The Chantal Biya International Reference Centre for Research on the Prevention and Care of HIV/AIDS (CIRCB) in Cameroon is celebrating its 20th anniversary. To mark this occasion, the centre has planned a series of activities, including a scientific colloquium, a voluntary HIV and hepatitis testing campaign, and a gala dinner. The centre, located in Yaoundé, was established on February 23, 2006, through the efforts of First Lady Chantal Biya and other prominent figures.
The CIRCB, under the institutional tutelage of the Ministry of Public Health, has been conducting research on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria for two decades. The centre's work has been guided by the hope of finding a cure for AIDS and providing effective prevention and care for those affected. At its inauguration, First Lady Chantal Biya expressed her optimism that the centre would one day lead to the conquest of AIDS.
The celebrations began with the 25th ordinary session of the Scientific Council, which set the tone for the various activities planned to commemorate the centre's 20 years of existence. The official opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday at 10 am, followed by a two-day voluntary HIV and hepatitis testing campaign. The campaign is open to the public and aims to promote awareness and prevention of these diseases.
A scientific colloquium will be held on Wednesday, bringing together experts from Cameroon, the continent, and beyond to evaluate the centre's achievements over the past two decades. The colloquium will focus on the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and the development of effective strategies to combat the disease. An national virology workshop is scheduled for Friday, preceding a gala dinner at the Yaoundé Congress Palace.
The centre's director-general, Professor Alexis Ndjolo, is coordinating the activities, which aim to highlight the centre's contributions to biomedical research. The CIRCB has been a hub for scientific research and collaboration, involving prominent figures in the field, including the late Professor Luc Montagnier, co-discoverer of the HIV virus.
Over the past 20 years, the CIRCB has made significant strides in promoting research and care for HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria in Cameroon. The centre's work has been characterized by a commitment to scientific excellence and a passion for improving public health. As the centre looks to the future, it is expected to continue playing a leading role in the fight against these diseases.
The CIRCB's 20th anniversary celebrations will conclude with a gala dinner, which will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the centre's achievements and look forward to its future prospects. The event will also serve as a tribute to the efforts of First Lady Chantal Biya and other individuals who have contributed to the centre's success over the years.
Key points
- The CIRCB has conducted research on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria for two decades.
Reporting sources
- CIRCB: 20 ans de recherche au sommet · Cameroon Tribune
