As part of the 2026 World Malaria Day (WMD) commemoration, CRID organized a series of impactful activities aimed at reinforcing community awareness, supporting vulnerable populations, and inspiring the next generation of scientists.
The Minister of health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, visited CRID’s stand during the WMD commemoration
The first activity was held On April 23. CRID teams carried out a community outreach campaign that focused on malaria prevention through the distribution of insecticide-treated bed nets. The donations were made to a local health centre, a rehabilitation centre for blind youths, and neighboring orphanages. The activity was led by Dr. Yvan Fotso Teguem, Head of the Testing Facility, who provided beneficiaries with practical guidance on the proper use and maintenance of mosquito nets.
Participants were advised to dry the nets in the shade for one to two days before first use, sleep under them every night, wash them gently with water and soap approximately four times a year, and repair any tears with needle and thread to prolong their effectiveness.
Inspiring Future Scientists Through an Immersion Day
The following day, students from Africa First Bilingual Prestige College were invited to visit CRID’s Yaoundé headquarters for an educational Immersion Day designed to introduce young learners to the world of scientific research and malaria control. The event began with welcoming remarks from Caleb Yangkoulo, Head of Administration, followed by an engaging presentation by Dr. Jessy Goupeyou, Global Advocacy officer, on malaria transmission, prevention, and the collective responsibility required to eliminate the disease. She also discussed the wide range of career opportunities available in scientific research, encouraging students to begin shaping their academic and professional aspirations early.
The students then participated in interactive discussions with CRID researchers, allowing them to ask questions and gain firsthand insights into scientific careers and laboratory work. A major highlight of the Immersion Day was the guided tour of CRID’s insectary and laboratories. Students had the opportunity to observe the mosquito life cycle, discover specialized research equipment, and better understand the scientific processes and safety protocols involved in malaria research. The experience provided a practical perspective on how scientific discoveries contribute to disease prevention and public health improvement.
CRID Showcases Local Scientific Innovation
CRID also participated in the official commemoration of the 19th World Malaria Day held on April 24, 2026, at the Cameroon Red Cross Hall in Yaoundé. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, alongside the World Health Organization (WHO) Resident Representative and the President of the Parliamentary Health Caucus. This year’s global theme, “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must,” emphasized the urgent need for collective action against malaria. In his keynote address, the Minister stressed that ending malaria remains a national priority and called for immediate, coordinated, and cross-sectoral efforts.
During the visit to exhibition stands, the Minister and his delegation showed particular interest in CRID’s scientific innovations and achievements. They learned that advanced vector genomics and sequencing activities, which were previously conducted abroad, are now being successfully carried out locally at CRID. This milestone represents significant progress in strengthening Cameroon’s scientific and technological capacity in malaria research.
The delegation was also introduced to the African Consortium in Modeling for Effective Vector Control (ACoMVeC) project, through which CRID is developing advanced data modeling approaches capable of improving predictions in entomological surveillance. These innovations support more efficient monitoring of mosquito populations and resistance patterns, which are essential for effective malaria control strategies.
