The Minister of Health, Ussene Isse, visited the National Institute of Health (INS) in Marracuene District, Maputo Province, this Friday (07.03). On the occasion, he stated he was satisfied with the work the institution has been carrying out in its areas of operation, namely research, surveillance, laboratory diagnostics, training, communication, and innovation in health.
“We are here today, seeing Mozambicans investigating, innovating, guiding, and presenting scientific evidence to save lives. This truly makes us proud. The Institute's motto, ‘Discover, Understand, and Inform,’ aligns with the Government's direction and vision, which emphasizes the importance of placing scientific evidence at the center of decision-making, contributing to the improvement of the population's health and well-being.”
The Minister visited several of the institution's units, with a focus on the laboratory platforms, the Outbreak Research Center, and the construction work for the National Bioinformatics Center. During his meeting with the members of the INS Board of Directors, he was briefed on the institution's activities and its outlook.
Addressing journalists, Ussene Isse emphasized that the country has laboratory capacity for the diagnosis of high-risk pathogens, including Ebola, with the ability to test 300 samples per day, with the possibility of increasing this capacity whenever necessary. He also highlighted that the INS has played a crucial role in certifying the tests introduced in the country, contributing to the quality assurance of clinical diagnosis in Mozambique.
Ussene Isse announced that Mozambique will be one of the first countries in Africa to introduce a new modern and innovative poliovirus diagnostic technology through genetic sequencing. He also informed that the INS is building the first National Bioinformatics Center, which is expected to be inaugurated by the beginning of next year. This infrastructure will play an innovative role in data analysis within the scope of scientific health research.
During the visit, the Minister instructed the INS to conduct an impact assessment of the implementation of the hepatitis vaccine, the introduction of which is being prepared. He also highlighted the INS's high technical-scientific credibility at the national and international levels, recommending that the INS take the step towards its internationalization. In this context, he challenged the institution to provide support to Portuguese-speaking African countries in the area of public health and related fields.
During the visit, the Minister met with INS staff working at the institution's headquarters, encouraging them to continue their ongoing work, always with the aim of serving the population with respect and dignity.
During the meeting, Isse urged INS staff and collaborators to continuously strengthen their commitment to the institution's mission. He also advocated for the widespread dissemination of public information about the results of health research conducted at INS, making it available to inform decision-making and educate populations about health.
For the visit, Ussene Isse was accompanied by the Deputy National Director of Cooperation and Planning, the Head of the Communication and Image Department of the Ministry of Health, and the Minister's Assistant. At the INS, he met with members of the Management Council and the institution's staff.
MISAU – DCI
