Our mission includes strengthening laboratory management in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe targeting empowerment of scientific research with the aim to reduce poverty, safeguard public health, and enhance environmental and food safety.
Building on our progress over the last few years, we aim to ensure trustworthy, accredited laboratories in both countries. Your support remains vital: together, we can secure an even more significant impact on the future for millions.
Our Progress so far
In both Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe, laboratory management faces significant challenges, from inadequate infrastructure to limited resources. However, through strategic partnerships and targeted support, we are making significant advances:
Burkina Faso – Senexel Laboratory
- Accreditation: During 2020-2022, Senexel has worked with Action10 and Human Rights & Science (HR&S) toward ISO 17025 accreditation. Guided by HR&S Senior Experts, Senexel’s internal processes have improved, and the lab is on track for formal accreditation assessment.
- Internship Program: In partnership with Ouagadougou University, Senexel welcomed during 2020-2022 Master’s students for practical training. This initiative allowed senior staff to focus on accreditation activities while offering students valuable hands-on experience.
- National Collaboration: As an active participant in the National External Quality Assessment (NEQA) program, Senexel contributes to improving the broader laboratory sector in Burkina Faso. Consistent proficiency testing results demonstrate its commitment to high-quality services
Collaborative Progress in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe
- Weekly online HR&S meetings starting in 2025 will provide coaching on the HR&S ROPE research and laboratory management approach. Through this work, we have identified 30 key challenges in research management and 20 in laboratory management.
- Activities have been designed and implemented to address these challenges, with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) now established.
- We have identified private laboratories in both countries for implementing the laboratory management approach.
How we operate in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe
Through Action10 and its social enterprise partner Human Rights & Science (HR&S), we provide:
- Low-interest loan offers to meet the laboratory needs to scale operations.
- Training & expert advice in laboratory management and ISO accreditation.
- Networking by connecting local labs with experts and students.
- Advice offered on financial viability approaches.
Our approach emphasizes local ownership and accountability. By empowering laboratories and local entrepreneurs to become financially sustainable, we help reduce dependency on external aid while fostering long-term economic development.
Support Action10 and laboratories in Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe now!
About Burkina Faso and Zimbabwe
In Burkina Faso, environmental health remains a central public health priority, with concerns around water quality, sanitation, and pollution impacting the population’s well-being. Laboratories specializing in environmental testing provide critical support by conducting water quality assessments, analyzing soil and air samples, and identifying hazardous contaminants. These analyses are essential in areas where access to clean water is limited and sanitation infrastructure is underdeveloped.
In Zimbabwe, the laboratory sector plays a crucial role in public health surveillance, disease diagnosis, and research. The country faces challenges in maintaining modern laboratory infrastructure due to economic constraints and limited resources. However, there is a strong foundation of skilled professionals and a commitment to improving laboratory standards. The nation’s laboratories are vital for monitoring infectious diseases, ensuring food safety, and supporting agricultural research – key areas for Zimbabwe’s development. Local laboratories also contribute to regional health initiatives and participate in international research collaborations, though they often operate under resource limitations that affect their ability to maintain consistent quality standards and obtain necessary equipment and supplies.