Fatimata Bintou Josiane Diarra
About me
Dr. Fatimata Bintou Josiane Diarra is a microbiologist and postdoctoral researcher from Burkina Faso specializing in antimicrobial resistance (AMR), molecular epidemiology, and the One Health approach. She holds a PhD in Biochemistry–Microbiology from Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo. Her research focuses on genomic surveillance of antimicrobial resistance, food and water safety, environmental microbiology, and epidemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries. She is committed to strengthening laboratory capacity, advancing collaborative research, and translating scientific evidence into policies that improve public health and sustainable development in Africa.
Dr. Fatimata Bintou Josiane Diarra is a microbiologist and postdoctoral researcher from Burkina Faso dedicated to advancing public health through research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and the One Health approach. She earned her PhD in Biochemistry–Microbiology from Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, where her doctoral research investigated the genetic diversity of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)- and carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales in urban agriculture, highlighting the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health.
Driven by a commitment to addressing pressing health challenges in Africa, her research focuses on genomic surveillance of AMR, food and water safety, environmental microbiology, wastewater-based surveillance, and epidemic preparedness and response. She combines microbiology, molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics to generate evidence that supports disease surveillance, informs public health policy, and strengthens laboratory systems in low- and middle-income countries.
Throughout her career, Dr. Diarra has collaborated with national and international partners on projects aimed at strengthening antimicrobial resistance surveillance, improving laboratory capacity, and promoting integrated One Health strategies. She has contributed to the development of research proposals, national technical documents, and laboratory quality management systems while mentoring students and early-career researchers. Her long-term ambition is to establish a multidisciplinary research program that integrates genomics, environmental health, and implementation science to develop sustainable solutions for antimicrobial resistance and emerging infectious diseases across Africa.
As a woman scientist, Dr. Diarra is passionate about promoting the participation and leadership of women and girls in science. She believes that increasing women's representation in research not only strengthens scientific excellence but also leads to more innovative and equitable solutions to global challenges. She is committed to mentoring young women scientists, fostering international collaborations, and building research capacity that empowers the next generation of African scientists.
Through her work, Dr. Diarra aims to bridge scientific research, public health practice, and policy to contribute to stronger health systems, improved health security, and sustainable development in Africa. She envisions a future where African scientists play a leading role in generating knowledge and innovations that address the continent's most pressing health and environmental challenges.