Responding to Disease Outbreak in Cameroon

The present paper collection is the “Cameroon Academy of Young Scientists’” (CAYS) first joint project, proposing ways and means to deal not only with COVID‐19 but especially with future disease outbreaks in Cameroon. In the last few decades, Cam­eroon has experienced several disease outbreaks which have led to the death of many of its citizens. Since 1971, not only Cholera has occurred frequently but also Measles and Meningitis outbreaks are frequent as well. The most recent outbreak is an ongoing global health pandemic, i.e. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).

The CAYS joined the effort to tackle the pandemic from the onset of the pandemic and released a declaration in April 2020 with suggestions on how to deal with the pandemic in Cameroon, followed by a video with sensitization information for the fight against COVID‐19 in some national languages, such as Cameroon Pidgin, Duala, Tupuri, etc. The COVID‐19 experience has revealed various possibilities and challenges for Cameroon’s health system, particularly regarding its unpreparedness to tackle disease outbreaks of various kinds and magnitude in the country. In continuation of the quest for a solution to these numerous health challenges, this book provides multidisciplinary approaches to cope with COVID-19.

CONTENTS

Introduction

Contributors

PART 1: PYSCHO-SOCIAL APPROACHES TO THE MANAGEMENT OF COVID-19

Multilingualism: The language of health in Cameroon
Pius W. Akumbu & Pierpaolo Di Carlo

Targeting the mental health impact of COVID-19 in Cameroon: Theatre-based therapies
as alternative
Paul Animbom Ngong

Implementation of government measures to combat COVID-19: Effect on trade, goods
and services in the Yaoundé 7 Subdivision
Raoul Ehode Elah, Magellan Guewo-Fokeng, Marienne Makoudem Tene,
Albert Jiotsa, Gaston Bessala, José Donadoni Manga Kalniga,
Carole Nouazi Kemkeng & Stephen Ambe Mforteh

Assessing Cameroonians’ knowledge and perceptions about COVID-19 using
the Health Belief Model
Valérie Makoge & Nathalie Amvongo-Adjia

Socio-medical implications of COVID-19 management in Cameroon
Edouard Akono Nantia, Dany Forming Nantchouang Djibie,
Loveline Kongla Nsahlai, Vigny NdomoTsamo & Pascal Faustin Tsague Manfo

Disaster management in Cameroon: Lessons from COVID-19
Justine Germo Nzweundji, Thierry Cesaire Kengmogne, Edwige Emilie Kouamen,
Nehemie Tchinda Donfagsiteli & Innocent Afuh Awasom

PART 2: TECHNOLOGY AND THE FIGHT AGAINST COVID-19

Teachers’ technological development and distance learning during disease outbreak
in Cameroon: The COVID-19 experience
Pius W. Akumbu, Patience P. Teneng & Sylvanus W. Ngu

Assessment of the impact of new manufacturing technologies in the fight against
COVID-19 in Cameroon
Claude Valery Abbe Ngayihi, Cyrille Mezoue, Samuel Eke, Severin Nguiya
& Ruben Martin Mouangue

PART 3: NATURAL RESOURCES AND COVID-19 TREATMENT

Managing tropical diseases in Cameroon in the context of COVID-19: Preparedness and dilemma
Hugues C. Nana Djeunga, Guy S. Wafeu, Laurentine Sumo, Gerald Ngo Teke,
Edouard Akono Nantia & Cédric B. Chesnais

Uses and vulnerability of aromatic and medicinal plants in the fight against COVID-19 in Cameroon
Néhémie Tchinda Donfagsiteli, Justine Germo Nzweundji, Georges Maxime Lamy Lamy,
Rosette Christelle Ndjib, Alembert Tiabou Tchinda & Gabriel A. Agbor

COVID-19 and natural resource use practices in Cameroon
Jude Ndzifon Kimengsi & Harry Wirngo Mairomi

Mushrooms as alternative medicine for treatment of fungal and viral infections
Rosemary Kinge Tonjock, Moses Samje, Clementine Lem Azinue & Grace Annih Mbong

Index