Welcome

Schistosomiasis & STH Research and Control in Cameroon

All information pertaining to research around the epidemiology and control of both schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in Cameroon is collated via work being carried out by: the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH, the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology and the COUNTDOWN Project

Latest News

14 December 2017, Yaoundé, Centre Region

7th National Committee for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH Meeting

The 7th Meeting of the National Committee for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH in Cameroon was held at the Ministry of Public Health. This meeting which was chaired by the Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda (President of the Committee), had as participants, the Minister of Basic Education, Youssouf Hadidja Alim (Vice President of the NCCSIH), the Secretary of State to the Ministry of Public Health in charge of the fight against epidemics and pandemics,

Alim Hayatou in addition to other members of the NCCSIH, partners and key stakeholders. Decisions from the 6th NCCSIH meeting were reviewed and the National Control Program and its partners were applauded for their relentless efforts in the progress made in SCH and STH control in Cameroon. One of the highlights of this meeting was the presentation of the Atlas of SCH transmission in Cameroon, by Prof Tchuem Tchuenté, the National coordinator of the SCH control program which offers an elaborate evolution of the SCH situation in the various regions. The challenge now faced by the NCCSIH and the control program is the abrupt stop of USAID support for SCH and STH control in Cameroon, however, through the continuous commitment from the government and key partners such as Sightsavers, deworming campaigns will be ongoing for school-aged children in all regions of the country as its interruption will be very detrimental.

04 – 18 December 2017, Matta, West Region

COUNTDOWN Health Economics Household Surveys in Malantouen Health District

Following the completion of parasitological surveys in Matta, results produced served as the sampling frame for health economics surveys as participants were selected on the basis of their schistosomiasis status. Two surveys were conducted in Matta: Poverty and neglected tropical diseases survey; and a program costing survey.

The former survey captured data around general household information such as demographics, level of education, household income and assets etc, with 184 households being surveyed with a response rate of 86.38%. While the latter survey gathered information around costs and implementation of MDA in the area as it was administered to key informants such as Chief of Post, community leaders, school principals, head of health committee in addition to volunteers – community drug distributors, schools teachers and community health workers. 24 program costing surveys were administered. Some issues which affected the response rate of the surveys included: absence of household members during home visits and refusals to offer consent.

27 November - 03 December 2017, Matta , West Region

Parasitological Surveys in Schools and Communities in Malantouen Health District

Evaluation surveys were conducted in Matta, Malantouen Health District, in order to evaluate the effect of deworming campaigns in the region as well as provide information needed for health economics sampling framework for the COUNTDOWN project.

These parasitological surveys were conducted firstly in schools, through the assistance from school directors and teachers wo are key players in the control of schistosomiasis and STH, as they act as drug distributors during deworming campaigns in schools.

Subsequently, community-based parasitological surveyors were conducted through assistance from the Chief of Post along with community drug distributors who accompanied the field team into the community. This emphasizes community ownership of activities. All samples for the surveys were collected and analyzed by the team from the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology.  

17 November 2017, Yaoundé, Centre Region

Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté continues as LSTM NTD Ambassador

Professor Louis-Albert Tchuem-Tchuenté's mandate as an Ambassador for the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) with specialism on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) has been extended to 2020.

This is in recognition of his extensive contributions to research and control of NTDs in sub-Saharan Africa, which is no surprise given how tirelessly he has worked in the last three decades to improve policies relating to NTDs at home in Cameroon and internationally.

His LSTM association as Ambassador since early 2016 continues to strengthen as he collaborates on various UK & USA projects, with the aim to control/eliminate NTDs and work towards achieving the endgame of reducing poverty.

17 November 2017, Yaoundé, Centre Region

COUNTDOWN Health Economics Training Workshop

A health economics training workshop was organized in Yaoundé during which 15 field surveyors were trained around the best practices and techniques for effectively administering health economics surveys using the SurveyCTO software.

The surveys developed for COUNTDOWN research will capture data required for the analysis of the economic burden of NTDs at household level; data to study the value for money of the investment in NTD interventions; as well as identify opportunities for planning, upscaling and integrated implementation at the national, district and community levels.

Through interactive role playing, surveyors were able to improve their survey-administering skills as well as experience scenarios of dealing with challenging personalities son the field. This workshop was facilitated by Dr Michèle Estelle Ndonou Health Economics lead alongside Dr Maame Woode, LSTM.

22 - 26 October 2017, Centre Region

Mass Drug Administration in Ndikinimeki Health District

Parasitological and epidemiological surveys which were undertaken in schools in Ndikinimeki Health District, recorded a high prevalence of schistosomiasis in some areas in the district.

This led to the decision of a district-wide community based mas drug administration of PZQ and ALB. The district is composed of 6 health areas: Makenene, Nitoukou, Nyokon, Ndokowanen, Ndikinimeki, and Boutourou. Prior to this MDA, a training session was organized for supervisors and CDDs which was facilitated by the District Medical Officer and the Chief of Health Bureau. The MDA was conducted over a week with community sensitization being done using various channels such as religious settings – church and mosque – and via megaphone.

11 – 16 October 2017, Yaoundé, Centre Region

National Schistosomiasis Technical Meeting

The National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH organized a National SCH Technical Meeting in Yaoundé, chaired by the Coordinator of the control programme, Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté.

Participants were briefed on the current situation of SCH in the country and results from COUNTDOWN related research activities served to guide some discussions around plans moving forward (from control to elimination) and to reinforce the need for more effective efforts from all participants, in the control of SCH and STH with emphasis on the use of multidisciplinary approaches for better impact.  

In attendance were the Regional NTD Coordinators from all 10 regions of the country as well as representatives from civil society organisations – HKI, Sightsavers, Perspectives and International Eye Foundation.

*Through the interactive working session, the national database for schistosomiasis and STH activities in Cameroon was updated.

10 - 19 August 2017, South West Region

Mass Drug Administration in Barombi Crater Lakes

The Barombi crater lakes are renowned foci for schistosomiasis transmission and thus have been selected as study sites for the COUNTDOWN schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis-focused research.  

. The church played an invaluable role in community sensitisation, as well as opinion leaders - traditional leaders, quarter heads, church leaders, women leaders and youth leaders - who positively influenced community adherence. However,the group charged with the ultimate success of MDA were CDDs who worked enthusiastically and effortlessly to rid the community of the burden of schistosomiasis and intestinal worms.

In line with planned COUNTDOWN activities, mass treatment with praziquantel against schistosomiasis and mebendazole for intestinal worms took place in Barombo Kotto and  Barombi Mbo communities.This 2 week activity consisted training of community drug distributors and sensitisation of opinion leaders which was facilitated by the Regional NTD Coordinator, SW , the District Medical Officer and Chief of Post at the Health Centre.

In addition to MDA, the health economic team carried out household surveys while the social scientists captured perceptions around control interventions via key informant interviews and focused group discussions with variety of community groups - women, elders, youth, farmers etc.

August 2017, Yaoundé

Preparatory Meeting:Mass Treatment in Barombi Crater Lakes

Prior to mass treatment of communities in Barombi Crater lakes in the South West Region, a work plan meeting was organised at the COUNTDOWN country office in Yaoundé. Participants included the Regional NTD Coordinator, South West Region, Mrs Bea Mukete and personnel from the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH.

The work plan guiding the implementation of the community-wide mass drug administration in both Barombi Kotto and Barombi Kotto were reviewed and finalised through guidance from Mrs Mukete. All community drug distributors training manuals and distribution tools – registration forms, dose pole -  were revised. Each theme – parasitology, epidemiology, health economics and social science – offered insight into planned activities for said location resulting to clear integration of activities.

03 July 2017, Yaoundé

COUNTDOWN Work Plan Meeting

Colleagues in Yaoundé got together for a working session during which they reviewed work plans and finalised action plans moving forward. This session allowed for better synergy between the parasitology and social science disciplines.  Clear action plans and timelines for planned field activities were set enabling close collaboration and effectiveness of activities. Social science colleagues informed on preliminary findings from data collected thus far, through engagement with various stakeholders both at Regional and District level. These findings will guide future research activities and community engagement

31 May - 04 June 2017, Makenene

COUNTDOWN Baseline Study

Completion of COUNTDOWN baseline studies continues as the team visited Makenene, Centre Region for community-based sample collection. This was in accordance with planned activities for the Integrated complementary strategy theme -2.

An initial community cross-sectional study is required to assess the baseline infection and morbidity status of both schistosomiasis and STH in the community. Makenene is one of the study sites selected for extended treatment of praziquantel (for schistosomiasis) and mebendazole (for STH). The success of activities in the community was due in part to local collaboration from community drug distributors who were at the forefront of community sensitisation. The community working for the community emphasises the idea of community ownership which in turn allows for full engagement and adherence of community members to the schistosomiasis control activities. 

22 - 30 May 2017, Barombi Kotto

CSP - LSTM study fieldwork in Barombi Kotto, South West Region

The Chief understands first hand the burden which schistosomiasis causes to his people and he expressed his total commitment and support to working with the COUNTDOWN project to curb this debilitating diseases. The whole community was fully engaged and adhered to all aspects of the various research activities and this was due for the most part, to the proper sensitization offered before commencement of activities.

Accompanying the CSP team for planned COUNTDOWN activities, the team from LSTM travelled to Barombi Kotto village, in the South West Region.The Chief of Barombi Kotto and his village elders were very welcoming as usual and before any work could commence, an introduction and sensitization session was organized at the community hall for the entire community.LSTM Masters students offered overviews of their research, highlighting the objectives and how the samples collected from the community will be utilized.

All samples collected were analysed on the ground at the community Health Centre. Furthermore, Christine Makia made advances around social science-related aspect of the COUNTDOWN research by capturing the perceptions of stakeholders and lay people around schistosomiasis control interventions. She carried out in-depth-interviews and focus group interviews with some stakeholders being the Chief of Barombi Kotto, Head of the Nigerian community, Community Youth Leader, traditional leader and the Chief of the Health Centre.

18 -19 May 2017, Yaoundé

COUNTDOWN Social Science workshop

The COUNTDOWN Social science team in Yaoundé organised a two-days working session with Dr Martyn Stewart around resources for analysis and paper writing.The team consisted Prof Estelle Kouokam, Marlene Siping, Marlene Ntshinda and Christine Makia

During the course of this intensive working session which took place at the COUNTDOWN country office, colleagues presented findings obtained from preliminary research carried out in Edea, Littoral Region. This study also served to test data collection tools and Dr Martyn shared knowledge around qualitative analysis, equipping the team with the ability to succinctly analyse qualitative data.

17 May 2017, Yaoundé

CSP welcomes Colleagues and MSc Students from LSTM

Growing partnership between CSP and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) has led to numerous opportunities for mutual capacity development and knowledge exchange.

This was recently the case, as Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté and team at CSP welcomed colleagues and Masters students from LSTM for further collaboration around schistosomiasis research.  

LSTM team consisted Drs James LaCourse and Martyn Stewart alongside students, Grace Macklin, Lisa O'Halloran and Zickmund Bartonicek. The main aim of the visit was to further the research agenda around schistosomiasis control, as the Masters students partnered with the CSP to conduct field studies in line with their final research projects.

27 March - 14 May 2017, Centre Region

COUNTDOWN ICST2 Baseline Studies

It has been a very busy period for the team at CSP, which are progressively finishing off the COUNTDOWN schistosomiasis baseline studies in school-aged children and in communities. These studies will offer information on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the selected COUNTDOWN study sites and will guide work around the alternative interventions to be carried out. x

It has been a very busy period for the team at CSP, which are progressively finishing off the COUNTDOWN schistosomiasis baseline studies in school-aged children and in communities. These studies will offer information on the prevalence of schistosomiasis in the selected COUNTDOWN study sites and will guide work around the alternative interventions to be carried out. Study Sites are located in Four Regions - Centre, Littoral, West and South West. The collection of urine and stool samples from school-aged children is highly facilitated by school Directors and teachers, who are key players in the control of schistosomiasis. These efforts further highlight the commitment of partners - the Ministry of Basic Education and Ministry of Secondary Education - to the tripartite partnership signed with the Ministry of Public Health, and the Union of United Cities and Councils of Cameroon, for the control of schistosomiasis and STH. For more information about this COUNTDOWN research

17 - 22 April 2018, North West Region

COUNTDOWN Advocacy and Stakeholders Meeting

The COUNTDOWN team in Buea alongside our partners -the University of Buea, hosted a Regional Advocacy and Stakeholders meeting which brought together government officials and officials from civil society organisations - Helen Keller International and Sightsavers. In addition were Deans from the University of Buea, teachers and students all interested in combatting NTDs in the South West Region.

In her welcome word, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea who presided the meeting, stressed and encouraged researchers to ensure that research information is always relayed back to the communities concerned. The Director of Disease Control, Ministry of Health reiterated the government's commitment on NTDs control and fortified youths to be proactive in this fight. The COUNTDOWN team in Buea led by Prof Samuel Wanji, offered elaborate narratives of the overall COUNTDOWN project with emphasis placed on the alternative strategies for the acceleration of Onchocerciasis in Cameroon. Before officially launching the COUNTDOWN activities in the South West Region, the Governor informed on his "unconditional support" to all COUNTDOWN activities. A highlight of the meeting was the onchocerciasis exhibition where participants where enlightened around onchocerciasis.

28-30 March 2017, Yaoundé

COUNTDOWN Annual Partners' Meeting

The 3rd COUNTDOWN Annual Partners' Meeting was hosted in Yaoundé, Cameroon at Mont Fébé Hotel. The team in Cameroon welcomed partners from Liberia, Nigeria and the United Kingdom, while partners from Ghana were unfortunately unable to attend the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances. The 3-day intensive and interactive meeting allowed COUNTDOWN colleagues to review progress on work carried out thus far, all the while planning actions for research activities  moving forward. 

24 March 2017, Yaoundé

TES Conference 2017 - Paper Writing and Training Workshop

Following the unprecedented Towards Elimination of Schistosomiasis (TES) Conference, the organising committee convened an open Paper Writing and Training workshop, which brought together junior researches and students from international and national levels for capacity strengthening.

This workshop offered participants a platform to expand knowledge on scientific writing and peer-review publication, as well as Molecular Epidemiology, Diagnostics and Bioinformatics which serves for more effective disease surveillance. It was facilitated by Conference Chair, Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté, alongside Prof Russell Stothard, Dr Suzy Campbell, Dr Niel Young and Dr Bonnie Webster 

22-23 March 2017, Yaoundé

Towards Elimination of Schistosomiasis (TES) Conference 2017

The 1st International conference organised on Schistosomiasis in Cameroon was held from Wednesday, 22nd March 2017 to Thursday, 23 March 2017 at Mont Fébé Hotel, Yaoundé.

This conference titled Toward Elimination of Schistosomiasis (TES) brought together over 80 experts, scientists, donors, policy makers, non-governmental development organisations and students from all over the world to share and learn from each other's experiences and perspectives.

07-10 February 2017, Yaoundé

COUNTDOWN Evidence Synthesis Workshop

The COUNTDOWN team in Yaounde have welcomed colleagues from Buea and Nigeria for a 4-Day Evidence Synthesis Workshop which aims to enable participants to understand, appraise and use systematic reviews in neglected tropical diseases .

This workshop is facilitated by Prof Pierre Ongolo-Zogo, Dr Villyen Nkengafac and Patrick Owen from the Centre for the Development of Best Practices in Health.

27 January 2017, Yaoundé

Prof. Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté was raised to the dignity of Commander of the National Order of Valour by the President of Cameroon

The Head of State, Grand Master of National Orders, raised Professor Louis-Albert TCHUEM TCHUENTÉ to the dignity of Commander of the National Order of Valour, on the occasion of the National Day of 20 May 2016. The Minister of Higher Education officially awarded the decoration during the presentation ceremony of New Year 2017 wishes held on 27 January 2017 at the Amphitheater 700 of the University of Yaoundé I.

Medal of Commander of the National Order of Valour

24-25 January 2017, Yaounde

COUNTDOWN Social Sciences in-country team meeting

The COUNTDOWN team in Yaounde hosted colleagues from Buea, for a 2-day Social Science meeting. The purpose of this meeting was to review research activities against the timelines, review data collection tools and ensure reflection and co-ordination with both the Yaoundé and Buea research teams. 

06-30 November 2016, Edea and Eseka

Field studies in Edea and Eseka

Staff members alongside PhD and MSC students from the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology (CSP) have been very busy with field visits to Edea and Eseka in the Littoral Region. These visits were for the purpose of schistosomiasis sample collection for parasitological studies ongoing at CSP. Samples were collected from school-aged children in schools as well as members in the community. 

29 October 2016, Yaounde

Training Course in Malacology for MSc Students from the University of Yaounde I

Every year, Prof L.A Tchuem Tchuente, Director of CSP, organises practical training for his Masters students from the University of Yaounde I. This allow students to put theoretical knowledge into practice.

This year, the practical training course consisted of a field visit to a schistosomiasis transmission site where MSc students experienced first hand the realities of schistosomiasis transmission, and challenges for disease control and elimination. In addition, through the assistance from members of CSP, students carried out malacological surveys and snail identification followed by capacity building on schistosomiasis diagnostic techniques - Kato-Katz, CCA, Hemastix, and urine filtration.

26 -27 October 2016, Yaounde

China-Africa Cooperation: Training Course on Malacology

A 2-days training course in malacology and use of molluscicides for snail control was carried out as part of the China-Africa meeting.  

The Director of CSP, and Coordinator of the National SCH Control Programme, Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente led Chinese and African partners to a schistosomiasis transmission site in the city of Yaounde, where partners carried out malacological surveys with help from experts Dr Henri Madsen, University of Copenhagen, Prof David Rollinson, Natural History Museum of London, and Dr Rabiou Labbo, RISEAL Niger. Following this training course, Chinese and African partners were able to strengthen their capacity on schistosomiasis diagnostic techniques at the CSP with help from the team at CSP.

24 -28 October 2016, Yaounde

2nd China-Africa Meeting on Schistosomiasis Elimination

The second meeting of the China-Africa Cooperation on Schistosomiasis Elimination took place this week at Hilton Hotel in the capital city, Yaounde.

This cooperation aims to strengthen collaboartion between African and Chinese research institutions, in order to scale up schistosomiasis control and elimination through the agreement between the National Health and Family Planning Commission of China and the Department of Control of Neglected Tropical Diseases in the World Health Organisation. The meeting included a 2-days training course in malacology and use of molluscicides for snail control, with activities being carried out at the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology (CSP). 

03 - 07 October 2016, Limbe

COUNTDOWN Strategic Work Planning Meeting

COUNTDOWN Cameroon team in Buea, South West Region was pleased to welcome and host colleagues from  Yaounde, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK and FHI360, USA for a 5-days working session aimed at finalising strategic research work plans for the COUNTDOWN project multiple disciplines - parasitology, vector biology, entomology, health economics, applied social science and anthropology.

Based at Seme Beach Hotel in Limbe with its magnificent views and spectacular back drops, the interactive working sessions led to great progress around the development of strategic working plans

02 August 2016, Yaounde

Raising awareness about Schistosomiasis on National Radio Station-CRTV

Communication is an invaluable tool which serves to raise awareness and sensitise the population, around the control and elimination of NTDs in the country.

Prof Tcuem Tchuente joined the team of 'CRTV m'accompagne at the national radio station to  discuss the importance of building health reporting capacity within the media around NTDs. Schistosomiasis and other NTDs continue to pose problems for some populations around the country, but educating  the public helps them to be aware of transmission and how to prevent it. For more information about schistosomiasis, please click here

23 - 28 July 2016

NTDs Training for Journalists

The National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH organised a 6 days NTDs training session for journalists from national and regional levels. Prof Tchuem Tchuente, permanent secretary of the programme believes that "communication plays a very big role in raising awareness, controlling and eliminating NTDs".

The training session consisted field visits to various schistosomiasis endemic sites as well as areas which have managed to eliminate the disease, hence becoming success stories. Journalists were able to experience the challenges and realities faced in order to reach populations most affected. All the communities and traditional leaders visited, warmly received the team and expressed gratitude for the government's effort in hearing their voice and improving they health status. 

19 July 2016, Edea, Littoral Region

Working Session with Directors of Health Areas in Edea Health District, Littoral Region

Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente attended a working session with the directors of the various health areas in the Edea Health District, in the Littoral Region ahead of a planned mass drug distribution.

This working session organised by the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH demonstrates the government's incessant commitment in improving the health status of the population. Prof Tchuem Tchunete commended the directors for their relentless hard work and reiterated that 'in order to interrupt transmission of schistosomiasis we have to deworm the whole community, not just school-aged children'.

09 June 2016, Yaounde

Prof L.A Tchuem Tchuente appointed NTD Ambassador,LSTM

We are pleased to announce that Professor Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente, Permanent Secretary for Cameroon's National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH and COUNTDOWN project country director has been appointed NTD Ambassador, for the renowned Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.

Through this role, Prof Tchuem Tchuente will contribute in raising the profile of NTDs among policymakers, media and general public; and to advocate for NTD donors, governments and organisation to maintain and increase their commitments to achieve the World Health Organisation's Roadmap goals. Click below to read more about Prof Tchuem Tchuente

07 June 2016, Yaounde

Launch of Annual Stakeholder NTD work plan meeting for Cameeroon

The annual stakeholders NTD work plan meeting brought together both international and national stakeholders involved in the fight against neglected tropical diseases.

These stakeholders comprising the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH, National Programme for the Control of Onchocerciasis, Helen Keller International, RTI International, Perspective, Sightsavers, and International Eye Foundation discussed the implementation the Envision project for 2017. This 8-year USAID funded project  aims at providing assistance to the NTD control programs for the control and elimination of NTDs so that they are no longer a public health problem.

01-08 June 2016, Barombi

Field Visit to Barombi, SW Cameroon

A team from the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology led by Prof Tchueme Tchuente went on a week's study field visit to Barombi, south west Cameroon accompanied by Prof Russ and the team from LSTM.

The comparative study aims at evaluating the level of schistosomiasis transmission in two sites: Barombi Mbo and Braombi Kotto. The team received warm welcomes from the chiefs and community of each village and were able to raise awareness and inform them of ways to interrupt transmission. All samples collected from the community were prepared and analysed by using various diagnostic techniques.

31st May 2016, Yaounde

Bearmann Diagnostic Technique performed first time at CSP

Growing collaboration between the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology (CSP) and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) offers the platform for training and knowledge sharing as has been the case today.

Prof Russ from LSTM performed the Baermann diagnostic technique for the first time at the CSP where students from both CSP and LSTM were able to learn and develop their capacity. The technique makes use of stool samples to test to test for the presence of schistosomes

30 May 2016, Yaounde

Visit from the team from LSTM

A team of MSc students from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) led by Professor Russell Stothard and Dr James LaCourse are currently visiting Cameroon where they shall be collaborating with Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchente and his team at the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology. Close ties forged between both institutions allows for knowledge transfer and capacity building around schistosomiasis research. The team is currently preparing for a study field visit to Barombi, in the South west region of Cameroon.

24 - 27 May 2016, Edea

Study Field Trip to Edea

A 10-person team from the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology and University of Yaoundé I, travelled to the city of Edea, in the Littoral region to conduct an evaluation study. This study is aimed at evaluating the level of transmission of schistosomiasis and the efficacy of praziquantel treatment provided during the annual national deworming campaigns. Over a four-day period, the team collected a total of about 1600 stool samples from about 75 schools within the various divisions in the Edea health district. All samples were prepared for analysis using the kato-katz technique.

20-22 April 2016, Accra, Ghana

COUNTDOWN 1st Annual Partners' Meeting

COUNTDOWN country partners gathered in Accra, Ghana for the consortium's first annual partners meeting. During this 3-day meeting, partners were able to look back at the progress made thus far, review work plans and develop outputs which aid in attaining end goals for respective countries

09 March 2016, Yaounde

National Deworming Campaign in Cameroon

The 2016 National Deworming campaign was launched today, by his Excellency, the Minister of Public Health, Mama Andre Fouda alongside her Excellency, the Minister of Basic Education,Youssouf Hadjidja Alim.

This free deworming of school-aged children in all ten regions of the country is in line with the activities implemented by the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) and serves to rid the Cameroonian people of the burdens incurred from schistosomiasis and STH.

23 - 26 February 2016, Nairobi, Kenya

Grand Challenges Africa Convening

The Grand Challenges Africa (GCA) meeting brought together grantees funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Grand Challenges Canada and the USAID, to share ideas and experiences to help define the shape and focus of GCA and potential challenges, and how GCA can drive the innovation necessary to achieve the continent’s long-term Sustainable Development Goals.

23 - 26 February 2016, a26 - 31 January 2016, Bangkok, ThailandNairobi, Kenya

Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2016

CSP Director,Prof Tchuem Tchuente attended the PMAC 2016 on "Priority Settings for Universal Health". This conference gathered a total of 847 participants from 63 countries where there were interesting debates, including cost-effectiveness vs human rights considerations for setting priorities in health.

28 January 2016, Suan Luang Municipality, Kratumban District, Samut Sakhon Province, Thailand

Prince Mahidol Award Conference (PMAC) 2016 Field Trip

A one-day field trip was organized to different sites, offering participants the opportunity to directly interact with persons in charge of policy decisions and implementation in real life, and to get an insight into Thailand’s health systems including care delivery, financing and management.