diseases.

The minister also acknowledged the African pharmacopoeia as a valuable therapeutic heritage deserving scientific recognition. He referred to the delegates as essential contributors to public health in Africa.

Professor Robert Soudr©, representing the sponsors, commended the congress's organization and wished participants successful and productive discussions.