Ouagadougou: Dr. Rebeca Compaor/Tougma, a researcher at the Institute of Health Sciences Research (IRSS), is at the forefront of developing non-invasive biomarkers for the early detection of liver cancer through a simple blood sample. This innovation holds the potential to revolutionize patient care in Burkina Faso, where hepatitis B remains a significant public health issue.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Dr. Rebeca Compaor/Tougma, an expert in molecular biology and public health, traced her passion for scientific research back to her childhood. Inspired by her father, a public health specialist, she aspired to contribute to the health field from an early age. During her university education, particularly while earning her master's degree in public health, she recognized the critical role of laboratory work in understanding and managing diseases. "Many health solutions, such as vaccines, originate from laboratory work," she noted.
Dr. Compaor acknowledged the challenges she faced, particularly after completing her doctoral thesis in 2016. The suspension of recruitment in scientific research delayed her official integration as a researcher. "The biggest challenge was recruitment. It was only in 2017, when the competition resumed, that I was able to officially join the research team," she explained. Her current research focuses on identifying non-invasive biomarkers for early liver cancer diagnosis, detecting disease progression through blood elements without the need for surgical biopsies.
She emphasized that transitioning from scientific discovery to clinical application is a lengthy process, requiring five to ten years to validate results and develop a test for health facilities. Her decision to specialize in infectious diseases and cancer is influenced by Burkina Faso's health situation, particularly the prevalence of hepatitis B affecting around 9% of the population and potentially progressing to liver cancer.
Recently, Dr. Compaor's work gained international recognition, earning her the "Young Women Scientists in Africa" award in Equatorial Guinea, supported by UNESCO. She believes this recognition enhances the visibility of Burkina Faso's research efforts and aids in securing funding and scientific collaborations. During International Women's Day, she highlighted the need for more female representation in scientific research in Burkina Faso and encouraged young women to pursue careers in science. She also stressed the importance of hepatitis B prevention through vaccination and screening to reduce liver cancer risks.