Our history

Since the 1940s, missionaries, voyagers and other explorers have conducted research in the Bobo-Dioulasso region. Through its history, its diverse wealth of natural resources and its geographical location, Bobo-Dioulasso has always been referred to as the epicentre of scientific research for controlling infectious diseases in Francophone West Africa. A number of centres and laboratories focused on health research at regional or national level, e.g. the Centre MURAZ, WAHO, CIRDES, the IRD-Bobo-Dioulasso satellite branch, the former PATTEC and the IRSS-DRO, have been created and have transformed the city into a regional hub of excellence and innovation in research, training and expertise serving public health. The establishment of SIC in 2022 as a not-for-profit and non-government research centre originated from the urgent need to address the high burden of vector-borne diseases in Africa with more efficiency to accelerate the implementation of translational projects toward its intended societal impact. This newly created not-for-profit health research centre begun with a vision to advance health knowledge and improve patient outcomes. Over the years, researchers at SIC have played a crucial role in understanding the epidemiology, transmission dynamics, and control strategies for vector-borne diseases. They have conducted extensive research to develop effective interventions, such as bed nets, insecticides, vaccines, and innovative vector control technologies. SIC also focuses on capacity building by training local scientists and healthcare workers, increasing public awareness, and engaging in community outreach programs. By establishing SIC, a multidisciplinary research institutions dedicated to studying and combating vector-borne diseases research, surveillance, and collaboration with local partners and international partners, SIC intends to contribute significantly to mitigating the burden of vector-borne diseases and promoting public health in the region.