In Burkina Faso, two anthropological studies on covid-19 (CORAF-Media and CORAFMOB) reveal methodological difficulties and the positioning of anthropology in an epidemic crisis. This methodological reflection starts from the conditions of execution of this research involving critical analysis and production of results to guide the response. The presentation of results in an emergency makes temporality the first challenge. The second outcome presents pressing situations unfavorable to the expression of criticism of governmental measures, institutional functioning, or global health options.
The capacity of anthropology to follow the institution of public health, in a health emergency, to account for the complexity of its approach, which is the very basis of its legitimacy, is questioned here.
Keywords: Covid-19, anthropology, public health, methodology, Burkina Faso