Schistosomiasis & Geohelminthiasis Research and Control in Cameroon

Cameroon is a Central African nation on the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Nigeria, Chad, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, and Gabon. After a 1972 plebiscite, a unitary republic was formed out of East and West Cameroon to replace the former federal republic. It has a total area: 475,440 sq km (183,567 sq mi). Mount Cameroon 4,069 m (13,350 ft), near the coast, is at the highest elevation in the country. The main rivers are the Benue, Nyong, and Sanaga. The population in 2007 was estimated to be 18,060,382.

Research and Control

Parasitic infections, especially from helminths, cause distress and lack of productivity among many members of the population. These are now being addressed by:

The Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology , abbreviated ‘Centre Schisto’, which plays a leading role in research and implementation of control strategies for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Cameroon. It works to improve the health of people in endemic areas, and puts its expertise into action to promote disease control.

The The National Program for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis (PNLSHI) operated by the Ministry of Public Health, Cameroon.