All Research Projects
Explore our complete portfolio of research studies generating evidence for improved community health outcomes in Cameroon.
IPTp-SP Effectiveness in Pregnancy
Study examining the effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine.
Key Findings:
- 47% achieved ≥3 doses coverage
- 18.5% placental malaria prevalence
- ≥3 doses showed no added protection vs 2 doses
Drug Resistance & Malaria in Pregnancy
Research on SP resistance mutations and their impact on malaria prevention in pregnant women.
Key Findings:
- 66.9% SP-resistant mutations detected
- ITN use reduced infection risk by 51%
- Double mutations increased parasitaemia risk 6.65x
Dietary Diversity and Maternal Anaemia
Understanding the critical link between dietary diversity and maternal anaemia in the Mount Cameroon area.
Key Findings:
- Only 10.4% had adequate dietary diversity
- 40.9% anaemia prevalence
- Poor diet contributed 82.9% of anaemia risk
Determinants of Dietary Intake and Maternal Nutritional Status
Examining socio-economic determinants of dietary intake among pregnant women.
Key Findings:
- 85.2% poor dietary diversity
- 31.5% severe food insecurity
- 54.5% poor nutrition knowledge
Nutrition
Addressing Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) in Cameroon
Community-based pilot study on syndromic screening and pre-emptive treatment with praziquantel.
Key Findings:
- 61.4% reported FGS-related symptoms
- 31.8% UGS positive by urine microscopy
- 93% reduction in genital itching after PZQ
Mapping the Maternal–Foetal Interface and Birth Outcomes in Malaria-Endemic Regions
Advanced histological and imaging research exploring how malaria affects pregnancy by studying the maternal–fetal interface in fixed placental tissues.
Key Findings:
- H&E and Giemsa staining techniques
- Mature Plasmodium falciparum stages identified
- Chronic placental malaria characteristics documented
Community Health Education Program
Ongoing program training peer educators and conducting community awareness campaigns.
Key Findings:
- 50+ peer educators trained
- 20+ community events conducted
- 12+ communities reached
Community Engagement
Collaborative Research Spotlight
Highlighting key collaborative research efforts conducted with national and international partners.
TRACH is proud to highlight the PREMISE clinical trial, a collaborative study conducted with clinical researchers from the University of Alabama, USA, on innovative approaches to protect maternal health in Cameroon.
This randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled Phase IIB trial enrolled over 300 pregnant women living with HIV in the Mount Cameroon region to test whether adding monthly azithromycin (AZ) to the standard daily trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) (also known as cotrimoxazole) prophylaxis could reduce malaria and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at delivery.
Key Findings:
- •The addition of azithromycin did not significantly reduce malaria or bacterial STIs compared to TMP-SMX alone.
- •Adverse birth outcomes (preterm delivery, low birthweight) were slightly lower in the TMP-SMX+AZ group, but differences were not statistically significant.
- •TMP-SMX remains the evidence-based standard of care for HIV-positive pregnant women.
Impact:
This collaborative research underscores the importance of rigorous clinical trials in guiding maternal health policy. While azithromycin did not provide added benefit, the findings strengthen confidence in TMP-SMX prophylaxis and highlight the need for continued innovation in integrated malaria and STI prevention strategies for vulnerable populations.
Seasonal and Environmental Drivers of Urogenital Schistosomiasis in Cameroon
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0292943In collaboration with ecologists from the University of Buea, University of Würzburg, Germany and the University of Lethbridge, Canada, we conducted a year-long study to understand how seasonal and environmental factors shape the abundance of Bulinus snails—the intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium—in Tiko, a semi-urban endemic focus in the Mount Cameroon region.
Key Evidence:
- •Over 2,100 freshwater snails were collected across 12 human water contact sites.
- •Snail Diversity: Physa (51.4%) most abundant, followed by Melanoides (28.6%) and Bulinus (15.5%).
- •Bulinus snails showed seasonal peaks in the dry season (December–February), marking probable high-risk transmission periods.
- •Environmental drivers:
- ✓Positive associations: higher water temperature, rocky or sandy substrates.✓Negative associations: faster water flow, medium vegetation cover.
- •Other snail genera (Physa, Melanoides) were abundant, raising concern for additional trematode diseases.
Policy Implications:
- •Seasonal targeting: Snail control and behavioural interventions should be intensified during dry season peaks.
- •Environmental management: Habitat modification (substrate, vegetation, flow velocity) can reduce snail breeding.
- •Integrated vigilance: Monitoring of snail populations is critical to anticipate schistosomiasis transmission and emerging trematode threats.
- •Collaborative action: Strengthening partnerships between researchers, Ministries of Public Health, and communities ensures evidence-based, locally adapted interventions.
Conclusion: This collaborative research provides actionable evidence for timely, environment-sensitive snail control programmes to reduce urogenital schistosomiasis transmission in Cameroon, while reinforcing vigilance against other trematode infections.
Detection of Female Genital Schistosomiasis using Syndromic, Microscopic, Molecular, and Colposcopic Methods in Cameroon
Our follow-up study on Female Genital Schistosomiasis (FGS) in Cameroon, conducted in collaboration with the INSIGHT consortium and supported by the Fogarty International Center, NIH Global Health Program, underscores the urgent burden of FGS in endemic regions. By combining advanced diagnostic methods with community-based engagement, the study demonstrates both the high prevalence of FGS and the critical need for accessible screening strategies that can be integrated into primary care and community health systems.
Through this collaborative effort, we are advancing community-driven solutions to safeguard women's reproductive health and strengthen health systems in affected communities.