Cameroon
Site Established: 2000
HIV Prevalence: 7.7%
A team in Cameroon based in Yaounde continues to prepare for future evaluation of vaccine candidates. Cameroon contains unique molecular aspects of HIV-1, specifically CRF02_AG. Development of Cameroon as a MHRP field site includes renovating clinic space for participant visits, ordering clinic equipment, renovating laboratory space, implementing standard operating procedures, setting up a data management system, installing lab equipment and creating information technology infrastructure. Staff development and training is on going.
Host country collaborators include the Cameroon Department of Defense, Ministry of Health, Hevecam and the Cameroon Development Corporation.
Research Efforts:
HIV Vaccine Cohort Research
An HIV incidence cohort titled Cohort Study Among Armed Forces, Plantation and Rural Populations in Cameroon of 1,000 workers and their dependents, ages 18 to 45 is ongoing. Participants are followed for three years to determine:
- prevalence and incidence of HIV-1;
- distribution of genotypes;
- behavioral and health factors associated with infection;
- follow-up rates; and
- potential barriers for participation in future HIV vaccine trials.
February 2003 marked the completion of a study that examined approximately 4000 blood samples collected from 17 rural sites. This contributed to the knowledge of HIV diversity in Cameroon.
Facilities:
The main research facility is in Yaounde, Cameroon, and is located on the CRESTAR military compound.
Staff: 50
MHRP International Network:
Nigeria |
Cameroon |
Kenya |
Tanzania |
Uganda |
Thailand |
United States