The OCEAC Neglected Tropical Diseases project is the result of cooperation between the German government and CEMAC, it is implemented by OCEAC, for a period of 5 years, with a budget of 15,100,000 euros. Its objective is to support projects developed by national programs (part 1) and support for young researchers on NTDs in the CEMAC zone, with the establishment of scholarships for doctoral students and the development of an exchange network. on NTDs (component 2). With regard to the section that is making the news at the moment, an information and awareness campaign within the community preceded the calls for applications, the selection by an international jury and the validation of the results for the outcome. to support these 19 winners of the hour.
The launching ceremony of this component II of the OCEAC NTD project was placed under the patronage of the Minister of Public Health of Cameroon, represented on this occasion by Mr. Alim Hayatou, Secretary of State to the Minister of Health, in charge of the fight against Epidemics and Pandemics.
Three highlights punctuated this ceremony, namely: the welcome speech of the Executive Secretary, the launch speech of the Minister and the signing of contracts between the PhD students and the Executive Secretary, Dr Manuel-Nso Obiang Ada.
Taking the floor for his welcome address, the Executive Secretary returned to the genesis of the said project before declining the causes and manifestations of these neglected tropical diseases in the CEMAC zone, the level of control and the vision of his institution on its elimination. as a public health problem. Also, particular emphasis was placed on the research themes of these 19 doctoral students, especially since they take into account their environment and especially for the achievement of the SDGs by 2030.
In his opening speech, the Minister first wanted to thank OCEAC for the initiative of this innovative project and praised the unceasing support of the German government to the countries of the Community. « I would like to warmly congratulate all doctoral students from all the countries of the CEMAC zone who have distinguished themselves by the quality of their research proposal on neglected tropical diseases, within the framework of this project, thereby becoming OCEAC scholarship holders. , he said « . Subsequently, he made them measure the responsibility they have to carry out their work within the time limits, in order to contribute effectively to this fight against NTDs in the sub-region. At the end, he asked them to become a reference through this opportunity which is now given to them in this battlefield on the international scene.
After the speeches, the Executive Secretary signed the contracts with the students, a moving moment for some students who will now benefit from an individual research grant worth 65,000,000 FCFA for a period of 3 years. , with related material.