NPHI Determinants of the Initial setup of a national Public Health institute in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insights from Burkina Faso

Hervé Hien; Claude Millogo; Ellen  Whitney; Amandine  Zoonekyndt; Nicolas Meda

doi:10.4314/rasp.v6i2.3

Authors

Hervé Hien Institut de recherche en science de la santé and Insitut national de santé publique
Claude Millogo International Association of national public health institute
Ellen Whitney International Association of national public health institute
Amandine Zoonekyndt International Association of national public health institute
Nicolas Meda 4. Research unity and training; Science of health department, university Joseph Ki Zerbo , Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/rasp.v6i2.3

Keywords:

National public health institute, preliminary setup, Leadership, health security

Abstract

The development of Burkina Faso's National Public Health Institute (NPHI) provided valuable insights for other countries seeking to enhance their health security. This paper aims to document the preliminary setup of the NPHI in Burkina Faso and share lessons learned and best practices with other African countries. From January to June 2023, we analysed the literature produced by the NPHI supplemented by semi-structured interviews. A total of 15 participants were included in the interviews. These participants were selected from individuals with firsthand experience implementing the NPHI. The documentation period ranged from 2017 to 2021. An analysis of the thematic content was carried out. The preliminary setup process was inclusive, participatory, and adaptive, leading to the development of foundational texts for the institution. Key factors favouring the preliminary setup included effective stakeholder involvement, strong leadership from the setup team, and valuable lessons learned from peer exchange visits with other NPHIs. Decision-makers and managers of NPHIs involved in creating their NPHI could draw inspiration from Burkina Faso's experience to achieve their goal effectively.

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