CRID

24/09/2026

Dr. Justice Ngom Presents Latest Innovations in Pathogen Genomics at CRID

On September 22, 2026, CRID hosted Dr. Justice Trésor Ngom from Stellenbosch University - South Africa, for an insightful institutional seminar. The session highlighted how advanced sequencing technologies are transforming our ability to track, diagnose, and combat major infectious diseases.
Dr. Ngom delivered a presentation at the intersection of molecular biology, pathogen and global public health. He highlighted how mapping the genetic blueprints of viruses and bacteria helps track transmission dynamics across human, animal, and environmental systems using a One Health approach. Crucially, he shared insights from his recent genomic research on extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in South Africa, shedding light on how pathogens adapt and resist newer treatments. He also demonstrated how high-throughput molecular surveillance tools enable early outbreak prediction and accelerate the development of rapid, precise diagnostics for high-burden diseases like TB, , and zoonotic infections.

Dr. Holy Akwar, Science Advisor at the International Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance Solutions ( ), also attended the session. He presented the ICARS research interests and portfolio, and encouraged CRID scientists to submit their expresssion of interest to ICARS on innovative scientific ideas that can strengthen local capacity and drive impactful solutions within their communities.

A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Justice Trésor Ngom for sharing his insightful work, and to all our colleagues who attended and contributed to the vibrant discussion!

22/09/2026

Centre Pasteur du Cameroun

15/09/2026

Illumina MiSeq i100 Plus Training at CRID

From September 8 to 11, 2026, scientists — Dr. Estelle Mewamba , Dr. Eugénie Magang, Bertrand Mbakam , Marceline Nke and Ghislaine Tchountchui — completed hands-on training with Mr. Harry Adi, Field Application Scientist at , to master our new sequencer, the Illumina MiSeq i100 Plus.

This versatile and cost-effective platform features sequencing cartridges that can be stored at room temperature, making it particularly well-suited for genomic research in low- and middle-income countries. The system now enables the scientific community to perform bacterial whole-genome shotgun sequencing, 16S metagenomic sequencing, and targeted/amplicon sequencing.

Throughout the workshop, participants learned essential workflow protocols, configured onboard DRAGEN pipelines, and practiced hardware controls. They also carried out cloud and local run planning, performed sample validation using PhiX dilutions, and evaluated sequencing run results while mastering secondary data analysis workflows.

With this cutting-edge technology and certified expertise in hand, CRID scientists are ready to deliver rapid, high-precision genomic data to track and combat infectious diseases across Africa.


Gates Foundation Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM

15/09/2026

07/09/2026

CRID and AHADI sign MoU to strengthen malaria and vector-borne disease research

September 3, 2026 marks an important milestone for . During a visit to AHADI - Applied Health Analytics for Delivery & Innovation, our Executive Director, Prof. Charles Wondji, accompanied by Dr. Billy Tene, Head of Partnerships at CRID, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with , led by its Executive Director, Prof. Abdisalan Noor.

This unites two African institutions with complementary expertise to drive the agenda of reducing the burden of malaria and other vector-borne diseases (VBD) across the continent.

Together, CRID and AHADI will collaborate on capacity strengthening in research and analytics, capacity strengthening of National Disease Programs, exchange programs for young scientists and analysts, joint research and implementation projects, and technical support to countries.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward, reflecting our common vision that sustainable progress in African research and public health will be driven by working together, pooling expertise and empowering the next generation.

We look forward to a fruitful with AHADI!

Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM

07/09/2026

CRID at the 8th HIGHER Women Annual Workshop

From 27 to 29 August 2026, CRID PhD student Djuifo Grace and researcher Dr Tatiane Assatse, both members of the Higher Women Consortium, participated in the Consortium’s 8th Annual Workshop in Douala.

Held under the theme “Capacity Building for Young Women Researchers in Cameroon: Meeting the Challenge of Research Innovation,” the workshop brought together young women researchers, mentors and institutional partners to strengthen research skills and promote innovation.

Representing ’s Executive Director, Dr Billy Tene, Head of Partnerships, delivered a speech highlighting the important role of women at CRID, the opportunities available to them, and the potential for future project collaborations for those with the Centre.

The workshop provided an intensive and inspiring learning experience. Participants strengthened their knowledge of research methodology, literature reviews, data management, research ethics and scientific communication. They also explored how artificial intelligence can be used responsibly to enhance research productivity and impact.

In addition, participants gained practical experience in preparing competitive CVs, abstracts and research proposals, identifying funding opportunities, and managing research projects effectively.

Reflecting on the workshop, Dr Assatse said: “The workshop enhanced our skills and encouraged us to approach research more strategically and innovatively, an essential foundation for early-career researchers seeking grants and building their scientific careers.”

At CRID, we remain committed to empowering the next generation of women scientists, supporting their professional development and fostering research excellence in .

04/09/2026

Happy ending for CRID at !

The PAMCA - Kenya Chapter Annual Conference and Exhibition closed on September 3rd with a showcase of CRID's activities presented by Dr. Magellan Tchouakui and Dr. Jessy Goupeyou. CRID was proud to participate as a Silver Sponsor of the event.

During the scientific session on Insecticide Resistance Monitoring and Management, three of our newly graduated PhDs brilliantly presented their work:
Dr Fleuriane Djondji: Evidence of microbiome contribution to the escalation of pyrethroid resistance in the major malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae s.s. and Anopheles funestus s.s.
Dr Nelly Tatchou: Two highly selected CYP6P4a and CYP6P4b alleles confer insecticide resistance in the major malaria vector An. funestus in Cameroon, undermining the effectiveness of insecticide-treated bed nets.
Dr Brice Natchema: Escalating pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles funestus increases Plasmodium transmission

The session closed with a final presentation by Dr Tchouakui on "Chlorfenapyr-based net Interceptor G2 reduces infection and pyrethroid resistance in An. gambiae from Cameroon and Uganda".

A proud moment that once again confirms CRID as a centre of excellence, living up to its motto: "Saving lives through quality research." Congratulations to all our researchers!

03/09/2026

CRID at - Day 2

Our Executive Director, Prof. Charles Wondji, delivered a plenary talk on: "Indoor mosquito management ( /IRS) : The state of indoor intervention funding landscape, policy priorities, ongoing and emerging challenges, PAMCA's role."
Vanessa Ngannang, PhD student, also presented her research: "Cis-regulatory elements and allelic variation in argininosuccinate lyase genes exacerbate pyrethroid resistance in the major African malaria vector, ."

Are you at PAMCA Kenya 2026? Don't leave without visiting CRID's stand to discover our cutting-edge research and our services!


PAMCA - Kenya Chapter

02/09/2026

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF AVECGEN SYMPOSIUM

On 1st September 2026, the African Centre for Vector Genomics (AVecGen) successfully held its inaugural symposium during the PAMCA Kenya Chapter Annual Meeting 2026.
The symposium provided an excellent platform to showcase AVecGen’s high-throughput sequencing and genomic infrastructure, demonstrating how African scientists can increasingly conduct world-class genomics research to address vector-borne diseases and strengthen vector control in Africa.

The symposium featured six expert speakers who shared insights across complementary areas of vector genomics:
Prof. Charles Wondji: Genetic and molecular mechanisms of insecticide resistance in Anopheles spp.
Dr. Mewamba Estelle: Genomic surveillance platforms and next-generation sequencing applications for vector control
Prof. Isabella Oyier: Building sustainable genomic capacity in Africa for disease surveillance
Dr. Eric Ochomo: Bridging genomics and vector control: Translating data into public health tools
Dr. Mahamat Gadji: Strengthening bioinformatics infrastructure for vector genomics: Sustainable data systems and workforce development through AVecGen
Dr. Magellan Tchouakui: A COEAE80 esterase variant and P450-suppression drive resistance in malaria vectors
Together, these talks emphasized the importance of building integrated genomic expertise, strengthening African-led research capacity, and fostering South–South collaboration to accelerate the fight against vector-borne diseases.
The marked an important step towards a future where genomic technologies, expertise, and innovation are increasingly accessible within Africa and driven by African scientists, for African public health priorities.

Gates Foundation
Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine - LSTM

01/09/2026

CRID at PAMCA Kenya 2026

From September 1st to 3rd, CRID is participating in the Pan-African Mosquito Control Association (PAMCA) Kenya Chapter Annual Meeting at the KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi.

This year's theme is "Reconnect and Reimagine Mosquito Control in Africa". As a Silver Sponsor of this important scientific gathering, we are delighted to welcome you at our stand to discover our research activities and sequencing services.

The opening ceremony today was presided over by Dr. Elijah Juma, PAMCA Kenya Chapter Chairman, and co-chaired by Dr. Jessy Goupeyou, CRID's Global Advocacy Lead.

Throughout the conference, CRID will be strongly represented, starting with the African Centre for Vector Genomics (AVecGen) Symposium this September 1st. Dr. Magellan Tchouakui will also co-chair a scientific session. Tomorrow, our Executive Director Prof. Charles Wondji will deliver a plenary talk, while other CRID scientists will contribute through scientific sessions and poster presentations.

We look forward to meeting you!


PAMCA - Kenya Chapter