Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale

INRB was inaugurated on December 8, 1984, by French President François Mitterrand and First Commissioner of State Kengo wa Dondo and is the result of Franco-Congolese cooperation. It symbolizes the sustainability of a cooperation project, which after the departure of the aid workers, has gained national and international recognition. INRB is the largest Congolese project management office, with a dedicated team of more than 220 employees. It contributes to the development and implementation of strategies to address the management of viral, epidemic, infectious, and parasitic diseases and supports consortia through knowledge transfer and training activities for local teams with a view to strengthening their skills.

Role within WINGS-4-FGS

INRB will contribute to all aspects of project management and monitoring in the field. INRB will facilitate the overall implementation of the project and encourage participation and interaction between the various local organizations and communities. In collaboration with all partners, INRB will ensure consistent external communication about the project with local institutions to support improved strategies for managing genital schistosomiasis. INRB will support all partners in their networking activities and in matters concerning stakeholder and media relations throughout the project, as well as in the exploitation and sustainability of project results.

Professor, MD, PhD Dieudonné MUMBA NGOYI

“As Head of the parasitology department, I have been involved in much research on the matter of schistosomiasis focused on biological research and treatment. The WINGS project offers a unique opportunity combining health research, education, management and policy which will be more impactful in such endemic area as ours, and I am very thrilled to participate in such a project.”

MD, MSc, MPH Ange Landela Luzolo

“I always enjoy working for projects improving women’s health. The WINGS project will allow me to be closely in touch with patients and bring my contribution as a medical professional.”

Professor, MD, PhD Jean-Jacques MUYEMBE TAMFUM

“The WINGS Project motivates me because its objectives fit perfectly to ours. As the leader of the National Institute of Biomedical research, I am just happy to support this project.”

MD, MSc Solange MBAMVU

“I am particularly motivated to participate in this clinical trial on female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) as a Senior Clinical Trial Officer, as it is a crucial study aimed at improving the reproductive health of women and young girls living in endemic areas of the DRC. My scientific interest in neglected tropical diseases, combined with my experience in managing clinical trials according to Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), drives me to actively contribute to generating local evidence on the effectiveness of praziquantel combined with anti-inflammatory treatments and on the clinical and inflammatory implications of FGS. This commitment aligns with my desire to strengthen clinical research and promote better care for women in sub-Saharan Africa.”

Professor, PhD Cele Depaul Manianga

“With my background in medical anthropology, WINGS is a very good opportunity to interact with the local population about such a delicate topic and help them to improve their health habits.”

Biologist, MSc Kevin KARUME

“I am happy to bring my expertise in Schistosomiasis diagnosis to help with the implementation of the genital schistosomiasis test for the local population to be able to perform by themselves. ”

Mr. Vincent KAMBALE

“I have been working in many projects at INRB in Administration and Finances. I am happy to bring my expertise to the table. I am sure that I will be a valuable asset in managing the local administration system to ensure efficient management.”