University of Dschang

The history of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) at the University of Dschang began approximately three decades ago with the recruitment of researchers primarily focused on taeniasis and cysticercosis at the former University Centre of Dschang. As this University Centre evolved into a full-fledged university, encompassing various faculties and institutes, research on NTDs was enhanced through the recruitment of scientists specialising in different fields, including epidemiology, entomology, parasitology, parasite biology, and genetics related to NTDs and other infectious diseases.

Over the past decade, research activities on NTDs have gained momentum, thanks to the establishment of the Molecular Parasitology and Entomology Unit. This unit has primarily concentrated on NTDs such as human African trypanosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, and schistosomiasis. Research projects conducted within this unit have received funding from various donors, including the Wellcome Trust, the European Foundation Initiative for Neglected Tropical Diseases, the French Research Institute for Sustainable Development, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases. Additionally, research on leishmaniasis has been supported financially by the Partnership for Increasing the Impact of Vector Control (PIIVec) at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine.

During the past decade, research activities related to NTDs at the University of Dschang have encompassed not only field and applied research but also basic and implementation research. These activities have contributed to the training of Master's and Ph.D. students, as well as Postdoctoral fellows and early career researchers.