The Congolese Foundation for Medical Research (FCRM) was set up as a legal entity in 2008 in response to the limited number of Congolese scientists carrying out health research activities in the Republic of the Congo. The FCRM is an independent non-governmental institution. The Foundation has a collaboration agreement with the Congolese Ministry of Public Health and the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as with the Marien Ngouabi University.
Mission
To help reinforce biomedical research capacities in the Congo-Brazzaville through local, regional, and international collaborations.
Organization & infrastructure
The decision-making body is the Board of Directors led by the founders and directors.
The activities of the FCRM are based at three sites:
- The Christophe Mérieux Infectiology Center for research into infectious diseases, which includes molecular biology, immunology, and cell laboratories, a 3D printing laboratory, and a parasitology laboratory
- A healthcare establishment including a clinical research center
- An administrative and financial unit
Research activities
The main activities include:
- Molecular epidemiology linked with malaria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and COVID-19
- Bacterial and viral infections in diarrheal illnesses
- Sickle cell anemia and malaria
- Emerging and re-emerging diseases (Chikungunya, Dengue, etc.)
- Immune responses to identified pathogenic agents
- Antimicrobial resistance
- Studies into co-infections
At a regional level, the FCRM coordinates the Central Africa Network Central Africa Network on Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, and Malaria (CANTAM) for clinical research, whose objective is to develop clinical research capacities into infectious and tropical diseases, as well as the PANDORA-ID-NET consortium, which aims to support its partners as they prepare for and provide a rapid response to epidemics of infectious diseases declared in Africa.
Learn more about the Congolese Foundation for Medical Research
Contact
Edar Miafoukana
Communications Manager
Villa D6 – Campus OMS-AFRO – Djoué – Brazzaville – Republic of the Congo