Dr. Hugues Clotaire Nana Djeunga - Genetics and Molecular Biology - Best Researcher Award

Higher Institute for Scientific and Medical Research (ISM) - Cameroon

Author Profile

ORCID

🎓 Early academic pursuits

Hugues Clotaire Nana Djeunga was born on july 24, 1982, in bangoua, cameroon. his academic journey took him to the university of yaoundé i, where he pursued a phd in molecular parasitology. during his doctoral studies, he explored ivermectin resistance in onchocerca volvulus, the parasite responsible for river blindness. scholarships from the french cooperation (scac) and the french national research institute for sustainable development (ird) allowed him to further specialize in molecular parasitology and bioinformatics at mcgill university, canada. he also received advanced training in statistical analyses of complex data at ird centre in montpellier, france, setting the foundation for his future research endeavors.

🔬 Professional endeavors

Nana Djeunga is currently a research scientist and head of the laboratory service at the higher institute for scientific and medical research (ism), which was rebranded in 2023 as the centre for research on filariasis and other tropical diseases (crfilmt). he leads the molecular parasitology and genetic epidemiology research unit, with a focus on understanding and combating tropical diseases such as onchocerciasis, loiasis, lymphatic filariasis, and malaria. his academic roles extend to teaching as a part-time lecturer at the faculty of medicine and biomedical sciences at the university of yaoundé i, as well as at the laboratory technician school of centre pasteur du cameroun.

🧬 Contributions and research focus

Nana djeunga’s research covers a wide range of tropical diseases, especially neglected tropical diseases (ntds). he has been at the forefront of developing innovative diagnostic tools and treatment strategies. one of his notable achievements includes the creation of a cell-free dna-based diagnostic tool for onchocerciasis, which earned him the 2020 ntd innovation prize. his research interests span drug resistance studies, epidemiological mapping, transmission assessments, and drug Genetics and Molecular Biology development through clinical trials. his commitment to improving diagnostic capabilities extends to the use of artificial intelligence, where his team was a finalist for the 2021 ntd innovation prize.

🏆 Accolades and recognition

Nana djeunga’s innovative approach to solving global health challenges has garnered international recognition. winning the 2020 ntd innovation prize for his diagnostic tool for onchocerciasis marked a major achievement in his career. his work in tropical diseases has also led him to serve as a consultant for prominent Genetics and Molecular Biology organizations, including the world health organization (who), drug for neglected diseases initiative (dndi), and the former african programme for onchocerciasis control (apoc).

🌍 Impact and influence

through his leadership at ism, nana djeunga has had a profound impact on the fight against ntds, particularly in cameroon and africa. his research on drug resistance, diagnostics, and treatment strategies has contributed to global efforts in eliminating tropical diseases that affect millions of people in resource-limited regions. he is Genetics and Molecular Biology also actively involved in mentoring and teaching, shaping the next generation of scientists and researchers in the field of parasitology and public health.

📚 Legacy and future contributions

Nana Djeunga’s work is paving the way for future innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of tropical diseases. his research on alternative treatment strategies and the development of artificial intelligence-based solutions for skin disease diagnosis indicate that his contributions to medical science will continue to evolve. as a member of multiple scientific societies, including the global young academy (gya) and the royal society of tropical medicine and hygiene (rstmh), he is positioned to remain a key figure in global health research.

Notable Publications 

  1. Exposure to Bovine Livestock and Latent Tuberculosis Infection in Children: Investigating the Zoonotic Tuberculosis Potential in a Large Urban and Peri-Urban Area of Cameroon
    Authors: Martine Augusta Flore Tsasse, Kiatichai Faksri, Henry Dilonga Meriki, Hugues Clotaire Nana Djeunga, Marius Ambe Ngwa, Henri Olivier Tatsilong Pambou, Raïssa Dongmo, Ouethy Nguessi, Joseph Kamgno, Jane-Francis Tatah Kihla Akoachere
    Journal: PLOS Global Public Health
    DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0003669
  2. Dissemination Strategies for mHealth Apps: Systematic Review
    Authors: Henri Claude Moungui, Hugues Clotaire Nana-Djeunga, Che Frankline Anyiang, Mireia Cano, Jose Antonio Ruiz Postigo, Carme Carrion
    Journal: JMIR mHealth and uHealth
    DOI: 10.2196/50293
  3. Geostatistical Mapping to Delineate Areas of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis Persistence in Cameroon: A Protocol for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
    Authors: Hugues C. Nana Djeunga, Antonia Foka-Sindze, Laurentine Sumo, Linda Djune-Yemeli, Collins Okoyo, Yannick Niamsi-Emalio, Georges Nguefack-Tsague, Flobert Njiokou, Joseph Kamgno
    Journal: Preprint
    DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2780679/v1
  4. Dissemination Strategies for mHealth Apps: Systematic Review (Preprint)
    Authors: Henri Claude Moungui, Hugues Clotaire Nana-Djeunga, Che Frankline Anyiang, Mireia Cano, Jose Antonio Ruiz Postigo, Carme Carrion
    Journal: Preprint
    DOI: 10.2196/preprints.50293
  5. Successful Management of Poisoning with Ivermectin (Mectizan) in the Obala Health District (Centre Region, Cameroon): A Case Report
    Authors: Cyrille Donfo-Azafack, Hugues C. Nana-Djeunga, Guy Wafeu-Sadeu, Raïssa Dongmo-Yemele, Joseph Kamgno
    Journal: Journal of Medical Case Reports
    DOI: 10.1186/s13256-023-03891-4
Dr. Hugues Clotaire Nana Djeunga – Genetics and Molecular Biology – Best Researcher Award