The Pasteur Center of Cameroon has been hosting since Tuesday, March 10, 2026, a four-day strategic workshop dedicated to training on the research protocol and the launch of participant recruitment within the framework of the Mpox-GECIVO Africa project (Cameroon).

Gathered in Yaoundé, key actors involved in implementation from the health districts of Ayos and Ndikinimeki (Central region), as well as from the districts of Njikwa (North-West) and the South-West, are taking part in this capacity-building session. Community health workers, laboratory technicians, and clinical doctors are mobilized in order to harmonize their knowledge and practices around Mpox research.

During this training, the participants particularly deepen their understanding of the epidemiology of Mpox in Cameroon and the scientific foundations of the Mpox-GECIVO Africa project. The discussions also focus on several essential areas: mastery of the research protocol, the principles of ethics and informed consent, participant protection, community recruitment strategies and population engagement, as well as biological sampling techniques and good data management practices.

In opening the proceedings, Dr. Mirdad Kazanji, Director General of the Pasteur Center of Cameroon, praised the commitment of the teams mobilized on the ground. He encouraged them to demonstrate rigor, professionalism, and determination so that the results of this research contribute to the scientific and institutional prominence of the Pasteur Center of Cameroon, while providing concrete answers to public health challenges.

Led by renowned experts, including Professors Jean Nachega, Richard Njouom, and Fadimatou Mounsande, as well as Drs. Jules Tchatchueng, Délia Djuicy, and Donald Skinner from Stellenbosch University in South Africa, this workshop constitutes a decisive step in the implementation of the project.

This initiative aims to strengthen scientific knowledge and improve public health response strategies to Mpox, both in Cameroon and across the African continent.