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Archbishop Of Canterbury Urges Cameroon Anglicans To ‘Stand Firm’ Amid Life’s Struggles

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev. Sarah Mullally, spiritual leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion,…

Sports

Cameroon Secures 5 Medals, Finishes 16th At 2026 Commonwealth Games

By Brian Mboh Cameroon wrapped up its participation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on Sunday, Aug. 2,…

Society

Minister Ousmane Mey Urges ISSEA Graduates to Leverage Cutting-Edge Skills for Development

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo The Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Alamine Ousmane Mey, has urged 108…

Sports

2026 WAFCON: Cameroon, Ghana Renew Storied Rivalry In High-Stakes Group D Clash

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo Ghana and Cameroon will renew one of West African women’s soccer’s most contested rivalries Sunday August…

After Rigobert Song’s Departure: What Qualities Should Cameroonians Seek In A Coach?

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

When the news broke that Rigobert Song Bahanag’s contract would not be renewed by the Cameroonian government, it triggered a wave of discussions and debates among football enthusiasts across the nation.

Cameroon’s football team coach, Rigobert Song, observes as Cameroon takes on Namibia in an AFCON qualifying football match between Cameroon and Namibia at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023 (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

 

The announcement left many divided. while some passionately advocated for Song to be afforded more time to implement his strategic vision for the team, others felt it was time for a fresh approach, citing a lack of significant progress under his tenure.

In fact, the once-unified fan base found itself grappling with conflicting emotions as they reflected on the departure of a man who was once hailed as a hero on the day of his appointment.

“We are happy that a national especially Song has been appointed as head coach of the Indomitable Lions. He knows the den and will bring us victory,” some fans said during his appointed in February 2022.

However, with Rigobert Song’s tenure as the coach of the Indomitable Lions officially concluded, attention has swiftly turned towards the search for a new helmsman to guide the national team towards greater heights.

The burning question that now occupies the minds of football fans and analysts alike is: what are the essential qualities that the Cameroonian football authorities should prioritize in their quest for a new coach who can elevate the team’s performance on the global stage?

Truth be told, opinions on this matter vary significantly, reflecting the diverse perspectives within the football community. However, with crucial qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming on the horizon, there is an urgent need for a decisive decision to be made.

Recent performances by the Lions underscore the pressing need for a coach who not only possesses tactical acumen but also embodies integrity and charisma, qualities that can galvanize the team and inspire them to achieve their full potential. According to fans, the Lions must assert their rightful position in the African football landscape.

As expectations soar and aspirations reach new heights, the incoming coach must possess the acumen to orchestrate a turnaround in the fortunes of the Lions. The new coach must command the respect of the players, instill a culture of discipline and professionalism within the squad, and foster a sense of unity and purpose.

Player selection must be based on merit, commitment, and a readiness to don the national colors with pride and passion. Moreover, the new coach must present a comprehensive and compelling roadmap for success, be it in the short or long term. He must be granted the autonomy to execute their plans while being held accountable for achieving set objectives.

In this pivotal moment for Cameroonian football, the appointment of the right coach could mark the beginning of a new chapter filled with promise and potential. As the search for a new leader gains momentum, the nation eagerly anticipates the emergence of a figure who can lead the Indomitable Lions to glory on the global stage.

PAID Inaugurates General Secretariate, Celebrates 60th Anniversary

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo 

The Pan African Institute for Development, PAID, has inaugurated its general assembly in Yaounde. The event, which took place in Yaounde on February 28, was chaired by Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development, accompanied by Prof. Emmanuel Kamdem, Secretary General and various dignitaries.

Minister Ousmane Mey cutting the Inauguration ribbon (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The event which coinciding with the celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the institution, also witnessed the official installation of Fatumata Djau Balde, President of the Board of Directors of the institution, who also serves as the Minister of Agriculture in the Republic of Guinea Bissau. The 60th anniversary is being celebrated under the theme, “Innovation and the originality of African scientific method.”

Saluting the institution for supporting the development process on the continent, Minister Ousmane Mey who also doubles as PAID Supervisory Authority in Cameroon stated that it is an instrumental in training, capacity building, research development, and promoting social and economic development in the countries.

He added, “Today we want to believe that the combination of the installation of the chairperson as well as the commissioning of the new headquarters of the Secretary-General will provide greater opportunities and better conditions for the training of those who will be trained in this important institution.”

According to the Minister, the institution is helping the continent accelerate its development. “We should keep in mind that one of the pillars of the National Development Strategy, SND30, is about human capital development and economic insertion. When you think of human capital, you think of training. When you think of training, you have institutions like this Pan African Development Institution that are helping Cameroon promote the great insertion of our youths.”

Officials during the inauguration ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Expressing hope that the institution will continue training, collaborating, and integrating at the continental level, the Minister said, “this is a Pan African Institution. Considering the African Continental Free Trade Area, we are looking ahead with great hope and expectations, as well as challenges. We are also confident that the institution is in good hands and that the future is bright.”

Regarding the inauguration of the headquarters, Fatumata Djau Balde said, it will help the institution promote and exercise its functions, given that the institution is dedicated to the development of countries. In terms of economic development, she said, those who will be trained and enhance their capacities will enter the market with the expertise to bring about change in their respective countries.

Officials pose for a family picture after the inauguration ceremony (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Concerning the activities of the anniversary, discussions are focused on analyzing PAID’s activities over the past 60 years, and also reflecting on the next orientation the association shall undertake to address the challenges of concerted, decent, and sustainable development in Africa, with a focus on innovative methods of training and research.

Established in 1964, PAID has five regional offices and aims to promote action-oriented research and people-centered development. It also aims to enhance the capacity of individuals and institutions through the development of business and management skills in an effort to create employment and reduce poverty.

MINEPAT, 7 Councils Signed FCFA 2.2 Bn Agreement For Inclusive Dev’t

By Jacqueline Nyingchia

The Ministry of Economy, Planning, and Regional Development (MINEPAT) and seven councils drawn from the national territory have signed a partnership agreement aimed at providing and maintaining infrastructures in their respective municipalities.

This outcome resulted from a partnership agreement signed on February 29 in Yaounde. Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey represented MINEPAT, while mayors from the seven municipalities signed on behalf of their councils.

Minister Ousamane Mey (R) and Mayor Tanjong Martin (L) of Tubah Council exchanges MoU (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne Mengnjo)

The partnership was signed in the presence of the Director of the International Labour Office in Cameroon. The seven councils include Fokoué, Kribi I, Nkongsamba II, Ngaoundéré III, Nitoukou, Touroua, and Tubah.

During the signing ceremony, Minister Ousmane Mey said, the partnership provides an opportunity to celebrate the initiative aimed at promoting highly intensive work to facilitate an inclusive development process.According to the Minister, the seven councils will benefit from an allocation of FCFA 2.25 billion.

“This will lead to the construction of social housing, pavement of roads, schools, and stores in line with the expectations of the local population. The seven represented here are testimonies of the government’s commitment to support the decentralization process,” Minister Ousmane Mey stated.

Regarding the selection of the seven councils, Minister Ousmane Mey emphasized that they were chosen based on a rigorous approach in line with pertinent criteria. He urged the mayors to collaborate closely with the Labour-based Technical Unit and demonstrate that this initiative delivers the expected results for both themselves and the population they serve.

Minister Ousmane Mey (R) and Mayor (L) penning down agreement (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Adrienne Demenou, Mayor of Fokwe, speaking on behalf of the mayors, appreciated the partnership, highlighting the positive collaboration between MINEPAT and the councils, which aims to enhance the decentralization and local development processes.

“Our projects focus on constructing municipal buildings, roads, and various other infrastructure developments. Councils are requesting that these projects are tailored to meet their specific needs and address emergencies within their jurisdictions. Rather than a uniform set of projects, we aim to undertake initiatives that reflect the diverse needs of the local population in each area,” Adrienne Demenou said.

Mayor Tanjong Martin of Tubah in the Northwest Region noted that it would create job opportunities for youths in the area, contributing to peace amidst the crisis.

The Tubah council is embarking on the production of ecological bricks. These bricks are manufactured without cement, using only plastic and sand, making them more durable than traditional tar materials for road construction. As a result, we plan to produce and utilize these bricks to pave 1050km of roads within the municipality

Officials and Mayors pose for a family picture (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

The partnership represents a concrete implementation of one of the orientations of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30), specifically the systematization of the HIMO approach with the objectives of infrastructure development and generating temporary income for disadvantaged households.

The selected projects have undergone preliminary studies and are expected to generate 1,520 direct jobs, develop technical skills in construction and public works, promote local unskilled labor, and maximize the use of available materials in each municipality.

Song Bahanag’s Report Card As Indomitable Lions Coach Is Not The Best – Fans

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Fans of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon says, Rigobert Song Bahanag’s report card as head coach of the team for over two years has been disappointing.

They made their views on Wednesday, February 28, after Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, Minister of Sports and Physical Education, announced that Song’s contract would not be renewed.

Fans at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023 as Cameroon and Namibia played 1-1 draw in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Speaking shortly after going through the letter, fans on the streets of Yaounde, however thank Song for his stewardship with the lions but acknowledged that his coaching performance fell short of expectations.

Samson stated, “Song is a great player, but his time as coach of the Lions has been disappointing. We were hopeful when he was appointed, but his tenure has seen one of the worst performances of the Lions.”

“I lost confidence in the team when Song took over not because I hated him but because of record at the Intermediate Lions. Being a good player doesn’t guarantee success as a coach. He has shown that he was a great player, but we are disappointed with his coaching outcomes,” Ethel said.

Jean Marie added, “While Song helped qualify us for the World Cup and AFCON in Cote D’Ivoire, his playing style and tactics have been lacking. He managed the team, but there is room for improvement in his coaching approach.”

On February 28, the government of Cameroon, through the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, announced that Song’s contract would not be renewed.

In a letter that went viral on social network, the Minister referring to the relevant stipulations of employment contract No. 2022-025/MINSEP/CAB concluded on March 23, 2022, between the different parties expires on February 29, 2024, in accordance with its article 6 paragraph 1.

“…Therefore, it is not possible for the State, provider of your remuneration (salary and other benefits), to reappoint you as Coach of the Cameroon senior men’s national team,” the Minister indicated.

Rigobert Song Bahanag speaking to the press following Cameroon’s 1-1 draw with Namibia in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023 (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

In a release signed by FECAFOOT Secretary General Blaise Djounang, the football association indicated that on February 28, the executive committee of FECAFOOT notified the Indomitable Lions staff of the termination of their contract to manage the Cameroon senior men’s national team.

While expressing gratitude for their dedicated services to the nation, FECAFOOT noted that information regarding the recruitment process for a new coaching staff for the Indomitable Lions will be disclosed in the upcoming days.

Rigobert Song’s contract with the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) concluded on Tuesday, February 27, following a two-year tenure. Song’s performance record is concerning, with only six wins, nine defeats, and eight draws in 23 games during his time as the head coach of the Lions

Song Bahanag Relieved of His Duties as Cameroon Indomitable Lions Coach

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Rigobert Song Bahanag has been relieved of his duties as the head coach of the Cameroon national senior football team.

Rigobert Song Bahanag speaking to the press after Cameroon’s 1-1 tie with Namibia in the qualifiers of the 2023 AFCON at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon on March 24, 2023 (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

He was relieved of his duties following a letter addressed to him on February 28 by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Prof. Narcisse Mouelle Kombi.

According to Prof. Mouelle Kombi, the employment contract No. 2022-025/MINSEP/CAB, concluded on March 23, 2022, between the different parties, expires on February 29, 2024, in accordance with its Article 6, paragraph 1.

The Minister states that it will not be possible for the State, provider of remuneration (salary and other benefits), to reappoint him as the Coach of the Cameroon senior men’s national team. He has been relieved from his duties alongside the technical staff.

Criticism of Song’s performance during his two-year tenure has been significant. In 23 matches under his leadership, the team achieved six victories, suffered nine defeats, and settled for eight draws. Consequently, recruitment procedures for a new coach are set to begin in the upcoming days.

 

CAMTEL Is Determined To Make Youths Pillars Of Digital Transformation – Judith Yah Sunday

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The General Manager of Cameroon Telecommunications, CAMTEL, Judith Yah Sunday, says her institution is determined to make youths pillars of digital transformation in the country.

Judith Yah Sunday made the statement during CAMTEL Youth Day on February 27 in Yaounde. CAMTEL Youth Day was held under the theme, “Youths at the forefront of digital transformation.”

CAMTEL GM, Judith Yah Sunday and youths pose for a family picture (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

The event brought together the Resident Representative of IAI Cameroon, young startups, tech engineers, entrepreneurs, and other key players in the digital sector who sought to explore the role of youth in accelerating digital transformation in Cameroon within the context of the National Development Strategy, SND30.

While underscoring the importance and contributions of youths in building a strong digital economy, Judith Yah Sunday emphasized the need to involve and empower them to create jobs and become employers themselves.

Panel discussions during CAMTEL Youth Day (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

“We know that today youths are the champions of digital transformation. Startups are those who create and innovate so it is important that we take them on board so that we can work together in such a way that their genius can serve to promote development, empower them to create jobs and be employers themselves,” Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi said.

She added, “We want to go for the best of our Cameroonians youths in terms of technicians and engineers to come onboard so we can see how we can better serve the Cameroonian community as far as telecommunications is concern.”

Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, President of the National Youth Council (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

In the meantime, Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou, President of the National Youth Council, praised CAMTEL for the initiative, indicating their readiness to collaborate closely with CAMTEL to strengthen the engagement of Cameroonian youth.

“We thank CAMTEL for placing the youths at the forefront of digital transformation and to also put all their concern and focus on Cameroonian youths who are the most important component of our country. We are willing to work hand in glove with CAMTEL so that we can be able to reinforce the engagement of Cameroonian youths in the creation of more opportunities and fight against unemployment,” Fadimatou Iyawa Ousmanou said.

CAMTEL GM Judith Yah Sunday speaking during the event (Photo Credit: CAMTEL)

It’s worth noting that CAMTEL is celebrating its 25 anniversaries, and according to the General Manager, the focus is not on feasting but on reflection, evaluating what has been achieved, how far CAMTEL has come in 25 years, and identifying areas for improvement and future actions over the next 25 years to enhance CAMTEL’s service to the Cameroonian community in telecommunications.

CAMTEL Youth Day coincided with an extensive recruitment process initiated by the company to hire young Cameroonian technicians and IT specialists to enhance service delivery.

DJ Choco Wins 2nd Edition Of Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon-born disc jockey DJ Choco has emerged as the winner of the 2024 edition of the Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge.

DJ Choco (Image: FILE)

The Douala-based DJ Choco was crowned winner of the Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge on Sunday, February 25, 2025, at Club CAMWATER Bonapriso in Douala.

The event was attended by fans, brand ambassadors Kocee, MIMIE, and DJ Labastille, as well as partners who came to narrow down the search for the best DJ in Cameroon in the Battle of the Cities.

DJ Choco emerged as the winner from a list of six finalists after three battle rounds, where they were judged on their creativity, technique, and ability to connect with the public.

While DJ Choco was rated the overall best DJ and winner, Buea-based DJ Bisou emerged as the runner-up of the competition.

The winner and runner-up each took home a cash prize of FCFA 1,000,000 and 500,000, respectively.

DJ Choco will be the official DJ for Ballantine’s in Cameroon. He also received a certificate from Trace Academia (Trace Cameroon), this year’s official partner of the Ballantine’s True Music Mix Challenge.

Super Falcons Thwart Indomitable Lionesses’ 2024 Olympics Ambitions

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon’s hopes of qualifying for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games have been dashed following their 0-1 loss to Nigeria in the qualifiers.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were defeated by the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Nigeria in the second leg, third round qualifiers of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This came after a 0-0 draw in the first leg held in Cameroon on Friday, February 23.

Indomitable Lionesses battling Super Falcons in the 2nd leg Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers in Abuja on Monday, February 26, 2024. (Photo Credit: NFF)

Nigerian Esther Okoronkwo, scored the winning goal for Nigeria in the 14th minute, following a beautiful combination with Jennifer Echegini.

Despite creating opportunities to overturn the score line, the Indomitable Lionesses could not capitalize. Skipper Rasheedat Ajibade missed a key chance to score in the closing minutes of the first half when facing the Cameroon goalkeeper.

In the second half, the physically strong Cameroon team pushed for an equalizer, but Nigeria’s Chiamaka Nnadozie made crucial saves. After the final whistle, Cameroon was eliminated, finishing the game with ten players. Cameroon’s last participation in the Olympics was in 2012.

Indomitable Lionesses battling Super Falcons in the 2nd leg Paris 2024 Olympics qualifiers in Abuja on Monday, February 26, 2024. (Photo Credit: NFF)

The Super Falcons will face either Tanzania or South Africa in the final round of qualifiers. Only two African teams will qualify for the 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place in Paris, France, from July 26 to August 11, 2024.

The Lionesses’ defeat adds to their recent setbacks as they have been eliminated from three major international competitions in the past year: the 2023 World Cup qualifiers, the 2024 African Women’s Cup, and the 2024 Olympic Games qualifiers.

Drive Economic Dev’t: Globeleq Highlights Efforts, Challenges, Opportunities In Cameroon Energy Sector

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

British independent power producer, Globeleq, on February 24 presented the various efforts made, challenges faced, and opportunities in the energy sector in Cameroon.

This is the outcome of a press conference in Yaounde on the sidelines of the 9th edition of the International Exhibition for Enterprises, SMEs, and Partnership of Yaounde, PROMOTE 2024. Globeleq Cameroon operates two power plants in Cameroon.

Globeleq Cameroon officials during press conference

Globeleq Cameroon’s Director of the Dibamba Plant, Vanessa Mougnutou; Human Resources Director, Richard Iffot; and Head of Procurement, Marie-Claire Ngo Bayemeck were present during the press conference.

Portraying the UK-based company as a major player in electric energy production in Cameroon, Vanessa Mougnutou, representing the Director General of Globeleq Cameroon, stated that the company, founded in 2002, is a majority shareholder in the Kribi gas power plant (216 MW) and the Dibamba fuel power plant (86 MW) in the country, holding 56 percent shares while the remaining 44 percent contributed by the Cameroonian government.

Indicating that Globeleq Cameroon mission is to provide more reliable, quality, and affordable electricity for households and businesses in the country, thereby fueling its economic growth.

Speaking during the press conference, Globeleq Cameroon officials stated that the company has developed and operates the 88 MW Dibamba heavy fuel oil-fired power plant located in Yassa-Douala. The plant supplies electricity to the national distribution company, ENEO, under a 20-year power purchase agreement. Mougnutou mentioned that the Dibamba plant, commissioned in 2009, was initially designed as a backup power station to meet the increasing demand for electricity.

On the other hand, the Kribi Gas power plant, situated in the Mpolongwe neighborhood in Kribi, generates a 216 MW electricity supply. Commissioned in 2013, the plant runs on natural gas with light fuel oil as a backup. The officials also noted that a project to expand the Kribi power station is currently under development and will be capable of generating a total of 330 MW of natural gas-fired electricity once completed.

Mougnutou further explained, “Electricity is produced from heavy fuel oil and light fuel oil, supplied by the customer ENEO. The electricity produced is sent to ENEO via the transmission network managed by the National Electricity Transmission Company, SONATREL.”

In terms of community actions, the company indicated that several communities have benefited from their initiatives in the domains of education, social, and cultural activities. Besides constructing more than 30 classrooms for public nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Douala and Kribi, the company has awarded academic excellence prizes to over 2,000 children in both cities.

Richard Iffot indicated that the company has also awarded over 120 grants to deserving children and orphans, constructed and equipped two maternity units, as well as rehabilitated hospital buildings. Additionally, the company has constructed around 30 boreholes and established 10 income-generating projects in Douala and Kribi.

Ngo Bayemeck also highlighted other social actions, such as supporting the establishment of 105 birth certificates, paying school fees, and providing school kits for over 350 pupils of the Bagyeli indigenous peoples along the Kribi-Edea axis.

Despite these efforts, officials mentioned that one of their challenges is the overwhelming debt from the government that are yet to be fully paid. As a result of these financial difficulties, some operations at the two plants have been affected in the recent past, with machines forced to halt operations. In response to some of these challenges, company officials mentioned at the press conference that they have implemented resilience mechanisms, such as reshuffling staff between both plants.

 

Pregnant Women Should Practice Good Hygiene To Reduce Risk Of GBS Infection – Gloria Tata

Gloria Berinyuy Tata, a research student at Mboalab Biotech in Yaounde, has emphasised the importance of practicing good hygiene among pregnant women to mitigate the risk of Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a bacterium commonly found in our bodies. In an exclusive interview , Tata highlights that despite its presence, GBS can lead to severe invasive infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as newborns, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems, including pregnant women. Furthermore, Tata underscores the significance of raising awareness about GBS infection among parents and caregivers of newborns. Please find the following except for more details:

Except:

Who is Gloria Berinyuy Tata?

Gloria Berinyuy Tata

Tata Gloria is a Cameroonian, originating from the North West Region precisely Banso. She has a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and a master’s degree in Immunology. Currently, she is working as a research assistant at Mboalab Biotech, which is an open and collaborative space located in Yaoundé, Cameroon. MboaLab aims to catalyze sustainable local development and improve people’s living conditions through open science.

How would you explain Streptococcus agalactiae in simple terms that a common person can understand?

Streptococcus agalactiae is a bacterium that is usually found in the human body, but it can cause severe invasive infections, especially in newborns, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems including pregnant women.

To what extent is Streptococcus agalactiae considered a serious threat to children’s lives?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this bacterium is the leading cause of preventable bacterial meningitis and sepsis in newborns. The incidence of invasive Streptococcus agalactiae infant disease in Africa is two times higher than in developed countries, and it accounts for one percent of stillbirths globally and four percent of stillbirths in Africa alone. The current methods to diagnose this bacterium either take too much time (3-4 days for completion) like the case of bacteria culture or like PCR techniques are quite expensive and need highly skilled personnel, thus limiting their application in resource-limited laboratories. Equally, the diagnosis of this bacteria is done systematically on pregnant women in developed countries however, this is not the case in Cameroon.

What are the main factors or causes that lead to the presence of this bacterium?

It is important to note that this bacterium is normally present in the human gastrointestinal and genital system. However, it becomes problematic when the immune system of the individual is compromised as in the case of pregnant women and newborn babies. The exact cause of GBS colonization is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to factors such as age, sexual history, diabetes, recent use of antibiotics, and medical conditions like HIV.

Considering the severity of this bacterial infection, what measures or solutions have you developed to address and prevent it?

Given the limitations in the current diagnostic methods, there is a need for a rapid diagnostic test for this bacterium that is highly specific, cheap, and most importantly can be easily applied in resource-limited laboratories. At Mboalab, we are developing a point-of-care diagnostic test based on the CRISPR Cas-12 technology to detect this bacterium.

Can you provide an assessment of the effectiveness of the solution currently in place for combating Streptococcus agalactiae?

Regarding disease diagnosis, early detection will always lead to early treatment and better management of the disease. It is essential to know that most integrated health centers in Cameroon don’t have the platform to carry out this diagnosis. Thus, having a point-of-care diagnostic test for this bacterium will greatly improve the implementation of its screening in such centers leading to early detection and better disease management.

What steps or actions will be taken following the implementation of the current solution?

If implemented, the first thing will be the continuous Monitoring and Evaluation of the test to ensure that it has the desired sensitivity and specificity. Equally, capacity-building workshops will be organized to educate and train laboratory technicians on how to use the test.

What message or advice would you like to convey to the general public regarding Streptococcus agalactiae?

While GBS colonization is common in healthy adults, it can be harmful to babies, especially during the first few months of life. Here are some important messages to convey to the general public regarding GBS: Pregnant women should be screened for GBS at 35-37 weeks of pregnancy. This screening   is a simple and painless test that can help to prevent GBS infection in newborns. There are several things that pregnant women can do to reduce their risk of GBS infection  including practicing good hygiene, avoiding douching, and using condoms during sexual- intercourse. Parents and caregivers of newborns should be aware of the signs and symptoms of GBS infection, such as fever, irritability, poor feeding, lethargy, seizures.  If a pregnant woman is found to be positive for GBS, she will be given antibiotics during labor and delivery to prevent the baby from getting infected. Early diagnosis and treatment of GBS infection in newborns is essential to improve outcomes.