SONIA NGONGANG

Background

Sonia Ngongang is a dedicated researcher at CRID, where she focuses on evaluating the efficacy of vector control tools—such as long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS)—on Anopheles mosquito populations. Her work also investigates the impact of insecticide resistance genes on the effectiveness of these tools and explores the influence of new vector control interventions on the life traits of malaria vectors. Sonia holds a strong academic foundation in parasitology and vector biology. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Animal Biology from the University of Yaoundé I (UYI) between 2014 and 2017. She then pursued a Master’s degree in Animal Biology (Parasitology option) at the Faculty of Science, UYI, and further specialized with a second Master’s degree at CRID/UYI (2017–2018). Her master’s research focused on evaluating the effectiveness of LLINs on major malaria vectors in Yaoundé and its surrounding areas. Since 2018, Sonia Ngongang has been pursuing her PhD at CRID in collaboration with the University of Yaoundé I (UYI), focusing her thesis on the impact of insecticides on the life traits of Anopheles gambiae Giles, 1902 and Anopheles funestus Giles 1900 (Diptera: Culcidea), major malaria vectors in Cameroon.

 

Research

Insecticide Resistance Detection and Monitoring: Sonia’s research focuses on advancing methods for detecting and monitoring insecticide resistance in disease vectors, particularly malaria mosquitoes. She  investigates both target-site resistance (e.g., kdr mutations) and metabolic resistance mechanisms (e.g., cytochrome P450 upregulation) using molecular and biochemical assays. A key priority is optimizing field-surveillance protocols to track resistance trends in real-time, supporting evidence-based decision-making for national malaria control programs. Evaluation of Vector Control Tools (MILDA, PID, SR): Sonia Ngongang specializes in evaluating the efficacy and durability of vector control tools, including MILDA nets, PID (Pesticide Impregnated Devices), and SR (Sprayable Residuals) under operational field conditions. Her work assesses their impact on resistant mosquito populations, user acceptability, and cost-effectiveness. This research aims to guide the selection and deployment of next-generation interventions in high-resistance settings. Translational Research for Public Health Policy : Bridging the gap between science and implementation, Sonia Ngongang conducts operational research to evaluate how resistance data can optimize national malaria control strategies. Her work supports the adoption of novel tools (e.g., dual-active ingredient nets) and surveillance systems, emphasizing data-driven policy and community engagement.

• Research Areas

Vector Control Product Evaluation Vector Entomology & Insecticide Resistance Mechanisms Resistance Monitoring & Management

 

• Areas of interest:

Insecticide resistance detection, monitoring tools evaluation (MILDA nets, PID, SR), vector control efficacy, field surveillance protocols, public health entomology

 

Other Relevant  Expertise, Professional Memberships 

Professional Memberships:   -Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) -Women in Vector Control Policy & Advisory Roles Contributor to WHO Guidelines in the review: Long-term community studies for ITNs

• Supervisor

Prof. Charles Wondji

 

• Publications

  1- Ngongang-Yipmo, E. S., Tchouakui, M., Menze, B. D., Mugenzi, L. M. J., Njiokou, F., & Wondji, C. S. (2022). Reduced performance of community bednets against pyrethroid-resistant Anopheles funestus and Anopheles gambiae, major malaria vectors in Cameroon. Parasites & Vectors, 15, 230. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13071-022-05335-2 2- Thiomela, R. F., Tchouakui, M., Menze, B. D., Nchoutpouen, E., Ngongang-Yipmo, E. S., Wood, O., Horstmann, S., Mahob, R. J., Fomena, A., & Wondji, C. S. (2024). Indoor residual spraying of experimental huts in Cameroon highlights the potential of Fludora® Fusion to control wild pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors. BMC Infectious Diseases, 24(1), 733. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12879-024-09630-4 3-Tchouakui, M., Ibrahim, S., Mangoua, M., Thiomela, R., ASSATSE, T., Ngongang-Yipmo, S., … & Wondji, C. (2024). Substrate promiscuity of key resistance P450s confers clothianidin resistance whilst increasing chlorfenapyr potency in malaria vectors. Cell reports, 43(8). https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3865779/v1 4- Ngongang‐Yipmo, E. S., Tchouakui, M., Menze, B. D., Tiomela, R. F., Fofie, D., Ngannang‐Fezeu, V. B., Mugenzi, J. L., Njiokou, F., & Wondji, C. S. (2025). Long-term impact of exposure to Royal Guard, a pyriproxyfen-based bed net, on pyrethroid-resistant malaria vectors from Cameroon using DNA-based metabolic resistance markers. Pest Management Science, ps.8615. https://doi.org/10.1002/ps.8615