In Pointe-Noire, a rampart Scientists against epidemics

Pointe-Noire has acquired a major strategic tool for national health security. Inaugurated on November 17, 2025, by the President of the Republic of Congo, Denis Sassou N'Guesso, the National Institute of Biology and Health Surveillance (INBVS) marks a decisive step in strengthening Congo's epidemiological surveillance system. Much more than a simple laboratory, the INBVS aims to be a health sentinel, capable of anticipating, detecting, and supporting the response to emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases.

A laboratory at the heart of epidemiological monitoring

Located in the 1st district Emery Patrice Lumumba, in Pointe-Noire, the INBVS is a cutting-edge scientific structure dedicated to the detection, prevention and treatment of human pathologies of various kinds.

Its mission is threefold: to provide advanced biological diagnostics, to develop scientific research, training and innovation, and to manage epidemiological surveillance and national health monitoring. "The INBVS was designed to meet these three major needs, essential to the country's health security," emphasized the Minister of Health and Population, Professor Jean-Rosaire Ibara, during the inauguration ceremony.

A modern infrastructure and multidisciplinary

The institute is based on an integrated scientific architecture, composed of five large interconnected laboratories:

• Molecular biology and functional genomics

• Microbiology

• Biochemistry, immunology and hematology

• Food science, toxicology and quality control

• Emergency Biology

A strategic investment for health public

The construction of the INBVS required an investment of 4.5 billion FCFA, financed by the World Bank, demonstrating the priority given to epidemic prevention by the Congolese government and its technical and financial partners. World Bank Group Resident Representative in Congo,

Anna Maria Alexandra Célestin stressed the need to ensure the long-term viability of the infrastructure: "Building an institute of this level is not enough.

The key is to preserve and make this investment profitable for the long-term benefit of the population.” She reaffirmed her institution’s commitment to supporting Congo in developing state-of-the-art health infrastructure that meets the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Qualified human resources and a training center

Ultimately, at least one hundred specialized staff will work within the INBVS. Biologists, microbiologists, laboratory technicians, and researchers will provide continuous monitoring, reliable diagnostics, and technical support to hospitals and healthcare facilities. The institute also has a strong academic focus.

It aims to become the national hub for applied biomedical research, by forging partnerships with public and private universities, thus contributing to the training of future generations of healthcare professionals.

Towards an African model food safety

Making the INBVS "an African model in terms of health security" is one of the stated ambitions of the Congolese government.

This vision is based on continuous biological monitoring, a rapid response to epidemics, and improved preparedness for future pandemics. Professor Jean-Rosaire Ibara concluded his address with a powerful wish: “May this Institute be a beacon of science, sovereignty, and responsibility in service to Congo and all of Africa.” The presidential ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized the commissioning of a facility destined to play a central role in protecting the health of populations, both nationally and regionally.