Cameroon; finding local solutions to COVID-19: PM Calls For Accelerated Efforts In Dev’t Of Applied Scientific Research

The Prime Minister has called for an acceleration of efforts in the putting in place of strategies to develop applied scientific research in Cameroon. Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute made the call in Yaounde Wednesday 31 March 2021.

The Head of Government was speaking while chairing the Cabinet meeting for the month of March at the Star Building. Aside finding ways to develop the scientific sector, the session also examined the evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, and ways to boost vocational training and enhance mass employment nationwide.

Dion said a mastery of applied scientific research is crucial for every county in the phase of pandemics, epidemics and emerging diseases as it eases detection and prevention and reduces dependence on foreign countries by promoting local solutions through laboratories and drug production.

The meeting also examined Cameroon’s applied scientific research sector with Scientific Research and Innovation Minister Magdalene Tchuente revealing that despite challenges, the sector is making strides. 

She said high-quality studies have been undertaken in different centres. Focusing on the evolution of the pandemic in the country, Minister Manaouda Malachie, revealed that 5120 active cases current exists in the country with 336 in hospitals and 111 on oxygen therapy.

Harping on the situation of vocational training as a vector of self-employment and as a solution to mass youth unemployment, Minister Issa Tchiroma of Youth Employment and Vocational Training said a wide offer exists in training centres and also through specialized programmes.

The PM called on all the different sector heads concern to accelerate the implementation measures to develop applied scientific research and both training in the country.

By Doh Bertrand Nua