Bamako – To celebrate World Health Day 2026, themed “Unite for Health. Support Science,” the World Health Organization (WHO) is highlighting dedicated professionals who leverage scientific advancement to enhance lives across the African Region.

Dr. Bintou Dembélé, a physician and public health specialist, has spent years combating infectious diseases and fortifying healthcare frameworks in Mali and throughout West Africa. She is a firm believer that scientific knowledge must serve the public. Her work focuses on utilizing research to avert health emergencies, refine medical care, and build a bridge of trust between the scientific community and the people. For this World Health Day, she discusses her vision for a collaborative and accessible scientific landscape.

Why is investing in science vital for safeguarding public health today?

Science is more critical than ever. It provides the foundation for inventing modern medications, vaccines, and therapeutic strategies to fight both long-standing and newly appearing pathogens.

Beyond treatment, science is a pillar of prevention. By deepening our understanding of how diseases emerge and circulate, we can mitigate threats before they escalate into full-blown crises.

Furthermore, it drives the evolution of diagnostic tools and hospital equipment, ensuring that health systems are robust enough to improve patient recovery and survival rates.

How can regional scientific partnerships improve health outcomes in Mali and West Africa?

Scientific cooperation allows for the vital exchange of expertise and resources. In West Africa, where many nations face parallel health obstacles, collective action is a significant advantage.

These alliances are instrumental in tackling endemic and chronic diseases while specifically targeting maternal and child health. For instance, they help create localized solutions to lower neonatal and maternal mortality.

Moreover, these partnerships fuel socio-economic progress; a healthy population is a resilient one, better equipped to drive social and economic growth.

The “One Health” strategy is a major focus this year. How does this help prevent health emergencies?

The “One Health” concept is based on the fundamental truth that human health is inextricably linked to the health of animals and our shared environment. Recognizing these connections allows communities to better foresee and manage potential risks.

This approach fosters local vigilance and opens a dialogue between researchers and the public. It also respects indigenous knowledge and encourages community-led research, empowering people to take charge of their own wellbeing.

What is needed to turn scientific research into practical field action more quickly?

Scientific data should be treated as a public good. To be effective, findings must be scrutinized and disseminated rapidly through systems that convert research into tangible policy decisions.

By swiftly weaving data into public strategy, we can better direct health initiatives, maximize the use of available resources, and address the actual needs of the population more precisely.

How can we inspire the public to trust and support scientific work?

Trust is built through transparency and clarity. To gain public support, scientific information must be presented in a way that is easy to understand and relevant to local contexts.

By communicating openly through familiar community channels, we encourage social mobilization. When science is viewed as a shared resource that benefits everyone, it naturally garners widespread support.