Employing (Home) Organisation: University of Buea
Project title: Strengthening research capacity to discover anti-schistosome therapeutics from tropical medicinal plants
I hold a PhD in Biochemistry specialised in Pharmacology and currently serve as a lecturer at the University of Buea in Cameroon. Being based in the South-West region, where schistosomiasis remains endemic, motivated me to redirect my research toward helminth infections. My work on medicinal plants used against infectious diseases naturally evolved toward exploring their potential against schistosomiasis. Seeking to strengthen my expertise in this emerging field, I applied to AREF to gain advanced training and international research exposure.
Summary of Project Destination
Schistosomiasis affects over 240 million people worldwide, with major health and socioeconomic consequences in sub-Saharan Africa. Current treatment relies exclusively on praziquantel, which shows limited efficacy against immature parasite stages and raises concerns regarding resistance. This project aims to identify novel schistosomicidal bioactive compounds from Cameroonian medicinal plants traditionally used to treat parasitic diseases.
Crude extracts from plants of the euphorbiaceae family will be evaluated against in vitro development stages of schistosomiasis. Parasite viability will be assessed using phenotypic analysis and metabolic markers. Cytotoxicity will be tested on human cell lines. Active extracts will undergo bioassay-guided fractionation and structural characterization using chromatographic and spectrometric approaches.
This project seeks to strengthen therapeutic innovation and promote scientific validation of traditional medicine.
Summary of Fellowship Plan
During six months at the CNRS, University of Lille, under the supervision of Dr Jérôme Vicogne, I will receive advanced training in schistosome biology, in vitro parasite culture, plant-derived compound isolation and functional evaluation. I will gain expertise in high-precision analytical techniques and data analysis strategies. Upon returning to the University of Buea, I will disseminate these skills through training workshops and collaborative projects, ensuring sustainable capacity building and long-term development of schistosomiasis research locally.
Quote
“This Fellowship will be a decisive step in strengthening sustainable research capacity in Cameroon while advancing innovative plant-based therapeutic strategies against schistosomiasis. ”
Proposed start date of the Fellowship is June 2026