Publications & Resources

Study examining the effectiveness of intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine across three health districts. Coverage of ≥3 doses was 47%, with 2 doses at 34.7%. Placental malaria prevalence was 18.5%, with higher odds in primigravidae and semi-rural residents. Early ANC initiation reduced PM risk significantly.

Research on SP resistance mutations and their impact on malaria prevention in pregnant women. 874 pregnant women were screened with 7.7% showing microscopic parasitaemia and 18.6% submicroscopic. 66.9% of isolates carried SP-resistant mutations.

In the Mount Cameroon area, maternal anemia remains a major public health concern. This cross-sectional study of 1,014 pregnant women examined the relative effect of dietary diversity on maternal anemia using 24-h recall and hemoglobin levels. Only 10.4% had adequate dietary diversity; anemia prevalence was 40.9%. Intake of dairy, animal protein, and vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables was associated with lower anemia prevalence. In the study area, dietary diversity is a major risk factor for maternal anemia; the attributable risk of anemia due to poor dietary diversity was 82.9%.

Evidence from a community-based pilot study on syndromic screening and treatment in Tiko. 44 adolescent girls and women participated, with 61.4% reporting FGS-related symptoms. A single dose of praziquantel reduced genital itching/burning by 93%.

Examining socio-economic determinants of dietary intake among pregnant women in Mount Cameroon area. 400 pregnant women studied with 85.2% showing poor dietary diversity. Food insecurity affected 43.3% of participants.

A year-long malacological survey at 12 human water contact sites in Tiko municipality assessed seasonal and environmental drivers of Bulinus snail abundance. Over 2,100 freshwater snails were collected; Bulinus represented 15.5%, with peaks in the dry season (December–February). Water temperature and rocky or sandy substrate associated positively with Bulinus; higher flow velocity and medium vegetation had negative effects. Findings support timing behavioural and snail control interventions to dry-season peaks.

Intermittent preventive treatment in pregnancy with sulfadoxine–pyrimethamine (IPTp‑SP) is a cornerstone of malaria prevention. However, waning efficacy and possible drug resistance raise concerns about its continued effectiveness in reducing placental malaria (PM) and low birth weight (LBW). Coverage of ≥3 doses was 47%, with 2 doses at 34.7%. Placental malaria prevalence was 18.5%, with higher odds in primigravidae and semi-rural residents. Early ANC initiation reduced PM risk significantly.

Maternal anaemia remains a major public health concern in the Mount Cameroon area. Poor dietary diversity is a key driver of anaemia during pregnancy limiting intake of protein and iron‑rich foods essential for healthy pregnancies. Only 10.4% had adequate dietary diversity while 89.6% had poor diet diversity. Anaemia prevalence was 40.9% with poor dietary diversity being the strongest risk factor.

Poor maternal nutritional status during pregnancy is a critical public health problem with negative outcomes for both mother and child. In the Mount Cameroon area, dietary intake is strongly influenced by socio‑economic conditions, food security, nutritional knowledge, and antenatal care indicators. 400 pregnant women studied with 85.2% showing poor dietary diversity. Food insecurity affected 43.3% of participants.

Female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) is a neglected but serious reproductive health issue linked to urogenital schistosomiasis (UGS). In endemic areas like Tiko Health District (THD), many women and girls remain undiagnosed and untreated. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of syndromic screening and pre-emptive treatment with praziquantel (PZQ) in the prevention of FGS. 44 adolescent girls and women participated, with 61.4% reporting FGS-related symptoms. A single dose of praziquantel reduced genital itching/burning by 93%.

In 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.