About Us / À Propos

Aligned with the vision of The Global Health Network (TGHN), “Equity in Health Research by improving methods, building careers & sharing knowledge,” the Cameroonian Centre for TGHN serves as a national hub for strengthening research capacity and promoting collaborative health research across Cameroon. The Centre implements TGHN’s strategic goals by promoting access to research tools, training resources, and fostering partnerships to advance global health and scientific excellence in the country.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health and national research institutions, the Cameroonian Centre works to understand and address the health research needs of the country by:

I. Facilitating national and regional training and linking researchers to TGHN’s global resource database

II. Promoting mentorship, knowledge exchange, and multi-sectoral research collaboration

III. Supporting the development of sustainable health research infrastructure and systems

Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Réémergentes (CRESAR)

The Centre de Recherche sur les Maladies Émergentes et Réémergentes (CRESAR) is a leading biomedical research institution in Cameroon dedicated to the surveillance, prevention, and control of infectious and emerging diseases. CRESAR contributes to national and regional health security through applied research, laboratory diagnostics, and disease surveillance, focusing on both human and zoonotic diseases.

Its mission aligns with Cameroon’s National Health Research Strategy and One Health framework, emphasizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health. The Centre’s activities include AMR monitoring, vector-borne disease surveillance, molecular biology research, and field epidemiology studies.

1. Vision / Vision

To be a national and regional centre of excellence in biomedical and public health research, advancing innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based solutions for a healthier Cameroon and Africa.

2. Mission / Mission

To conduct high-quality scientific research, strengthen surveillance systems for epidemic-prone diseases, and build research capacity to support public health policy, emergency preparedness, and health system resilience in Cameroon.

1. Completed Projects and Publications / Projets et Publications Réalisés

Over the past decade, Cameroonian researchers at CRESAR, CIRCB, and partner institutions have contributed to key findings that shaped public health responses nationally and globally. Examples include:

1. Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccine impact in Cameroon — Nature Medicine, 2022.

2. Characterization of antimicrobial resistance in Enterobacteriaceae in Yaoundé and Douala — Frontiers in Public Health, 2021.

3. Serological evidence of arboviral and hemorrhagic fevers in forest regions of Cameroon — PLoS Negl Trop Dis, 2020.

4. Strengthening laboratory networks for AMR and pandemic preparedness — BMJ Global Health, 2023.

2. Ongoing Projects / Projets en Cours

Ongoing research includes One Health-based AMR surveillance, detection of zoonotic spillover in bushmeat markets, viral genomics of Ebola and Marburg viruses, and studies on climate-related disease emergence. Collaborations with WHO-AFRO, Institut Pasteur de Yaoundé, and University of Oxford are ongoing to enhance surveillance and response capacities.

3. Infrastructure / Infrastructure

CRESAR and its partners host Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) laboratories, molecular diagnostic platforms (PCR, ELISA, genomic sequencing), and a national AMR surveillance data platform. Facilities are powered by hybrid solar energy systems to ensure sustainability and uninterrupted diagnostics and research.

1. Needs and Sustainability / Besoins et Durabilité

To sustain and expand its operations, the Centre requires:

• Modern laboratory equipment for AMR and emerging disease surveillance.
• Renewable energy (solar hybrid) systems for energy independence.
• Continuous training programs for young researchers and laboratory staff.
• Grant partnerships to fund One Health research and local innovations.

5. Key Research Priorities / Priorités de Recherche

1. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and One Health integration

2. Emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases (Ebola, Marburg, Lassa)

3. Genomic and molecular surveillance for epidemic preparedness

4. Zoonotic disease transmission and wildlife-human interface

5. Environmental and agricultural health impacts on disease emergence

6. Media Recognition / Reconnaissance Médiatique

1. Journal du Cameroun: Cameroon strengthens disease surveillance through CRESAR

2. Cameroon News Agency: AMR research driving policy innovation in Cameroon

3. The Global Health Network Africa: Building Research Capacity in Cameroon

Knowledge mobilization and sharing 

The Guinea Centre works closely with TGHN Team to Identify & Share High-Value Research Resources for Local/Regional Groups in TGHN Africa/Asia/LAC Hub.

Early Career Researcher Capacity Building

The Centre Empowers Early Career Researchers: Hands-On Workshops, Webinars, Career Development, and Site Exchange Initiatives for Unlocking Potentials Through Education.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) and One Health 

AMR is escalating in Guinea due to antibiotic misuse, poor infection control, and inadequate surveillance. Research and One Health training are crucial for effective solutions.

Grantsmanship and Collaboration

The Guinea centre equips early career researchers with resources to secure funding, including training, mentorship, and networking opportunities to promote research advancement in Guinea.

Women in Global Health Research and Leadership 

As a key priority, the Guinea centre focuses also on Empowering Women in Evidence-Based Research for Guinea's Advancement and Inclusive Development.

The TGHN calendar

Events from across The Global Health Network which may be of interest