Anticipating health emergencies through science: An interview with Professor Abdoulaye Touré (Guinea)

Executive Summary

Country: Guinea Source: World Health Organization Conakry – On World Health Day 2026, held under the theme “Together for health. Stand with science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) spotlights individuals across the African Region who use science to improve people’s lives. A pharmacist and internationally recognized public health researcher, Professor Abdoulaye Touré is a leading figure in epidemic preparedness and response in Guinea. He leads a research centre that has become a cornerstone of the country’s capacity to prevent and respond to health emergencies. Through his work and long-standing commitment, he demonstrates how sustained investment in science can help anticipate crises, save lives and strengthen health systems over the long term. Which recent scientific advances have most transformed the detection and surveillance of emerging diseases? The COVID-19 pandemic also played a decisive role by accelerating the establishment of genomic surveillance. This approach analyses the genetic material of viruses, helping to track how diseases evolve, detect new variants and better understand transmission patterns. Finally, advances in serology—the analysis of blood samples to detect antibodies—have strengthened population-level surveillance. Together, these tools significantly enhance countries’ capacity to anticipate and control epidemics. How does science guide CERFIG’s approach to epidemic preparedness and response in Guinea? Science is central to everything we do. Our teams work across several complementary disciplines, including microbiology, public health, anthropology and clinical medicine. This multidisciplinary approach helps us better understand the risks of disease emergence and directly informs prevention and response strategies. Over the years, CERFIG has conducted studies on a wide range of pathogens, including Ebola, other viral haemorrhagic fevers, diphtheria and mpox. The evidence generated supports health authorities in making informed decisions based on scientific data rather than assumptions. Why is the One Health approach essential for future health emergencies? The One Health approach is based on a simple principle: human, animal and environmental health are closely interconnected. It is therefore no longer effective to prevent health emergencies by working in isolation across sectors. Adopting this approach makes it possible to identify risks earlier, better understand their origins and implement coordinated responses. It provides an essential framework for anticipating health threats and reducing their impact on populations. What are the main challenges in strengthening collaboration between science and public policy? From a One Health perspective, it is also crucial to strengthen the environmental and animal health sectors, which often receive fewer resources than the human health sector. Building the capacity of public institutions to analyse and use scientific data is equally important. Finally, sustained and structured dialogue between researchers and policymakers is essential to design health policies that are better aligned with realities on the ground. What message would you like to share with institutions and partners about the importance of investing in science? Since then, targeted investments have strengthened systems capable of detecting an epidemic within just a few hours. This speed saves lives, limits disease spread and protects economies. Initiatives such as the International Research Platform in Global Health (PRISME), established by CERFIG and its partners, demonstrate that sustained commitment to science strengthens health system resilience and better prepares countries for future crises. For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact: Kadijah Diallo Communications Officer WHO Regional Office for Africa Email: dialloka@who.int