In order to contribute to the improvement of health of people in endemic areas, the Centre Schisto integrates research and control across the following major research themes.
Infection prevalence and intensity, transmission dynamics, snail host identification, and updated distribution maps.
Efficacy of key anthelminthic drugs and monitoring of praziquantel-resistant schistosome strains.
Morphological, biochemical and molecular characterization and its impact on host-parasite relationships.
Hybridisation and interspecific competition, with epidemiological and clinical consequences.
Testing the anti-schistosomal activity of plant extracts used in traditional medicine.
Mapping of risk zones to target and guide control interventions.
Characterization of parasites and underlying genetic factors.
The study of co-infections and their combined health impact.
The Centre Schisto leads the control of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis in Cameroon — turning scientific evidence into action that protects communities.
The Centre Schisto is particularly involved in the control of schistosomiasis and geohelminthiasis. It contributes to the working out of control strategies, and assists the National Programme for Control of Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis in the implementation of control activities and operational research.
Recent mapping results show the positive impact the annual deworming campaigns in Cameroon are having in the fight agaisnt schistosomiasis.
Proven resultsThe strengthening of the capacity of research teams in developing countries, a greater involvement of researchers from these developing countries, and a strong multidisciplinary partnership are essential for an efficient and durable control of parasitic diseases – which represent a serious constraint on human development in the tropics.
By its wide range of scientific expertise, international and national collaboration, and its leading role in research and control of parasitic diseases in Cameroon, the Centre for Schistosomiasis & Parasitology works to promote Community Health, and is an efficient and reliable partner in in-depth scientific research and parasitic disease control.
The Centre Schisto supervises the training of DEA and PhD students from Cameroonian, African, European and American universities. Since its onset, the CSP has been a location where students can easily carry out their final year research in the presence of efficient supervisors. The CSP also organizes various scientific meetings.