Welcomed by Professor Maxime K. Drabo, Chief Executive Officer of the National Public Health Laboratory (LNSP), the Commissioner explained that the purpose of the visit paid on the sideline of the training of inspectors of the region in the requirements of a quality system, was to soak the drugs control system in Burkina Faso. He also briefly outlined the main objectives of WAQSP.

In response, Professor DRABO presented the laboratory’s missions, exposing its main difficulties. The delegation then paid an information visit across departments, the Laboratory testing and control rooms, led by Dr. JosigiYameogo, Medicines Control Director and Alphonse Yakoro, Director of Technical Coordination of the quality management. Note that the LNSP is a public institution of the State. It is considered as one of the main instruments of national drugs control system.

In this context, the laboratory works closely with the key industry stakeholders. It ensures, as far as possible, that quality controls are made before approving the marketing of drugs on the market. Beyond drugs, the laboratoryalsocontrolsfoodproducts.

On the same day, the delegation led by Commissioner Kalilou TRAORE paid a working visit to the Food Technology Department (DTA) of the Research Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IRSAT) of Burkina Faso.

It was welcomed by the Director of the laboratory, Dr. Sawadogo HAGRETOU who, after a presentation of the structure, led it into the various technical services, including the accredited microbiology laboratory, the chemistry laboratory and the Intercomparison unity for explanation and demonstration sessions. As a reminder, with the support of the second phase of the quality program, the microbiology laboratory was accredited ISO / IEC 17025, version 2005 since 2012 by the French Accreditation Committee (COFRAC), for the control of foodstuffs at the entrance and exit of Burkina Faso.

In terms of impact, the DTA indicated that although still insufficient, the number of partners and customers has significantly improved due to the credit provided by the accreditation. Burkinabe traders now have locally analysis certificates required for export. This information reassured the delegation. In the process, the Commissioner informed the DTA of its selection as the beneficiary structure as part of the third phase of the program, mainly to support the chemistry laboratory for the accreditation and the Intercomparison unit to carry out activities for the benefit of the region.