Welcome to the official site of the National Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted Helminthiasis

Left to right : The WHO Representative to Cameroon, the Minister of Public Health and the Permanent Secretary of the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil transmitted Helminthiasis 

The Permanent Secretary of the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil transmitted Helminthiasis, the Minister of Public Health and the Minister of Basic Education during the launch of the 2016 National Deworming Campaign 

Partners of the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil transmitted Helminthiasis. 

His excellency the Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda during the launch of the National Deworming Campaign 2016

The Permanent Secretary of the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil transmitted Helminthiasis, Prof Louis Albert Tchuem Tchuente

Members of the Deworm3 Cameroon Consortium at the Ministry of Health with the Deworm3 team during their visit to Cameroon

Permanent Secretary of the programme with the Deworm3 team visiting the community at Ndikinimeki, in the Centre Region.

Partners during the annual stakeholders NTD work plan meeting

Permanent Secretary of the programme enlightens journalists about the issue of schistosomiasis re-infection at Barombi Kotto village as part of the activity in line with the NTD journalists training organised by the programme.

Prof L.A Tchuem Tchuente raises awareness about schistosomiasis and STH at the national radio station.

The Permanent secretary of the programme attends a working session with Directors of Health Areas in Edea Health District, a head of the planned mass drug administration for the whole community.

Participants at the TES Conference 2017

Participants at the TES Conference Paper Writing and Training Workshop

Regional NTD Coordinator for the South West Regions facilities a training session for community drug distributors

A community drug distributors offers water to a community members to take deworming tablets

A CDD deworms a mother and her daughter

School Directors are training to collect samples during Schistosomiasis and STH Impact surveys

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

The National Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) leads on all control and prevention activities for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis  over the national territory in Cameroon.

Created in 2003 and officially launched in 2004, the program has been successful in influencing health policies around the control of schistosomiasis and STH in Cameroon.

''The control of bilharzia and intestinal worms is a big challenge, and the involvement of all is essential in curbing these scourges. We should mobilise financial and technical resources to meet this challenges. Therefore, on behalf of the Government, I call on all partners to take part in the collective effort and to fully commit themselves to the control of these diseases in Cameroon.''

H.E The Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda

ABOUT THE DISEASES

Schistosomiasis and Soil-transmitted helminthiasis, also referred to as geo helminthiasis or intestinal helminths are the most common worm infections affection people of all ages. 

These infections which constitute a public health issue in Cameroon, tends to mostly affect children as soon as they are old enough to crawl. 

''The Government is convinced that education to health, environment and family life constitutes an essential guarantee for the achievement of a complete human development. The Ministry of Basic Education has developed a consistent programme of construction of latrines and water points, and health education. I therefore, invite all teaching staff at all levels to take ownership of this programme in order to achieve the complete eradication of these parasitic diseases''

H.E. The Minister of Basic Education, Mrs Youssouf Hadidja Alim

ACHIEVEMENTS

Since inception, the national control program has been fortunate to have successful partnership and thus has several strong achievements in the prevention and control of schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis.

Some of our achievements are in the areas of prevention, control, advocacy and health education.

...

Programme Coordinator/Permanent Secretary

OUR PARTNERS

Today's schistosomiasis and intestinal helminthiasis challenges require collaboration and coordination with a wide variety of stakeholders and partners to advance the control and prevention of these diseases. 

The collective efforts of all our partners, at local, national and international level, is what helps to sustain the work the programme is doing in improving the health status of the people.

Our partners' expertise and engagement are fundamental to drive long-term and measurable changes  of our control efforts.

Our Vision

We envision a Cameroon free from Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis

Our Goal

We would like that these diseases no longer constitute a public health problem in Cameroon. Thus, we aim to eliminate all cases of schistosomiasis and Intestinal helminthiasis.

Our Mission

Through our leadership and coordination of developing policies, we strive to free all Cameroonians from the burden associated with schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis infections. 

Latest News

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2019 National Neglected Tropical Diseases Meeting

12 - 14 March 2019, Kribi, South Region - A three-day workshop was organised in the sea-side town of Kribi, in the Littoral Region which brought together national and regional NTDs teams. This interactive workshop allowed for government and non-governmental development organisations to review the 2018 achievements around neglected tropical diseases, as they plan the 2019 activities for the control and elimination of these NTDs.

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Launch of the 2019 National Deworming Campaign

25 January 2019, Njombe Penja, Littoral Region - The Official launch of the 2019 National Deworming Campaign was done at the Government Bilingual Primary School Njombe Penja, in the Littoral Region. This monumental event was presided by the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Health, Alim HAYATOU and the Secretary of State for the Ministry of Basic Education, Dr KILO Vivian ASHERI. The active participation of partners such as the World Health Organisation and other non-governmental development organisations at the launch, demonstrated their high-level commitment to the government's fight against Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis. The National Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH organises these school-based deworming as they are recognised as the most safe, simple and cost-effective solution to controlling these malaises in school-age children, who typically have the highest burden of worm infection. Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté, Permanent Secretary for the control program informed the public of the 70% reduction in schistosomiasis prevalence over the national territory, albeit there still being various hotspots such as Njombe Penja, where transmission persists. By launching the campaign in this locality, the control program ensured a strong mobilisation of national and local authority who assisted in sensitising the population and advocating for positive behaviour change. The treatment target for this year's campaign is 9.2 million people. 

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Preparatory Meeting for the 2019 National Deworming Campaign

18 December 2018, Yaoundé, Centre Region - The National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH organised a working session at the Ministry of Public Health, in preparation for the 2019 National Deworming Campaign. This meeting which was chaired by the Minister of Public Health brought together key stakeholders such as the Minister of Basic Education and partners engaged in the fight against neglected tropical diseases in Cameroon some of which included Sightsavers, Good Neighbours and Perspective. Prof Tchuem Tchuenté, Program Manager updated participants on the status of schistosomiasis and STH prevalence in the country as STH and schistosomiasis are still significant public health issues. Worms in children interfere with their nutrient uptake, and affect their intellectual and physical development. In order to combat this issue the control program is committed to annually deworming all school-age children (5 - 14years) in all 10 regions of the country. Government and private partners are key players in the success of the national campaigns due to their continuous commitment and support. The 2019 National Deworming Campaign is set to launch late January 2019.

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8th Meeting of the National Committee for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH

25 July 2018, Yaoundé, Centre Region - The National Committee for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH held its 8th committee meeting at the Ministry of Public Health this Wednesday. Chairing the meeting was the President of the committee, Minister of Public Health, André Mama Fouda alongside Mrs Youssouf Hadidja Alim, Minister of Basic Education and Vice President of the committee. In presence was the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Public Health, representatives from the World Health Organisation and Good Neighbour and other developmental partners and collaborators of the Ministry of Public Health. The Minister of Public Health welcomed all partners and collaborators while expressing his appreciation for all efforts and continues commitment. The Program Coordinator reiterated the recommendation of the 7th meeting, illustrating how they have been met. By presenting the results of the Schistosomiasis and STH Impact surveys, the significant decrease of schistosomiasis and STH prevalence was evident. Female genital schistosomiasis is starting to gain attention due to its debilitating effects to women especially as it accentuates the risk of being infected with HIV. The Minister of Health, Minister of Basic Education and WHO representative all agreed that there is a need for training health professions and further health education and sensitisation especially for children, using the cartoon "Bambo has Bilharzia", developed by the WHO.

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President and Vice President of ICOPA 2018 along with Korean Delegation visit the Control Program

05 - 08 July Yaoundé, Centre Region - The National Coordinator and personnel at the control program were pleased to welcome Pr Jong-Yil Chai, President of the 2018 International Congress of Parasitology (ICOPA 2018) and Korea Association of Health, Pr Keeseon S Eom, Vice President of ICOPA 2018, HooGN Jeoung, Director General of MEDIcheck as well as Good Neighbours officials - Jae Young Lee, Ah Rah Cho and Yoo Sun Chon. It was a very productive meeting as they discussed how to intensity control efforts for schistosomiasis and STH control in Cameroon, through the implementation of a control project. All the while highlighting the current achievement and progress made by the control program in reducing the burden caused by these diseases. As the visitors discussed opportunities for partnership, they also got to to visit the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology which is the reference laboratory for schistosomiasis research in Cameroon and see first hand its  diagnostic capacity in research. Albeit all the progress made in reducing schistosomiasis and STH prevalence, challenges still exist. The Program Coordinator, Prof Tchuem Tchuenté led the Korean delegation to schistosomiasis transmission sites which allowed for a better understanding of the transmission dynamics so as to develop and optimise interventions for the elimination of schistosomiasis.

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The SCH and STH Control Program welcomes delegation from Good Neighbors

17 May, Yaoundé, Centre Region - The National Coordinator and personnel at the SCH and STH control program were pleased to welcome the Good Neighbors Project Manager in Cameroon, YooSun Chon who was accompanied by the Country Director, Ah Rah Cho. Good Neighbors is an international humanitarian and development non-governmental organisation and one of the largest in South Korea. One of its missions in Cameroon is centred around improving lives through WASH(Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) education especially in regards to schistosomiasis and STH control. 

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Schistosomiasis and STH Impact Surveys conclude in the East and South West Region as summer holidays approach

06 - 19 May 2018, East and South West Region - As schools prepare to close for the summer holidays, the field team intensified efforts to complete SCH and STH impact surveys in health districts in both the East and South West Regions of Cameroon. These surveys were conducted over a two week period with sample collection beginning first in the East region where 4 health districts - Bertoua, Ndebele, Kette and Doume were sampled. During the second week, the field team travelled to the South West Region, in which samples were collected from 4 health districts -Buea, Tiko, Muyuka and Kumba. The timely success of these surveys in both regions was due in part to the effective involvement of the Regional NTD Coordinators and Inspectors of Basic Education, not forgetting School Directors who assisted the parasitological team in collecting samples from their respective schools in hard to reach areas. Prior to sample collection, all school directors participated in a training where they were briefed on the objectives of the SCH and STH Impact Surveys and informed on the accurate procedure for sample collection. It is important to note that, the collaboration of all actors to the success of these surveys reiterates the general commitment from all parties,in controlling and eliminating SCH and STH in Cameroon. 

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Delegation from NALA Foundation and Sightsavers visit the National Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH

24 April 2018, Yaoundé, Centre Region - Today, the Coordinator and staff at the control program were  pleased to welcome Naomi Caplan and Ben Katzir from the NALA Foundation, accompanied by Dr Oye, Sightsavers Cameroon country Director and Serge Akongo. The NALA - NTDs, Advocacy, Learning and Action - Foundation works to break the poverty cycle of communities around the world by eradicating neglected tropical diseases and other diseases of poverty. Sightsavers along with other civil societies are already actively working with the control program and Cameroon government to alleviate the burden of NTDs in the country. During this visit, the delegation from the NALA foundation discussed opportunities for the foundation to support schistosomiasis and STH control and elimination in Cameroon.

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The North West Region engages in Schistosomiasis and STH Impact Surveys

17 - 22 April 2018, North West Region - Up next on the list of regions targeted for the SCH and STH Impacts surveys was the North West, in which three Health districts - Ako, Kumbo East and Ndu were sampled. The North West Region is one of two regions in Cameroon currently affected by some insecurity crisis which have led to insecurity issues. For this reason, the procedure for sample collection in schools differed from that in the previous regions. Those at the forefront of sample collection were school directors who acted as sample collectors in their respective schools while the parasitological team and lab technicians from CSP proceeded with sample preparation and analysis as per their expertise. Prior to commencement of sample collection, the school directors gathered at Ndu Health District where the Regional NTD Coordinator, NW Region alongside representatives from the CSP briefed and trained them on the appropriate sample collection methodology. This involvement from actors from the Ministry of Basic Education reiterates the commitment across sectors, in this fight against NTDs as no one player is sufficient. 

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Schistosomiasis and STH Impact Surveys in the Littoral Region

18 – 27 March 2018, Littoral Region- Having concluded with the SCH and STH impact surveys in the West Region, the CSP team proceeded with surveys in the Littoral Region where 4 health districts – Loum, Edea, Njombe Penja and Melong were surveyed. The procedure in the region was no different to that in the West Region, with active involvement from actors across ministries – Ministry of Health and Ministry of Basic Education - at regional, district and community levels.

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Schistosomiasis and STH Impact Surveys launched in the West Region

19 February – 08 March 2018, West Region, - Following several years of national deworming campaigns, there has been a current need to evaluate its impact on reducing the level of schistosomiasis and STH in school-aged children (SAC) in Cameroon.  Through collaboration with partners - Sightsavers/GiveWell and USAID/RTI/HKI- the control program has organised parasitological surveys to be conducted in schools in selected regions. The Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology (CSP), reference laboratory for schistosomiasis research/diagnosis, has been commissioned to conduct these impact surveys. The CSP parasitological team along with lab technicians began the surveys in the West Region specifically in 5 health Districts – Malantouen, Kouoptamo, Galim, Foumban and Foumbot. Before commencing the surveys, a briefing session was organised at the Regional Delegation of Public Health where representatives for the Delegation of Basic Education and Delegation for Secondary Education along with respective District Medical Officers, and lab technicians from the regional level where informed on the current situation of SCH in the West Region and offered an outline of how the surveys were to be conducted from sample collection to analysis. Continuous collaboration from key actors from the Ministry of Basic Education - Inspectors of Basic Education, School directors and teachers -  accounts for the success of the surveys.

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1st Onchocerciasis and Lymphatic Filariasis Elimination Committee Meeting

10 – 12 January 2018, Yaoundé, Centre Region - The 1st Oncho/LF Elimination Committee Meeting was organised by the Ministry of Public Health in Yaoundé, which brought together both national and international public health experts, senior and junior researchers along with representatives from non-governmental developmental organisations working to curb NTDs in the country. Our Program Coordinator, Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté, joined other members of this committee and participants to discuss strategies for moving from control to elimination of onchocerciass and LF. The importance of local capacity building, adequate infrastructures and community ownership were stressed as Nigeria shared best practices in its success story in the elimination of Onchocersiasis in two states. One of the main challenges which accounts for the continuous high levels of onchocerciasis prevalence in certain regions is the co-endemicity with loasis which leads to severe adverse effects during mass drug administration.

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

14 December 2017, Yaoundé, Centre Region- 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.

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Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté continues as LSTM NTD Ambassador

17 November 2017, Yaoundé, - 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. Read more

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Mass Drug Administration of Praziquantel and Mebendazole in Ndikinimeki Health District

22 - 26 October 2017, Centre Region - 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, organised by the National Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH in collaboration with the COUNTDOWN Project, 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.

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National Schistosomiasis Technical Meeting

11 – 16 October 2017, Yaoundé, Centre Region- 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. 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. 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. Through the interactive working session, the national database for schistosomiasis and STH activities in Cameroon was updated.

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Mass Drug Administration of Praziquantel and Mebendazole in Barombi Crater Lakes

10 - 19 August 2017, South West Region - The Barombi crater lakes are renowned foci for schistosomiasis transmission and thus have been selected as study sites for the COUNTDOWN Project in Cameroon, focused on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis research. The COUNTDOWN Project in collaboration with the Control program, organised mass treatment with praziquantel against schistosomiasis and mebendazole for intestinal worms 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. 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 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.

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Preparatory Meeting:Mass Treatment in Barombi Crater Lakes

04 August 2017, Yaoundé, - 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 of praziquantel and mebendazole 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.

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TES Conference 2017 - Paper Writing and Training Workshop

24 March 2017, Yaoundé, - 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

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Towards Elimination of Schistosomiasis (TES) Conference 2017

22-23 March 2017, Yaoundé, - 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 which was under the patronage of the Ministry of Public Health and 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.

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

27 January 2017, Yaoundé - 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 20th May 2016. The Minister of Higher Education officially awarded the decoration during the presentation ceremony of New Year 2017 wishes held on 27th January 2017 at the Amphitheater 700 of the University of Yaoundé I.

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China-Africa Cooperation: Training Course on Malacology

26 -27 October 2016, Yaoundé- 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 Coordinator of the National Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH, Prof Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuente led Chinese and African partners to a schistosomiasis transmission site in the city of Yaounde, where meeting participants 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 Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology with help from the team at CSP. 

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2nd China-Africa Meeting on Schistosomiasis Elimination

24 - 28 October 2016, Yaoundé - 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 at the World Health Organisation. Over 70 participants including experts from China and 11 African countries gathered for this meeting which was launched by the Secretary General for the Ministry of Public Health, Professor Koula Shiro Sinata.  The meeting included a 2-days training course in malacology and use of molluscicides for snail control, with activities being carried out and facilitated by the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology (CSP). 

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Raising awareness about Schistosomiasis on National Radio Station-CRTV

02 August 2016, Yaounde - 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 around NTDs within the media. 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 routes and how to prevent it. For more information about schistosomiasis, please click here

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NTDs Training Workshop for Journalists

23 - 28 July 2016The National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH in collaboration with the COUNTDOWN Project organised a 6 days NTDs Training Workshop for journalists from national and regional levels. Prof Tchuem Tchuenté, Coordinator 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 now stand as success stories in the elimination of schistosomiasis. Journalists were able to experience first hand the challenges and realities faced in reaching 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 working to improve their health status. 

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

19 July 2016, Edea - 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'.

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DEWORM3 Team Visit to Cameroon

23 - 25 June 2016, Yaounde - A 3-person team from the DEWORM3 project, funded by the Gates Foundation visited Cameroon to evaluate the country's capacity to engage in the project which aims to eliminate soil-transmitted helminths by 2020. The team were amiably welcomed by the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and other government and non-governmental partners. Through interactions and working sessions with the Minister of Public Health, the Secretary General of State for the Ministry of Health, national NTD control programs alongside the WHO, HKI, Sightsavers amongst others, the DEWORM3 team were able to learn about the capabilities and expertise of each partner in the consortium, as well as high political commitment from the government to improving the health status of its people. An important aspect of this visit was the visit to Ndikinimeki and Bandjoun health districts where experiences and best practices from the communities on ground were obtained.

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Prof L.A Tchuem Tchuente appointed LSTM NTD Ambassador

09 June 2016, Yaounde - 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 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

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Launch of Annual Stakeholder NTD work plan meeting for Cameeroon

07 June 2016, Yaounde - 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.

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Launch of the 2016 National Deworming Campaign in Cameroon

09 March 2016, Yaounde - His Excellency, the Minister of Public Health, Mama Andre Fouda alongside her excellency, the Minister of Basic Education,Youssouf Hadjidja Alim presided the inauguration of the free deworming of school-aged children in all ten regions in Cameroon. This campaign which is in line with the activities implemented by the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH serves to rid the Cameroonian children (5 - 14 years) of the burdens incurred from NTDs as they are one of the most vulnerable groups.

Advocacy meeting for the fight against NTDs in the Centre Region,Cameroon

03 March 2016, Yaounde - The Governor of the Centre Region, was joined by administrative authorities and municipal leaders to discuss progress on the fight against neglected tropical diseases in the Centre region. 

Preparatory meeting for the launch of the 2016 National Deworming Campaign

02 February 2016, YaoundeKey stakeholders engaged in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, were joined by the His excellency, Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda, who presided the meeting for the finalisation of plans for the 2016 National Deworming Campaign. 

 
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Launch of the COUNTDOWN Project in Cameroon

09 October 2015, Yaoundé - The Minister of Public Health, Andre Mama Fouda presided the launch of the COUNTDOWN project In Cameroon. This is an implementation research project aimed at intensifying the control and elimination of preventive chemotherapy NTDs in Cameroon. The implementing partners for the project in Cameroon are the Ministry of Health, the Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, the University of Yaounde I and the University of Buea. The COUNTDOWN consortium constitutes partners from Liverpool School of Tropical Medical, FHI 360, as well as three other African countries - Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia. 

© 2019 National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and STH,

Ministry of Public Health, Republic of Cameroon