Pascal Siakam’s journey is a testament to relentless ambition and the transformative power of dreams his evolution into an NBA star who amassed a $100 million fortune is a narrative as inspiring as it is instructive Imagine the explosive potential of a backcourt revolution where a seasoned playmaker meets emerging talent—a combination that could redefine a team's future Revitalizing the Backcourt The Orlando Magic.. An electrifying playoff atmosphere envelops the NBA as two titanic forces in Denver and Oklahoma City prepare to redefine postseason intensity Stunning Upset on the Hardwood The Indiana team delivered an electrifying shock in the Eastern Conference semi-finals capturing Game 1 with a performance that surprised fans and pundits.. A Moment of Uncertainty on the Court Under the bright lights of home court the Cavaliers experienced a turning point that immediately captured attention A renewed sense of ambition pulses through the Utah Jazz organization as they solidify their future with a long-term commitment to head coach Will Hardy In a season where transformation became the mantra a collection of players dramatically reshaped their fantasy basketball legacies with performances that defied expectations and reignited the thrill of.. © 2024 Motociclismo - All rights reserved Motociclismo Please enter your username or email address to reset your password © 2024 Motociclismo - All rights reserved Motociclismo SatNews The Douala certification marks the 65th issued since the program was launched at IBC 2015 and another five teleports are currently engaged in the quality evaluation process independently verified standards as a means for teleports to differentiate themselves and for customers to choose the price-performance level suitable for their applications Certification is issued on a Provisional (self-reported) basis after completion of a +170-item questionnaire that is evaluated against standards developed by WTA’s Certification Committee The teleport then has six months to achieve Full Certification To achieve Full Certification under WTA’s program an auditor is dispatched to visit the teleport provide independent validation of the data submitted in the questionnaire and identify additional factors that may positively or negatively affect the score Full Certification is issued at a Tier number from 1 through 4 of which 4 represents the highest degree of excellence Certifications have been issued to teleports operated by IABG Teleport “Obtaining this provisional certification from the World Teleport Association (WTA) is a major recognition for ST Digital and for our Douala teleport,” said Jean Francis Ahanda “It testifies to our commitment to meeting the highest international standards in the operation of our infrastructure As the first neutral and independent operator of a Tier 3 data center in Central Africa this certification reinforces our position as a leader in cloud services in Central Africa We are determined to continue our efforts to achieve full certification ensuring that our customers receive reliable secure solutions tailored to local and international requirement.” “The Douala teleport certification marks two milestones for WTA,” said executive director Robert Bell “It is our first Certified Teleport in sub-Saharan Africa and the second Certified Teleport that is operated by a company whose principal business is providing cloud services through company-owned data centers The intersection of IT and teleports is a growing trend that adds new values to multipath connectivity and we look forward to seeing more in the future.” released the Bible book of Matthew in Douala The announcement was made to an audience of 995 gathered for a special program in the city of Douala An additional 43 tied in to the program via videoconference The release was immediately made available for download from jw.org and in the JW Library app A print edition will be released once the complete New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures is available in Douala At least one million people in Cameroon speak Douala The first complete Douala-language Bible was published in the late 19th century and remains in use today in what is commonly called the Old Testament Jehovah’s Witnesses began publishing Bible-based materials in Douala in 1950 but a ban on their activity in Cameroon from 1970 to 1993 temporarily halted the translation work nearly 900 brothers and sisters serve in 18 Douala-speaking congregations throughout Cameroon These zealous brothers and sisters look forward to using the new release as part of the over 900 Bible studies they conduct Using a variety of Bible translations can enhance your study of the Bible Three points in particular make the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures worthy to include in your studies and binding the New World Translation involves more than you may realize Find out how Christians can benefit from relevant history and practical advice in the Hebrew Scriptures This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Africa Intelligence brings you exclusive coverage of the major political economic and diplomatic issues at stake on the African continent identifying power players on the rise and low-frequency signals on the horizon Peruse our daily story summaries to get the scoop on tomorrow's top stories ahead of the crowd We will not use your address for advertising or commercial purposes Discover our work by making use of the following possibilities: daily newsletters Do you want a free trial before subscribing A cookie is a text file placed on the hard drive of your terminal (computer It aims to make browsing more fluid and to offer you content and services tailored to your interests These cookies are required to ensure the reliability and security and our website They are also used to create and log into your user account Three ways to create your email notifications: Do not hesitate to create your own notifications according to your interests : better criteria narrows down the results You can modify or delete your notifications or summaries in your account Sign up for real-time alerts and be notified of new editions you will be notified by a short message on your computer or mobile phone as soon as a new edition of our publication or an alert is published (Business in Cameroon) - Camwater has commissioned a new water tower in Douala with a storage capacity of 1,000 cubic meters inaugurated on April 25 by Camwater’s General Manager Blaise Moussa is expected to improve drinking water supply in key neighborhoods like Bonanjo comes with an electric control cabinet to manage pump operations and monitor the tower’s internal systems It also includes a high-performance water pump 40 meters of ductile iron pipes with a 200-millimeter diameter The entire distribution circuit was reconfigured to better handle water flow The tower was brought into service after successful pumping tests and thorough cleaning This new infrastructure is meant to absorb additional water flow from the city’s large-scale network upgrade project Douala’s local storage capacity in this area doubles—from 500 cubic meters to 1,000 cubic meters—offering better distribution security and more backup in case of power outages Douala’s overall storage capacity now reaches 304,000 cubic meters per day far short of the estimated 500,000 cubic meters needed to meet daily demand Camwater has begun upgrading the Japoma treatment plant is expected to add 68,000 cubic meters to the city’s daily water output pushing total production to 371,400 cubic meters The company hopes this will raise the water service coverage rate to 65% by 2026 a long-awaited mega project plans to draw an additional 400,000 cubic meters per day from the Wouri River this would bring Douala’s total water production to 703,400 cubic meters per day—enough to meet the city’s rising demand Kribi Bitumen Plant Set to Start Construction in 2025 with Government Backing CEMAC Bond Market Hits CFA 8.45 Trillion in March 2025, Interest Rates Drop Cameroon’s Timber Output Projected to Rise in 2025 Despite Higher Export Taxes Central Africa Stock Exchange Sees 98% Drop in Trading Value in Q1 2025 Every week the economy and investment news from Cameroon Mboa Paris Trains 30 Young Cameroonians to Boost Tech and Entrepreneurship Cameroon Audit Targets Former Officials for Mismanagement in Agricultural Project Camwater Seeks Global Bids to Launch Bottled Water Lines in Five Cities Bafoussam Workshop Highlights Benefits of Cameroon-EU Trade Agreement Cameroon Could Reach 350,100 Tons of Cotton in 2025 (Beac) Paul Biya Appoints Johnny Razack as Chair of Cameroon’s National Investment Company Cameroon Refuses Work Visa Renewal for Casino and Super U Boss Over Toxic Workplace Claims Cameroon Joins Global Charter to Fight Illegal Fishing Metrics details Anemia is a medical condition resulting from a reduction in the number of red blood cells below the reference range as it can have negative effects on cognitive performance This study aims to assess the determinants of anemia among adolescents in schools in the city of Douala A cross-sectional study was carried out among 511 adolescents aged 10–15 years selected by random sampling from four secondary schools in Douala Data were collected using a structured questionnaire including anthropometric measurements and hemoglobin tests to assess anemia Anemia was defined according to specific thresholds (e.g hemoglobin < 12 g/dL for girls and < 13 g/dL for boys) Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to identify determinants of anemia and associations were established by calculating Odds ratios Statistical significance was declared at P < 0.05 The mean age of participants was 11.9 ± 1.30 years with a slight predominance of girls (50.7%) over boys (49.3%) The prevalence of anemia was 40.3% (95% CI: 35.0–45.6%) including 15.7% mild anemia (95% CI: 12.0–19.4%) 23.9% moderate anemia (95% CI: 19.7–28.1%) and 0.7% severe anemia (95% CI: 0.1–2.7%) Independent determinants of anemia included rural residence [AOR = 8.39 (95% CI: 5.26–13.65); p < 0.001] status of parents divorced [OR = 2.60 (95% CI: 1.57- 4.34); p = 0.0001] or deceased [AOR = 7.73 (95% CI: 1.65- 41.90); p = 0.011] onset of first menstrual period [AOR = 6.59 (95% CI: 2.28–72.19); p = 0.001] the absence of iron supplementation [AOR = 1.68 (95% CI: 1.04–2.74; p = 0.034] and the occurrence of an illness in the previous three months (malaria etc.) [AOR = 3.24 (95% CI: 1.14–22.37); p = 0.012] This study highlights a worrying prevalence of anemia among adolescents in Douala The results underline the importance of factors such as rural residence It is essential to integrate these elements into targeted intervention programs particularly in nutrition and iron supplementation longitudinal studies and intervention-based research are needed to better understand the causal mechanisms of adolescent anemia in this context These studies highlight the complexity of the determinants of anemia and the need for targeted nutrition and healthcare interventions for adolescent girls often focus on children under the age of five very little attention has been paid to school-going adolescents This study aims to assess the determinants of anemia in school-going adolescents in the city of Douala by answering the following question: what factors contribute to anemia in this specific population The results of this study will be crucial for the development of public health policies on the management of anemia in adolescents in Cameroon and will also be important for clinicians and future researchers in related fields This site was selected because of the lack of data on anemia in adolescents in this region there is a lack of specific research concerning the risk factors and prevalence of anemia in this age group this study aims to fill this gap by providing crucial information that can help guide public health policies and targeted interventions to improve the health of young people in this area The study was quantitative and cross-sectional with descriptive and analytical purposes The overall population of the study consisted of all adolescents of both sexes residing permanently in the city of Douala The target population consisted of all adolescents aged 10 to 15 attending pre-selected schools Parental consents were sent to parents via the children and only those whose parents had signed the informed consent and returned it to the school were included in the study Exclusion criteria included adolescents with known chronic illnesses those on medication that could affect study results and those who were unable to provide valid parental consent Considering a planned effect of 1.3 and adding 10% for possible non-response The sampling technique used for this study was non-probabilistic and based on convenience the Institut privé polyvalent de Bonamoussadi the Lycée PK 21 and the Lycée technique de Douala Bassa) were selected in four arrondissements of the city of Douala (Douala 2nd This selection was made to avoid the concentration of samples in one homogeneous area cultural and economic characteristics of the adolescents are taken into account we have ensured geographical and socio-economic diversity contributing to more representative results The data collection technique was the survey in the school environment The data were collected using a structured questionnaire This enabled us to collect data on socio-demographic variables The questionnaire was first pre-tested with 10 adolescents aged between 10 and 15 after which their understanding of the questions and the length of the interview were assessed The questionnaire was administered in English and French The hemoglobinometer was regularly calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications ensuring accurate measurements of hemoglobin levels the CAMRY® balance and stadiometer were checked for accuracy prior to the start of the study Regular calibration and maintenance practices were followed to ensure that all instruments provided consistent and reliable measurements throughout the data collection process This attention to the reliability of measurement tools reinforces the validity of the study results Data collection was carefully planned to ensure compliance with ethical protocols and adolescent participation One week before the start of data collection consent forms were sent to the students' parents via the adolescents themselves Only those whose parents signed and returned the consent forms were included in the study This method made families aware of the importance of the study and ensured informed participation data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered in the selected schools The collection of blood samples to measure hemoglobin levels and anthropometric measurements (weight and height) were also carried out as part of this procedure ensuring a comprehensive and systematic approach to the assessment of anemia in adolescents The level of dietary diversity was assessed on a scale of 0 to 3 based on the frequency of consumption of three food groups: fruit lunch or dinner) in the week preceding the study The classification was established as follows: individuals consuming none of the three foods were given a very low level (0) those consuming one of the three foods were given a low level (1) those consuming two foods were classified with a medium level (2) and those consuming all three foods were given a high level (3) participants were asked about the frequency and duration of their sporting activities over the course of a week (running This variable was coded into two categories: “Yes” for those who regularly take part in physical activity (defined by a recommended minimum duration 30 minutes a day) and “No” for those who do not Iron supplementation was assessed via a questionnaire in which participants indicated whether they had taken iron supplements (tablets Responses were coded as “Yes” for those who had used supplements and “No” for those who had not This variable was determined by asking participants if they had contacted any of these diseases (malaria Responses were coded as “Yes” for those who had suffered from an illness (with examples such as respiratory infections The variable concerning parental car ownership was used as an indicator of family wealth Respondents were classified as “Yes” if their parents owned a car The study variables fall into two broad types Dependent variables include anemia and its severity Independent variables include Body Mass Index (BMI) as well as the frequency of consumption of different food groups (fruit The data collected through the Open Data Kit Collect application were compiled and analyzed using the Rstudio analytics software version 4.2.4 The Microsoft Office Excel 2013 software was used for the elaboration of the tables Descriptive statistics were calculated for all variables considered in this study The association between the dependent variable “anemia status” and the independent variables was assessed using binary logistic regression analysis Logistic regression assumptions include independence of observations linearity of the relationship between continuous independent variables and the log odds of the dependent variable we carried out specific checks on linearity using graphical analyses such as scatter plots and assessed multicollinearity using Variance Inflation Factor (VIF) values This approach enabled us to confirm that our model meets the assumptions necessary to obtain reliable results All variables with a P value < 0.05 in bivariate analysis were candidates for multivariate analysis to control for confounders and identify independent predictors of anemia Missing data were treated by imputation to minimize their impact on the results The various indicators were estimated with an alpha (α) = 0.05 degree of significance and the associations were considered to be significant for a P < 0.05 Data collection took place from October to November 2023 during which time 811 participants were invited to take part in the study For the remaining 37% of participants who did not participate it is important to note that we were unable to obtain their signed parental consent Many potential participants were unable to obtain this consent or did not have their parents available to give it at the time of the study Figure 1 shows the prevalence of anemia among adolescents in the city of Douala. According to this figure, 40.3% (95% CI: 35.0–45.6%) of participants were anemic and 59.7% (95% CI: 55.5–63.9%) were not. Prevalence of anemia among adolescents of study participants Figure 2 shows the prevalence of anemia according to its severity among adolescents of study participants. From this figure, 15.7% (95% CI: 12.0–19.4%) of participants had mild anemia, 23.9% (95% CI: 19.7–28.1%) had moderate anemia, 0.7% (95% CI: 0.1–2.7%) had severe anemia and 59.7% (95% CI: 55.5–63.9%) were non-anemic. Prevalence of anemia according to severity among adolescents of study participants This result can be explained by several factors differences in prevalence may be linked to the socio-demographic characteristics of the populations studied Adolescents living in environments where nutritional education is less developed or where access to iron-rich foods is limited such as eating habits and health practices some cultures may have less varied diets that lack essential nutrients such as iron Our study found that living in rural areas and being in a recent pathological state were the main independent predictors of anemia among teenagers in the city of Douala having divorced parents or a parent who had died significantly increased the chance of being anemic This result can be explained by the fact that when a teenager is confronted with difficult family events such as parental divorce or the death of a parent this can lead to major changes in their life and have an emotional and psychological impact These psychological conditions can affect eating behavior experiences of stress and emotional upset can also disrupt adolescents' sleep patterns which can have an impact on their overall health Anemia occurs when there is insufficient hemoglobin or red blood cells in the blood this happens when bleeding results in a loss of red blood cells and hemoglobin so quickly that they cannot be compensated the body's iron requirements increase to compensate for blood loss If iron intake is not adequate to meet these increased needs this can also contribute to the development of anemia the absence of iron supplementation can increase the risk of anemia in adolescents as they have increased iron requirements during the period of rapid growth If iron intake in the daily diet is insufficient it can be difficult to meet these increased needs Iron is an essential nutrient for the production of red blood cells Iron deficiency can lead to a decrease in the production of red blood cells and a reduction in the body's ability to transport sufficient oxygen Iron supplementation can help fill nutritional gaps and prevent or treat anemia in adolescents with iron deficiency This result can be attributed to the fact that some illnesses can lead to internal blood loss or chronic bleeding which can deplete the body's iron stores and lead to iron deficiency which can lead to a reduced intake of iron and other essential nutrients certain illnesses can disrupt the body's red blood cell production process leading to a reduction in red blood cell production and an increased risk of anemia It is important to ensure that teenagers make a full recovery from illness by ensuring that they receive a balanced diet and monitoring their health to prevent or treat any iron deficiency or anemia that may occur they have not been significantly associated in this study This could be due to the specific nature of the context studied and the sampling characteristics observed during these studies The main limitation of our study lies in information bias which can occur when some participants lie or fail to recall accurately the information requested it was impossible to establish temporal relationships between variables due to the snapshot nature of this approach although malaria and sickle-cell anemia are major causes of anemia these pathologies were not taken into account in our analysis which limits a complete understanding of the factors contributing to anemia in our study population Other significant limitations of the study should also be acknowledged the method used to measure hemoglobin (Hb) may introduce variations in the results the lack of examination of specific causes of anemia could also affect the accuracy of the conclusions drawn the type of non-probability sampling limits the ability to generalize the results of this study to other cities or other populations thus reducing the scope and applicability of the conclusions this study has several strong points that reinforce its importance in the field of public health it tackles a major health problem—anaemia—by focusing specifically on a vulnerable population: school-going adolescents in Douala the size of the study allows for significant and generalizable results including anthropometric measurements and multiple logistic regression analyses enables independent predictors of anemia to be identified offering valuable insights for targeted interventions the results highlight the need for immediate action in terms of nutritional awareness and support which can inform public health policies and prevention strategies at national and international levels This study revealed an alarming prevalence of anemia among adolescents in Douala which contribute significantly to the risk of anemia we recommend targeted awareness programs for adolescents and their families focusing on the importance of adequate nutrition it is crucial to improve access to healthcare for early detection and follow-up of anemia cases These interventions should be integrated into schools to maximize their reach and effectiveness in order to combat anemia and its consequences on young people's health and development All data used and/or analyzed for this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request World Health Organization. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. 2011. http://www.who.int/vmnis/indicators/haemoglobin.pdf Durrani AM. Prevalence of anemia in adolescents: a challenge to the global health. 2018. https://www.actascientific.com/ASNH/pdf/ASNH-02-0063.pdf Nagababu E, Gulyani S, Earley CJ, Cutler RG, Mattson MP, Rifkind JM. Iron-deficiency anaemia enhances red blood cell oxidative stress. Free Radic Res. 2008;42(9):824–9. https://doi.org/10.1080/10715760802459879 World Health Organization. Anemia. 2023. https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anaemia Le Dain AS, Sagalova V, Sodjinou R, Tou EH, Ntambi J, Vollmer S, Zagre NM. Levels and trends of adolescent girls’ undernutrition and anemia in West and Central Africa from 1998 to 2017. J Glob Health. 2021;11:13006. https://doi.org/10.7189/jogh.11.13006 Demographic and Health Survey. Demographic and health survey in Cameroon edition 2018. 2018. http://cdnss.minsante.cm/sites/default/files/eds18.pdf Aguayo VM, Paintal K, Singh G. The adolescent girls’ anemia control program: a decade of programming experience to break the inter-generational cycle of malnutrition in India. Public Health Nutr. 2013;16(9):1667–76. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980012005587 Tesfaye M, Yemane T, Adisu W, Asres Y, Gedefaw L. Anemia and iron deficiency among school adolescents: Burden, severity, and determining factors in southwest Ethiopia. Adolesc Health Med Ther. 2015;6:189–96. https://doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S94865 Madjdian DS, Azupogo F, Osendarp SJM, Bras H, Brouwer ID. Socio-cultural and economic determinants and consequences of adolescent undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in LLMICs: a systematic narrative review. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2018;1416(1):117–39. https://doi.org/10.1111/nyas.13670 Mengistu G, Azage M, Gutema H. Iron deficiency anemia among in-school adolescent girls in rural area of Bahir Dar City Administration, North West Ethiopia. Anemia. 2019:e1097547. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1097547 Khanna P, Chattu VK, Aeri BT. Nutritional aspects of depression in adolescents—A systematic review. Int J Prev Med. 2019;10:42. https://doi.org/10.4103/ijpvm.IJPVM_400_18 World Health Organization. Hemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anemia and assessment of severity. 2011. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/85839/WHO_NMH_NHD_MNM_11.1_eng.pdf Prevalence and factors associated with adolescent anemia in the health district of Bouafle in Cote d’Ivoire Journal of Scientific Research of the University of Lomé Habtegiorgis SD, Petrucka P, Telayneh AT, Getahun DS, Getacher L, Alemu S, Birhanu MY. Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among adolescent girls in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS ONE. 2022;17(3):e0264063. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264063 Tura MR, Egata G, Fage SG, Roba KT. Prevalence of anemia and its associated factors among female adolescents in Ambo Town, West Shewa. Ethiopia J Blood Med. 2020;11:279–87. https://doi.org/10.2147/JBM.S263327 Bagla P. 50% reduction of anemia in women of reproductive age. 2014. https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/148556/WHO_NMH_NHD_14.4_eng.pdf?sequence=1 Gebreyesus SH, Endris BS, Beyene GT, Farah AM, Elias F, Bekele HN. Anemia among adolescent girls in three districts in Ethiopia. BMC Public Health. 2019;19(1):92. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-019-6422-0 GeoNames. Douala, Cameroon population 2024. 2024. https://populationstat.com/cameroon/douala Mbassa R. International observatory of mayors on living together. 2016. https://observatoirevivreensemble.org/douala Gonete KA, Tariku A, Wami SD, Derso T. Prevalence and associated factors of anemia among adolescent girls attending high schools in Dembia District, Northwest Ethiopia, 2017. Arch Public Health. 2018;76(1):79. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13690-018-0324-y Teji K, Dessie Y, Assebe T, Abdo M. Anemia and nutritional status of adolescent girls in Babile District, Eastern Ethiopia. Pan Afr Med J. 2016;24(1). https://www.ajol.info/index.php/pamj/article/view/143298 Nkrumah B, Nguah SB, Sarpong N, Dekker D, Idriss A, May J, Adu-Sarkodie Y. Hemoglobin estimation by the HemoCue® portable hemoglobin photometer in a resource poor setting. BMC Clin Pathol. 2011;11(1):1–6. https://doi.org/10.1186/1472-6890-11-5 Casadei K, Kiel J. Anthropometric measurement. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. 2022. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537315/ Download references Our gratitude goes to the Institutional Research Ethics Committee for Human Health of the School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa the Regional Public Health Delegate of the Coastal Region and the Regional High School of Secondary Education of the Coastal Region for the research permit granted We would also like to thank the research participants for voluntarily agreeing to participate in this study The author(s) declare that no financial support was received for the research School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa / www.ess-ucac.org Annick Suzanne Mbazoa Mbou & Florence Irita Research Unit of Applied Biology and Ecology of the University of Dschang / www.univ-dschang.org Ministry of Public Health / www.minsante.cm National AIDS Committee Control / www.cnls.cm University of the Mountains / www.udm.aed-cm.org Biochemistry Research Unit of Medicinal Plants Food Science and Nutrition of the University of Dschang / www.univ-dschang.org ethics was aimed at ensuring the protection of people involved in research ensuring the independence of ethics committees We have obtained an ethical clearance issued by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee for Human Health of the School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa [No.2023/022073/CEIRSH/ESS/MSP] an authorization from the Regional Delegate for Public Health in the Coastal Region [N°0318/AAR/MISANTE/DRSPL/BCASS] and an authorization from the regional delegate for secondary education in the coastal region [N°1237/2023/C/L/MINESEC/DRES-LT/S-DAG/IMS] Parental consent was obtained through the signing of an informed consent and anonymity was preserved during data collection no data were available to identify a participant The research protocol was approved by a subcommittee of teachers from the School of Health Sciences of the Catholic University of Central Africa in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and appropriate national guidelines this study ensured that all research activities involving human participants were conducted in an ethical and responsible manner We have adhered to the principles set out in the declaration which emphasize the importance of informed consent the welfare of participants and the integrity of research All procedures were designed to respect the rights and dignity of participants ensuring that they were fully informed of the study purpose The ethical review process involved thorough assessments by the relevant ethics committees aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of participants throughout the research We are committed to upholding these ethical standards in all our research activities The authors declare no competing interests Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-024-21224-y Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content: a shareable link is not currently available for this article In an excerpt from an interview aired by a local media outlet Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala denounced Cameroon’s election system He called for a “change in the electoral code” to ensure greater transparency “Democracy in Cameroon exists in name only; in reality it doesn’t exist,” Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala said in an interview with Equinoxe TV discussing the ongoing electoral process in the country criticizing an electoral system that fails to inspire confidence in the majority of political parties and civil society groups accusations of fraud and irregularities are frequently leveled against Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) the body responsible for organizing elections “Most members of ELECAM are former activists and officials of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM the ruling party) who were asked to resign to appear neutral and then tasked with managing legislative and especially presidential elections,” a political observer told La Croix International the archbishop—who “follows in the footsteps of his predecessor Cardinal Christian Tumi”—has consistently taken this stance while serving as president of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon Archbishop Kleda expressed similar concerns after the results of the presidential election were announced “Following the proclamation of the 2018 presidential results Archbishop Kleda raised doubts about the transparency of the process particularly the 89% of votes ELECAM attributed to Paul Biya in the Far North region,” the observer recalled called for the resignation of ELECAM's director accusing him of being “on a mission against the Cameroonian people.” While ELECAM finalized its voter registration update in August ahead of the upcoming elections criticism from the opposition and segments of civil society has only grown louder This needs to be clearly defined,” the archbishop said in his interview That says it all.” He emphasized that elections in Cameroon must be “free and free from fraud.” “If these conditions are met we’ll truly see who wins elections in our country,” he said To prevent a post-election crisis after the presidential vote the archbishop of Cameroon’s second-largest city is advocating for “a change in the electoral code so that all candidates have an equal chance “The Archbishop of Douala’s proposals are relevant, especially regarding the presidential election, given President Paul Biya’s long tenure,” the observer noted. “For more than 42 years under the current president, the votes cast in his favor have rarely been sincere. When they have been, they’ve often sparked dangerous disputes,” the observer added. The operational research deliberately does not start from the premise of a dedicated humanitarian supply chain but focuses on existing and proven supply chain setups of commercial traffic on the corridor. The findings and recommendations are thereby often applicable to all humanitarian stakeholders, but also to non-humanitarian actors with an interest on the economic activities on and along the corridor. The main observation from this assessment is the potential for supply chain efficiency improvements by focusing on supply chain planning in conjunction with the existing actors and variables on the corridor. The subsequent sections delineate the conclusions drawn from the assessment findings, accompanied by recommendations aimed at mitigating the identified challenges. The primary modes of transportation along the Douala – N’Djamena – Abéché (DNA) corridor are road and rail, with road transport accounting for 90% of passenger travel and 60% of freight traffic. There are different road transport routing options to navigate the corridor between Douala (or Kribi) to Abéché. The average road transit time along the Douala – N’Djamena corridor is estimated between 12 and 14 days. An additional 4 to 7 days must be considered for the clearance formalities at the border. Three routes have been identified as being the most frequently used by the truck drivers: • Douala/Kribi-Yaoundé-Abong/Mbang-Bertoua-Garoua Boulaï-Ngaoundere-Touboro-Moundou-N’Djamena - Abéché (2726 km): While of a longer distance, this road benefits from more recent road infrastructure, and is overall in better condition. It is less exposed to armed robbery and presents less informal stops and payments. • Douala/Kribi-Yaoundé-Abong Mbang-Bertoua-Garoua Boulaï-Meiganga-Ngaoundere-Garoua-Maroua-KoussériN’Djamena–Abéché (2560 km): Historically, this is the most commonly used road, with improved road conditions and offering the possibility to drop-off and/or pickup of partial loads along the road. However, the northern portion of the road presents security concerns. • Douala/Kribi-Yaoundé-Abong/Mbang-Bertoua-Garoua Boulaï-Ngaoundere-Garoua-Figuil-Léré–N’Djamena– Abéché (2771 km) During the dry season, trade activities tend to thrive along the DNA corridor as importers and traders take advantage of the favorable road conditions, allowing a smoother and swifter transportation of goods between Cameroon and Chad. However, the improved movement of goods during the dry season can lead to truck congestion at border crossings. Volume 12 - 2024 | https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2024.1400283 Makepé Missoké is a lowland area that is influenced by the Tongo Bassa and Ngongué rivers that operated from the 1975’s to 2003 for the disposal and storage of domestic waste produced in Douala Geoelectric profiling (ERT) coupled with seismo-electric imaging was used to characterize the shallow aquifer of the Douala subbasin and map subsurface pollution Fourteen geoelectrical profiles were deployed between June and August 2018 and March 2019 49 sets of seismo-electric point data were collected in December 2021 A total of 118 wells drilled (2018) were used to obtain water level and topographic data lithology and leachate plume extent were determined This survey enables us to visualize waste infiltration and migration within Makepé The drilled wells indicate that the main lithologies observed are clay The leachate plume observed after processing the electric profiles had a resistivity signature of ≤ 10 Ωm and high electrical conductivity are observed in some wells The leachate migrates within the subsurface along a northwest‒southwest trend where ground water pollution is observed due to leachate infiltration This infiltration resulted in poor water quality indices in some collected samples Such pollution is common in unconfined aquifers (< 50 m) due to the absence of a confining layer at the landfill An increase in resistivity values with depth toward the northeast direction indicates progressive vertical dilution during leachate mineralization This study integrated geoelectric and seismo-electric tomography with basic water chemistry analysis to effectively characterize the groundwater within the phreatic Quaternary/Mio-Pliocene aquifers of the Douala basin Douala, Cameroon’s largest city, has an estimated population of 3 million residents. The city’s surface and subsurface water resources serve as the main sources of water to support its growing population and industrial activities (Tichaawa, 2017) The sustainability of Douala’s water resources remains a critical area of research due to their vulnerability to a complex interplay of factors such as fluvial and marine influences and contamination of both surface and groundwater With such a complex environment and a rapidly growing population the “Douala Urban Council” (DUC) has addressed these difficulties through collaborative projects with the research community a study was carried out at Makepé Missoké along the Tongo Bassa and Ngongué rivers to characterize its aquifer and evaluate the possible pollution caused by the landfill the proliferation of waterborne diseases within the Douala basin is still observed in localities located along streams and rivers (Makepé) Although these areas are identified as high-risk zone the DUC wishes to rehabilitate it through development project known as the “Douala Sustainable City” geophysical survey has been carried out within the Douala basin with aim to characterized the subsurface and asses the groundwater resources This work characterizes the subsurface and assesses potential pollution within the Douala subbasin aquifers specifically along the Ngongue and Tongo-Bassa rivers The study will use hydrological and geophysical methods to identify subsurface lithology The approach will provide comprehensive knowledge of subsurface conditions and contamination spread and (B) seismo-electrical data collected within the study area (C) The Douala city (red) located in the littoral region (blue) of Cameroon Figure 2. Geological setting of the Douala basin showing (A) chrono-stratigraphy, (B) hydrological setting and main aquifer units, (C) lithology, and (D) cross-section derived from drilled wells. (adapted from Emvoutou et al., 2018; Takem et al., 2015) There are two types of aquifers in the Douala Basin: shallow and deep aquifers. The aquifer system can be classified into shallow aquifers (<50 m depth) and deep aquifers (>50 m depth) based on depth (Kevin et al., 2024) The lithologies observed from the various drilled wells are sand, clay, sandy clay, clayey sand, gravelly clay and gravel (Figures 2C, D). These rocks are found in a sedimentary environment and are characteristic of the Douala shallow aquifer, which is composed of Mio-Pliocene sands at the base and quaternary sands and clays (Emvoutou et al., 2024) (A) Seismo-electrical equipment and data acquisition techniques (C) seismic wave crossing an interface generating an electromagnetic wave and (D) Head wave travelling along an interface generating an electric field where ρ is the apparent resistivity, k is the geometric factor, and R is the field resistance value (Loke et al., 2013) Characteristics of the electrical tomography profiles SET with very low or negative signal are assume to be an indication of clay/shale (highly conductive material) Forty-nine sets of point data (14 profiles) were collected in December 2021 using SEM A tape-like meter was used to measure the water levels in the wells and elevation were obtained using a GPS connected to an RTK round wire to transmit a signal to a buzzer when water is encountered (static water level) and 118 hand-dug wells were measured (March 2018) in the study area Water samples were collected from 20 wells (hand-dug and drilled wells) and electrical conductivity (EC) were measured in the field using a portable handheld meter (ExStik II EC400) Water samples analysed for anions (Cl− and PO42−) and cations (Na+ and Ca2) were filtered through a 0.45 μm filter into 6 mL plastic vials The samples were immediately transferred to a cooling box and stored at 10 °C until analysis The analysis was conducted by ion chromatography (Dionex ICS-1100 with an Ion Pac AS18 4 mm column (P/N 056904) and Ion Pac AG18 4 mm Guard Column combined with a suppressor The groundwater quality of Makepe was performed using the WHO standard as the limits Figure 4. Workflow for WQI and ionic strength computation (adapted from Liu et al., 2020; Maurya et al., 2017) and it was implemented throughout this study Table 2. (A) Resistivity-lithology conversion (Mondal et al., 2007), and (B) Resistivity values encountered within domestic and industrial waste (Christensen et al., 2001; George, 2006; Soupios et al., 2007; Ganiyu et al., 2016) The groundwater elevation (GWE) obtained in the study was computed with Eq. 2 for each well where GSE denotes the ground surface elevation DTW is the measured depth of water from the top of the casing (A) Pseudosections of profile P1 with the apparent resistivity and RMS error The SET was used to map the subsurface hydraulic conductivity (ESKT), delineate bedding plane fracturing (ESFT) and to delineate high geologic shifts (ESIT). Twelve (12) SET profiles were mapped within localities of Makepé (Figures 5–8) Correlation between ERT profile P4 and SET profiles P4 Hydraulic Conductivity Tomography along profiles M1 Hydraulic conductivity tomography (ESKT) near profile P5 high permeability responses are observed at depths of 6–19 m (profile P5 P6 and ERT2); 7–30 m (profile P8); 5–12 m (profile ERT1); and 7–17 m and 20–30 m (profile ERT3) Low ESKT responses are observed at depths of 25–40 m 90–100 m and 105–125 m (profile P5); 22–36 m and 85–98 m (profile P6); 38–48 m 87–97 m and 102–114 m (profile P8); 15–28 m and 86–94 m (profile ERT1); 21–36 m and 102–112 m (profile ERT2) and 90–94 m and 100–108 m (profile ERT3) Inverted 2D resistivity models of profiles P1 (A) P5 (L) and P6 (K) using the Wenner-Schlumberger configuration Rainwater and leachate ingress (percolation) are observed along some profiles Inverted 2D resistivity model of profiles P4 (A) P7 (D) and P8 (E) using the dipole-dipole configuration Aquifers were identified at various depths that correspond to zones with high ESKT responses. Along profiles P1–P4, P8, ERT1 and ERT2, the low resistivity anomalies correlate with the high permeability response at depths <30 m, which indicates the presence of leachate within the shallow aquifers (Du Preez et al., 2010; Yevalla et al., 2020) The profiles that are found in the target zone (dump site) are P1–P4, P7, P8, ERT1, ERT2–ERT4 (Figures 9, 10). Profiles M1, M2, P5 and P6 (Figures 9D, E, K, L) were used as control lines (P5 is 30.6 m away from P4, P6 is 143.2 m away from P4, M1 is 275 m away from P7, and M2 is 314 m away from P7). Figure 9 shows the inverted 2D resistivity models from profiles P2–P8 and ERT1–ERT4 which were generated using the Wenner–Schlumberger configuration The 2D resistivity model directly shows a low resistivity zone of varying thickness in each profile with a range that varies between 5 and 30 m The 2D resistivity models (Figures 9, 10) excluding profiles P5 and P6 were observed to have 3 layers heterogenous distributions within the profiles The first layer has a low resistivity <10 Ωm (0–30 m) and runs from the E–W while dipping toward the NW–SW direction The second layer is found within the whole study area with a NE–SW trend and has a medium resistivity ranges from 20 to 200 Ωm The third layer has a NE–SE trend and has a high resistivity >250 Ωm The low resistivity anomalies have a thickness that vary from <5 m to approximately 30 m The second layer (medium resistivity) can be encountered from the surface deep to the subsurface (>40 m) A relatively high resistivity layer can be observed at depths >10 m and dips downwards (the resistivity increases with depth within the study area) The 2D resistivity profiles can be divided into four sections along the N–S and E–W directions within the study area These sections indicate that low resistivity anomaly is observed along profiles with a NE–SW orientation from the surface to a depth of approximately 30 m a thickness ranging between 10–25 m and dips toward the SW Low resistivity zones are observed at depths ranging from 20 to 40 m in profiles with NW–SE trends a thicknesses >10 m and dips toward Intermediate to high resistivities (>20 Ωm) is present at the centre (depth >10 m) and is very prominent as the depth increases within the study area except in profile P7 (W–direction) where low resistivities is observed at depths >40 m the low resistivity anomaly has a western trend and the high to intermediate resistivity anomaly has an eastern trend that increases with depth This model represents stack data from the surface (0 m) to a depth of 45 m The 2D resistivity sections of the 3D model are presented at various depths of <5 This model represents the ground resistivity within 11 profiles (P1–P8 and ERT1–ERT3) in the target zone and the resistivity distribution pattern of the entire dumpsite at different depths can be inferred 2D view of the 3D resistivity model at various depths in ZondRes3D using the Wenner-Schlumberger configuration Figure 12. Correlations between EC, WQI and ionic strength (adapted from Maurya et al., 2017) Based on 14 geoelectric profile surveys within the Makepé landfill and its periphery combined with data from 118 drilled wells and 49 points along the ERT profile using seismo-electric tomography the following findings have been determined: The lithostratigraphic analysis and resistivity profiling conducted in the Douala aquifer system reveal significant insights into groundwater flow and gravel corresponds to the Mio-Pliocene sands typical of shallow aquifers with higher head values in the east and lower values near the Tongo Bassa River indicating groundwater drainage into the river coupled with high groundwater recharge during the rainy season can lead to river oversaturation and potential flooding Resistivity profiles from the target dump site show distinct layers with varying resistivity values Low resistivity zones suggest the presence of a leachate plume which migrates from the subsurface to the surface This leachate movement is limited to the shallow aquifer with deeper clay layers acting as natural barriers that prevent further vertical migration The WQI of the groundwater was found to be poor in some samples collected from hand-dug wells whereas samples collected from drilled wells (depth >70 m) were found to have a good WQI This indicates that contamination is limited to shallow aquifers and that high groundwater recharge diffuses the water toward rivers Positive correlations between Electrical Conductivity (EC) and ionic strength indicate that EC can serve as a reliable indicator of leachate presence in the dumpsite To better understand and manage the contamination level of hand-dug wells which are used for both domestic and commercial purposes by inhabitants heavy metal quantification should be carried out The study concludes that fracture networks significantly influence the infiltration and migration of fluids from unconfined and semi-confined aquifers to the confined aquifer system This underscores the need for careful monitoring and management to mitigate potential contamination and ensure sustainable water quality in the Douala aquifer system and basic water chemistry proves to be a cost-effective approach for assessing groundwater conditions within sedimentary basin aquifer system The datasets presented in this study can be found in online repositories. The names of the repository/repositories and accession number(s) can be found below: https://data.mendeley.com/datasets/th8wnh4xyt The author(s) declare financial support was received for the research This study is supported by Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province-General Program (ZR2023MD087) Shandong Province Leading Talent Support (ZX20240014) National Natural Science Foundation of China Outstanding Youth Science Fund Project (Overseas) (ZX20230152) and the Marine ST Fund of Shandong Province for Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao) (2021QNLM020001) The authors acknowledge the Douala Urban Council which gave us the authorizations to work in this area and the Department of Geology at the University of Buea which provided the logistical support needed to carry out this work The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher The Supplementary Material for this article can be found online at: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feart.2024.1400283/full#supplementary-material First application of a new seismo-electric streamer for combined resistivity and seismic measurements along linearly extended earth structures CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Mapping of subsurface contamination zone using 3D electrical resistivity imaging in Hilla city CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Spatial characterization of leachate plume using electrical resistivity tomography in a landfill composed of old and new cells (Belfort CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Hydrochemistry and assessment of heavy metals groundwater contamination in an industrialized city of sub-Saharan Africa (Douala CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar “An experimental seismoelectric survey for groundwater exploration in the Australian Outback,” in SEG technical program expanded abstracts 2002 (Society of Exploration Geophysicists) CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Multimode seismoelectric phenomena generated using explosive and vibroseis sources CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Geothermal exploration by seismoelectric survey CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Biogeochemistry of landfill leachate plumes CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Characterization of landslides: a vertical electrical sounding approach CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar Douala Urban Council (2012) The urban development plan of the city of Douala Google Scholar Du Preez, M. 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The use distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited in accordance with accepted academic practice distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms *Correspondence: Jidong Yang, amlkb25nLnlhbmdAdXBjLmVkdS5jbg== Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher 94% of researchers rate our articles as excellent or goodLearn more about the work of our research integrity team to safeguard the quality of each article we publish Search for a publication Search for a meeting port managers of the 16 cycle (36 participants 16 women) in Douala will follow the delivery of module 5: Methods and tools of port management The course will be delivered by local experts of PAD certified TrainForTrade As part of the activities of the French-speaking network of the TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP) of the port community of Kribi are starting the delivery of the course on Modern Port Management (240 hours) from October 2024 to mid 2026 The trainees will draft theses consisting of case studies concerning a real problem and providing concrete recommendations to improve the performance of the port community of Kribi The UNCTAD TrainForTrade Port Management Programme (PMP) supports port communities in developing countries in delivering more efficient and competitive port management in the future In order to increase trade flows and foster economic development the programme creates port networks bringing together public The aim is to share knowledge and expertise between port operators and strengthen talent management and human resources development in port communities The PMP provides technical assistance in various areas as well as conducts research and analysis on port-related issues Metrics details Cameroon is currently grappling with a significant energy crisis which is adversely affecting its economy due to cost and availability constraints within the power infrastructure While electrochemical storage presents a potential remedy its implementation faces hurdles like high costs and technical limitations bring their own set of issues such as noise pollution and demanding maintenance requirements This paper meticulously assesses a novel hybrid energy system specifically engineered to meet the diverse energy needs of Douala By employing advanced simulation techniques especially the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewable (HOMER) Pro program the study carefully examines the intricacies of load demands across distinct consumer categories while accommodating varied pricing models The paper offers a detailed analysis of the proposed grid-connected PV/Diesel/Generator system and reliability in ensuring uninterrupted energy supply the study unveils significant potential for cost reduction per kilowatt-hour indicating promising updated rates of $0.07/kW the research underscores the importance of overcoming operational challenges and constraints such as temperature fluctuations It also acknowledges the impact of operational nuances like maintenance and grid integration on system efficiency As the world progresses towards renewable energy adoption and hybrid systems this investigation lays a strong foundation for future advancements in renewable energy integration and energy management strategies It strives to create a sustainable energy ecosystem in Cameroon and beyond where hybrid energy systems play a pivotal role in mitigating power deficiencies and supporting sustainable development The study employed the HOMER software to evaluate diverse renewable and conventional energy alternatives via simulation and optimization techniques The study's outcomes indicated the potential feasibility of a wind-diesel storage system suggesting that a wind-fuel cell system could become more attractive if there was an approximate 15% reduction in fuel cell costs the study analyzed the influence of administrative and communal energy demands The results from this investigation could be harnessed to enhance both the rural electrification initiative and the Bright Indonesia campaign The evaluation involved the utilization of HOMER Pro software to simulate and evaluate the feasibility and expenses associated with different system configurations throughout their operational lifespans The optimal financial outcomes appear achievable through skillful engineering of a grid-connected hybrid PV/RF-FC energy system particularly employing a Vertical Single Axis Tracker (VSAT) six diverse hybrid system scenarios were scrutinized all geared towards achieving heightened electricity reliability The optimization of system configuration was determined using HOMER Pro software while subsequent analysis was conducted employing CRITIC-PROMETHEE II methodologies The most advantageous configuration consisted of an amalgamation of grid electricity The calculated levelized cost of electricity for this proposed system stands at 0.095 $/kWh signifying a cost advantage compared to the prevailing cost of Malawi's grid electricity The study recommends that educational institutions and governmental entities allocate resources towards the advancement of alternative energy sources as a strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions The assessment of the microgrid's technical and financial performance was conducted using the HOMER Pro software The outcomes highlight that a combination of solar and fuel cell technologies represents the most practical and cost-effective approach hydrogen emerges as a more economically feasible option for extended energy storage requirements focusing on tariff policy challenges in residential settings linked to the grid The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to create models for environmental and financial functions which were then implemented in Brazilian towns The analysis determined that areas with conducive environmental conditions and elevated energy prices were economically feasible with NPV values ranging from R$ − 76,080.94 to R$ 69,675.23 leading to a preference for setups with higher wind output The key influential factors include constraints imposed by land availability and penalties associated with carbon dioxide emissions The optimization results unveiled a net present cost (NPC) of $1.02 million and a levelized cost of electricity (COE) amounting to 0.188 $/kWh The system's hydro and solar potential for electricity generation had yet to be fully optimized The PSO algorithm was employed to determine the system's capacity while accounting for factors such as capital costs The study identified peak load periods from 6 p.m identifying it as a hindrance to the nation's progress They explored the feasibility of implementing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) to meet the energy demands of three small communities on Manoka Island they assessed the potential of integrating solar panels and an electrolyzer in an off-grid HRES system The study demonstrated low unit energy costs and a compelling net present value highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the arrangement their research represents a pioneering case study in sustainable electricity provision contributing significantly to knowledge on renewable energy and its potential for sustainable development and energy security in Cameroon the feasibility of integrating three distinct electrochemical energy storage technologies-lead acid and vanadium redox flow-into independent hybrid energy systems was examined The findings indicated that utilizing a hybrid system with a cyclic charging strategy led to decreased energy costs albeit with slightly higher lifecycle emissions compared to load-following strategies Hybrid alternatives employing vanadium redox flow technology presented the most economically efficient energy solution with costs ranging from 0.126 to 0.187 dollars per kilowatt-hour These options also demonstrated favorable environmental impacts throughout their lifespan with emissions ranging from 46,258 to 104,664 kg of CO2-equivalent per year Sensitivity analysis results indicated that decreased energy costs corresponded to reduced reliability and lifecycle emissions This study offers crucial insights for energy planners in selecting optimal battery technology and dispatch strategies that yield superior outcomes across technical Limited research has investigated the utilization of renewable energy-derived electricity for households in alignment with grid tariffs as indicated by the existing literature and research deficiencies there is a scarcity of studies appraising the feasibility of on-grid renewable energy sources in varied global locations Our research seeks to address several critical gaps in the current understanding of hybrid renewable energy solutions in the context of Douala's grid-connected systems the authors identify the following research gaps: Existing studies often lack comprehensive techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems tailored to the specific socio-economic and environmental conditions of Douala are often overlooked in the design and implementation of renewable energy projects in Douala There is a scarcity of in-depth case studies that examine the feasibility and viability of hybrid renewable energy solutions within the unique regulatory and infrastructural framework of Douala This study aims to address several critical gaps in the understanding and implementation of hybrid renewable energy solutions in Douala's grid-connected systems The key contributions of this research are as follows: Conducted a detailed techno-economic analysis of hybrid renewable energy systems in Douala to enhance the practical relevance of the findings Presented detailed case studies of hybrid renewable energy projects in Douala Determined optimal configurations of hybrid renewable energy systems based on residential energy demand patterns and solar PV potential in Douala evaluating efficiency using metrics like Net Present Cost (NPC) and Cost of Energy (COE) Addressed gaps in existing literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of consumption billing and energy dynamics in Douala's grid-connected systems Hybrid systems have gained significant traction in tackling the challenge of electrification while also considering environmental considerations as indicated in the existing body of literature it's noteworthy that hybrid systems have yet to find implementation in certain developing nations This present study delves into the viability of a hybrid renewable energy system in Douala which employs a combination of PV/battery/diesel and is integrated with the grid The analysis was conducted using HOMER Pro marking a pioneering endeavor in this domain The integration of these elements in this configuration aims to bolster the system's reliability this research has taken into careful consideration three distinct consumer categories HOMER was the software of choice for executing a techno-economic analysis regardless of whether these systems are integrated into the power grid or remain independent a comprehensive examination of data pertaining to rural areas and end-users is essential for the successful execution of energy initiatives Following the conclusion of this assessment the collected data is input into the software to yield outcomes that have undergone optimization and sensitivity analysis These results are determined based on factors like net present cost and the lowest cost power rate The dissemination of this information to stakeholders and investors aims to offer them a clearer comprehension of the potential benefits associated with the project. The procedural flowchart for this methodology is depicted in Fig. 2, visible below for reference. Research framework and innovations in hybrid renewable energy systems The initial category consists of high consumers whose daily usage surpasses 5 kW The subsequent category encompasses moderate consumers whose daily consumption falls between 3.3 and 5 kW The final group comprises small consumers whose daily consumption remains below 3.3 kW This classification was adopted by the electricity distribution company to assess the load pattern random variability variables to increase the realism and take into consideration the uncertainties associated with home power consumption have been included Among them were a 15% daily fluctuation and a 20%-time step variability These changes were included to reflect the natural volatility and swings seen in home power usage on a daily and hourly basis Different types of load profile depending on level of life (a) low consumer Solar daily radiation and clearness index at the selected location The monthly mean temperature at the location HOMER grid-connected hybrid system schematic where ${T}_{C}$ is the cell temperature which is determined by the Eq. (2) where ${P}_{dg-out}$ is the DG output power, ${P}_{dg}$ is the DG rated power, ${A}_{g}$ and ${B}_{g}$ are constant representing the coefficient of fuel consumption which approximately the values 0.246179 L/kW and 0.08415 L/kW respectively. The technical specifications for the DG are given in Table 6 batteries function as reservoirs for surplus energy generated by renewable sources When the energy generation surpasses the system's immediate demand these batteries accumulate the excess energy in instances where the system's energy requirement outpaces production the batteries channel the stored energy back into the system This stored and transferred energy maintains an alternating current (AC) voltage configuration capable of storing 1 kWh within the system The simulation also accounts for a comprehensive operational and maintenance cost totaling $20 The projected lifespan of the battery falls within the range of 15 to 25 years the simulation highlights a battery depth of 80% encapsulate the state of battery charging in the simulation overseen by the Department of Power within the Government of Cameroon is responsible for delivering electricity to the public at an approximate cost of $0.1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) this supply is plagued by frequent interruptions The distribution station is located in close proximity to residential zones yet the absence of precise information concerning power grid disturbances is a prevailing issue The HOMER software conducts simulations encompassing all potential system configurations within the predefined exploration range The initial phase of this procedure involves constructing an optimization challenge which encompasses the identification of an objective function The aim of this research is to calculate the Net Present Cost (NPC) and Cost of Energy (COE) related to Eqs. (7) and (10) correspondingly while taking into account the constraint of reliability in Integrated Renewable Energy where τ stands for the life span of the plant the inflation and net discount rates for January 2023 in Cameroon are 3.25% and 4.20% respectively where ${E}_{gen}$ stands for the total energy generated by both the grid and the microgrid (MG). It is obtained by Eq. (11) where ${E}_{ge{n}_{MG}}$ stands for the energy generated by the microgrid whereas ${E}_{ge{n}_{grid}}$ is the energy generated by the grid only The concept of the probability of power supply loss (LPSP) is employed to evaluate the robustness of the system where PG [kWh/year] is the electricity production from Grid ${P}_{ren}$ is the overall renewable electrical energy (kWh/year) Equation (17) represents the constraints for power balance and battery charge or discharge Monthly unmet load: (a) low consumer; (b) medium consumer; (c) large consumer Monthly average electricity production for optimal HRES: (a) low consumer; (b) medium consumer; (c) large consumer Solar panel monthly average electricity production: (a) low consumer; (b) medium consumer; (c) large consumer Simulation outcomes underscore uniformity across all three consumer categories in terms of the total annual operation and unit cost of the electricity generated by the solar panels it's imperative to consider certain nuanced particulars the annual energy production rests at 951 kWh the solar panels generate an average of 2.60 kWh these solar panels within the system exhibit a maximum capacity of 0.956 kW the solar panels contribute to a yearly electrical energy output of 1492 kWh The photovoltaic (PV) penetration rate for this category stands at 91.8% while the solar panels' maximum capacity reaches 1.50 kW have the capability to generate an annual total of 11,703 kWh of electrical energy With an average daily output of 32.1 kilowatt-hours (kWh) the photovoltaic (PV) penetration rate reaches 98% The solar panels integrated into the system boast a maximum capacity of 11.8 kW As indicated by Fig. 10 there are instances during specific times of the day when solar panels produce inadequate electricity The primary energy source driving the system originates from the solar panels predominantly due to the geographic attributes of the selected area Annual energy purchased and sold by the grid Diesel generator output power: (a) low consumer; (b) medium consumer; (c) large consumer The diesel generator integrated into the system was employed by low-consumption users a total of 17 times annually with a cumulative operational time of 21 h each year the generator generated a total of 2.92 kWh of electrical energy The specific fuel consumption of the generator stands at 0.449 L per kilowatt-hour (L/kWh) the diesel generator incorporated in the system was utilized 58 times per year by medium-consumption users operating for a total duration of 77 h annually The collective electrical energy produced by this generator amounted to 32.6 kWh Its specific fuel consumption is measured at 0.421 L per kilowatt-hour (kWh) The diesel generator incorporated in the system was utilized by heavy consumers for a total of 7 instances annually, with a runtime of 10 h per year, resulting in the generation of 36.7 kWh of electrical energy. The generator's specific fuel consumption is 0.324 L per kilowatt-hour (L/kWh). The diesel generator system's monthly power production is shown in Fig. 13 Integrating batteries into the system led to a significant increase in the total system cost. Table 11 illustrates the net present values and unit energy prices for three different consumer categories along with the respective quantity of batteries they have incorporated Battery charge status during the year: (a) low consumer; (b) medium consumer; (c) large consumer Sensitivity analysis: (a) Low consumer; (b) Medium consumer; (c) Large consumer Nominal cash flow results: (a) low consumer; (b) medium consumer; (c) large consumer For each of the consumer groups in the basic scenario and the lowest-cost system scenario, Table 12 and Fig. 17 offers a thorough summary of the cost summaries and economic metrics. Cumulative cash flow over project lifetime: (a) low consumer; (b) medium consumer; (c) large consumer the lowest-cost solution for every consumer group is much less expensive than the baseline scenario which just includes the public grid and the diesel generator the "low consumption" category shows a notable decrease from $27,096 to $3266; this indicates a strong level of cost optimization The internal rate of return (IRR) values for each category-low and high consumption-are all positive when considering the economic characteristics This implies that every consumer segment will get a positive return on investment (ROI) are also competitive and show promising economic outcomes the durations for all categories range from 1.6 to 8.8 years This suggests higher initial investment returns consistent with the focus on shorter payback periods as beneficial economic factors Table 13 compares the carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide emissions of different consumers for the same system configuration The values for carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide Hybrid energy systems present a unique opportunity for Cameroon's energy sector yet their successful implementation hinges upon a strategic consideration of their political and socioeconomic ramifications Key aspects include aggressive energy policies The political dimension of hybrid energy systems in Cameroon is multifaceted It is essential to develop and implement energy policies that incentivize the use of renewable energy sources and hybrid systems Such policies may include the establishment of favorable tariffs and industry stakeholders is crucial to developing customized rules and regulations that facilitate the integration of hybrid systems into the existing energy infrastructure This collaboration can also lead to the implementation of precise standards and laws that encourage further research and development in the renewable energy sector One of the primary challenges to the widespread adoption of hybrid systems is their high initial costs These costs can be prohibitive for individuals and communities seeking to invest in renewable energy solutions innovative financing strategies such as credit programs and crowdfunding initiatives can be explored These financing mechanisms can help lower the financial burden and improve access to hybrid systems particularly for low-income households and small-scale enterprises Ensuring the long-term sustainability of hybrid energy systems requires the availability of skilled technicians and maintenance personnel Technical know-how is essential for the efficient operation and maintenance of systems that incorporate renewable energy sources investing in training programs that equip local employees with the necessary skills for routine maintenance is critical These training programs can cover a range of topics these programs can contribute to the successful adoption and operation of hybrid systems Public awareness and understanding of the benefits of hybrid energy systems play a crucial role in their adoption Education campaigns can help dispel misconceptions and increase acceptance of renewable energy technologies These campaigns can target various stakeholders In addition to highlighting the environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality these campaigns can also emphasize the economic advantages of hybrid systems such as lower energy costs and increased energy security By fostering a culture of sustainability and energy conservation education and awareness initiatives can drive demand for hybrid energy solutions Regulatory frameworks that are inflexible or outdated can pose significant obstacles to the adoption of hybrid energy systems existing regulations may not adequately address the unique characteristics and requirements of renewable energy technologies collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers is essential to identify and address regulatory barriers This collaboration can lead to the development of updated regulations that accommodate new technologies and promote the integration of renewable energy sources into the energy mix regulatory reforms may be needed to streamline the permitting process for hybrid energy projects and ensure consistency across different jurisdictions Through the integration of these considerations into our study the authors aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the political and social factors that influence the adoption of hybrid energy systems in Cameroon the authors hope to contribute to the development of policies and strategies that support the successful implementation and widespread adoption of these systems The limitations of this study must be considered when interpreting the findings while the sample size was adequate for our analysis it was not exhaustive and thus may not capture the entire landscape of renewable energy adoption in the region the data used in this study was collected from a single location which limits the generalizability of the findings to other regions or countries the methodology used in this study was based on a systematic literature review and not on direct interviews or surveys with stakeholders which may have resulted in potential biases or misinterpretations of the findings while the authors attempted to account for all relevant variables there may be other factors that were not considered in this study that could impact the adoption and implementation of renewable energy systems in the region while this study provides valuable insights into the current state of renewable energy adoption in Cameroon further research is needed to fully understand the factors that influence renewable energy adoption and implementation in the region Our research meticulously examined the intricacies of a hybrid energy system crafted specifically to cater to the diverse energy demands of Douala Utilizing advanced simulation tools like the HOMER Pro program the authors meticulously optimized the hybrid system to attain precise load demand estimates for various consumer segments thereby facilitating a more nuanced understanding of the region's energy dynamics and requirements coupled with a comprehensive evaluation of diverse pricing models unequivocally identifies the grid-connected PV/Diesel/Generator system as the most advantageous solution The system's minimal Net Present Cost (NPC) and Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) underscore its viability ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted energy supply for consumers across the spectrum of energy usage Our research also highlights substantial cost benefits per kilowatt-hour which is especially pertinent in the context of Cameroon's socio-economic landscape The authors meticulously calculated updated rates revealing a significant reduction in costs for low further substantiating the economic value proposition of adopting hybrid energy systems it is essential to underscore the limitations inherent in our study Variations in input factors like temperature and equipment costs may impact result reliability warranting a cautious approach when interpreting our findings operational constraints such as maintenance and regulatory compliance pose real-world challenges that cannot be overlooked our research sets the stage for enhancing renewable energy integration and developing robust energy management techniques This work recognizes that overcoming the challenges and obstacles identified in this study is imperative to fully realize the potential of hybrid energy systems Addressing these issues will be pivotal in mitigating power shortages and paving the way for a more resilient and sustainable energy future in Cameroon Despite the comprehensive nature of our study several avenues for further exploration exist in the realm of renewable energy systems and their integration within the specific context of Cameroon as technological advancements continue to shape the energy landscape future research could explore the feasibility and benefits of incorporating emerging renewable energy technologies such as advanced battery storage systems and more efficient solar panels our study predominantly focused on the economic and technical aspects of hybrid energy systems Future research could delve deeper into the socio-cultural dimensions of renewable energy adoption and barriers faced by different societal groups in embracing clean energy technologies as Cameroon's energy infrastructure evolves there is a pressing need for comprehensive energy policies and regulations to guide the deployment and operation of hybrid energy systems Future research could explore the design and implementation of such policies taking into account local needs and global best practices our study primarily focused on a specific region within Cameroon Future research could expand the scope of analysis to encompass other regions providing a more holistic understanding of the country's energy landscape and offering 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Prod. 200, 12–27. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2018.07.257 (2018) Download references Technology and Applied Sciences Laboratory Serge Raoul Dzonde Naoussi & Wulfran Fendzi Mbasso Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Addis Ababa Science and Technology University School of Physics and Electronic Engineering Serge Raoul Dzonde Naoussi: Conceptualization Download citation DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-64427-4 Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article. Sign up for the Nature Briefing: AI and Robotics newsletter — what matters in AI and robotics research, free to your inbox weekly. ABIDJAN (Côte d’Ivoire) – Young basketball players aged 15 to 16 from around 20 African countries have plenty of reasons to be excited as the FIBA Africa Regional Youth Camps are back. The 2024 edition of the camps - a collaboration between FIBA Africa and the National Basketball Association (NBA) will take place in Douala, Cameroon, and Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The two four-day camps will provide young athletes born in 2008 and 2009, along with their coaches, the opportunity to benefit from top-level training. The program will focus on improving both individual and team skills, while promoting essential values such as teamwork, hard work, and commitment.As in the previous edition, FIBA Africa will host two separate camps. Designed to nurture young African basketball talents, the camp aims to shape the next generation of players on the continent. In addition to honing technical and physical skills, FIBA Africa seeks to instill values of solidarity and community in the young athletes, qualities essential to both their sporting and personal success. It’s worth noting that the FIBA Youth Camps are part of FIBA Africa’s development program and have impacted 80% of African countries since 2021. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent an important threat to public health in both developed and developing countries, and are present in many occupational sectors including education. Regular practice of physical activity (PA) is known elicit preventive effects on the occurrence of MSDs. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSDs and the preventive impact of PA on their occurrence among secondary school teachers. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 179 teachers in five government secondary schools in Douala, Cameroon. The Nordic and Ricci-Gagnon questionnaires were used to determine MSDs and to assess the level of PA, respectively. MSDs are prevalent among secondary school teachers and associated with aging, gender, and lower level of PA Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Conditions Volume 3 - 2022 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fresc.2022.1023740 Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent an important threat to public health in both developed and developing countries and are present in many occupational sectors including education Regular practice of physical activity (PA) is known elicit preventive effects on the occurrence of MSDs Objective: This study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSDs and the preventive impact of PA on their occurrence among secondary school teachers Participants and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 179 teachers in five government secondary schools in Douala The Nordic and Ricci-Gagnon questionnaires were used to determine MSDs and to assess the level of PA Results: The 12-month and 7-day prevalence of MSD (PMSD-12m and PMSD-7d) were 84.3% and 69.3% The most affected body regions by MSDs were neck (PMSD-12m = 54.2% PMSD-7d = 33.5%) lower back (PMSD-12m = 43% PMSD-7d = 33%) and shoulders (PMSD-12m = 35% PMSD-7d = 22.9%) males were protected against MSDs during the last 12 months (OR = 0.37; 95% CI 0.16–0.93; p = 0.04) The risk of MSDs during the last seven days was higher in teachers aged 30-40 years (OR = 2.86; 95% CI 1.14–7.14; p = 0.02) and 40-50 years (OR = 4.28; 95% CI 1.49–16.29; p = 0.008) than those under 30 years This risk was tripled in inactive teachers (OR = 3.07; 95% CI 1.40–6.78; p = 0.005) Conclusion: MSDs are prevalent among secondary school teachers and associated with aging The extensive researches on MSDs in developed countries contrasts with the lack of reports in their developing counterparts where there is a paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors of MSDs in teachers The effect of PA on MSD-related burden is also an important missing link in African context the present study aimed at determining the prevalence of MSDs and associated factors as well as the impact of PA among secondary school teachers of Douala city This cross-sectional and analytical study was carried out at five Government secondary schools in the city of Douala Teachers willing to participate in the study with professional experience of at least one year and having signed an informed consent form were included Teachers with trauma history and on MSDs related medication were excluded The minimum sample size required for the study was computed using the Lorentz's formula: N = p (1-p) z2/d2, where N is the minimum sample size; p is the prevalence of MSDs (96%) reported previously by El Gendy and Korish (26); z is the statistic for the desired confidence level (z = 1.96 for confidence at 95%) and d is the accepted margin of error (d = 0.05) the minimal sample size found was N = 59 participants A structured questionnaire was administered to each participant and consisted of three parts (i) socio-demographic and anthropometric characteristics (age (ii) socio-professional information (school number of teaching hours a week); (iii) level of PA and prevalence of MSDs during the last six months or last seven days Height was measured using a rod graduated to the nearest centimeter Weight was measured using an electronic scale Tanita BC-532 (Tokyo The body mass index was determined using Quetelet's formula: BMI (kg.m−2) = Weight (kg) / height2 (m2) participants were categorized as normal (18.5 < BMI < 25) overweight (25 ≤ BMI < 30) The Nordic questionnaire (27) was used to determine the prevalence of MSDs This questionnaire determines the occurrence of MSDs on nine body regions (neck ankles/feet) during last 12 months or 7 days the following parameters were evaluated (i) the presence or absence of aches pains or genes during the last 12 months and/or the last seven days (ii) absenteeism or not at work during the last 12 months and/or the last seven days due to MSD in the body region concerned and (iii) the presence or not of a history of trauma in the region concerned the prevalence of MSDs during the last 12 months (PMSD-12m) and the last seven days (PMSD−7d) were determined The Ricci and Gagnon questionnaire was used to determine the level of PA of each participant (28) This questionnaire is a scale divided in two sub-sections Sub-section A evaluates the duration and intensity of daily common activities such as cleaning Sub-section B evaluates sport and recreational activities The total score of points in subsections A and B was used to classify participants as inactive (score < 16) active (16 ≤ score ≤ 32) and very active (score > 32) Qualitative variables were presented as percentages (%) Statistical analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for Social Science v21.0 (SPSS Inc. The normality of quantitative was checked using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test Pearson independence Chi2 test was used to compare proportions of unpaired samples Logistic regression analysis was used to determine factors associated with MSD among teachers The association between the dependent variable (presence of MSDs) and independent variables (gender PA) was quantified in logistic regression analysis by computing odds ratios (OR) The level significance was set for a value of p < 0.05 Most of the participants were females (66.5%) and aged 30–40 years (54.2%). Based on BMI analysis, 30.7% and 28.2% of teachers were overweight and obese, respectively (Table 1) Socio-demographic and professional characteristics of the participants The prevalence of MSDs by body regions and gender is depicted on Figure 2 The overall prevalence of MSD-12m and MSD-7d was 84.3% and 69.3% PMSD-12m value was significantly higher in females compared to males (57.3% vs MSD-12m and MSD-7d were most frequently reported at neck (54.2% and 33.5%) and shoulders (35.2% and 22.9%) Prevalence of MSDs in body regions and gender.MSD-7d: MSD during the last 7 days; MSD-12m: MSDs during the last 12 months a: gender comparison of MSD-12 m between males and females; *: p < 0.05 Prevalence of MSD according to the number of body regions affected MSD-7d: MSD during the last 7 days; MSD-12m: MSDs during the last 12 months Multivariate logistic analysis of associated factors with MSDs The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence and determinants of MSDs as well as the impact of PA on MSDs risk and higher difficulties to manage relatives and professions-elicited stress some of them constitute the limits of this study crucial determinants such as psychosocial factors and this represents an important limitation to this study medical confirmation of MSDs diagnostic was not done MSDs prevalence estimates based on the Nordic questionnaire could not reflect the real burden of MSDs among teachers This study found a high prevalence of MSDs among Cameroonian secondary school teachers The study also outlined protective effect of PA in reducing risk of MSDs It is critical to implement primary MSDs prevention measures to preserve wellbeing of teachers through improvement of work conditions and promotion of PA and sport All taken together could be very helpful to prevent and control efficiently education sector-related MSDs The raw data supporting the conclusions of this article will be made available by the authors The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee of the University of Douala (N° 2093 CEI-Udo/01/2020/T) The patients/participants provided their written informed consent to participate in this study All authors contributed to the study conception and design data collection and analysis were performed by LPM The first draft of the manuscript was written by LPM All authors commented on previous versions of the manuscript All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version The authors would like to express special gratitude to all the secondary's school's administration staff and participants for their cooperation workforce health and productivity in the United States London: The center for work forced health and performance (2015) 2. 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This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) *Correspondence: Peguy Brice Assomo Ndemba YXNzb21vX25kZW1iYUB5YWhvby5mcg== †ORCID Peguy Brice Assomo Ndemba orcid.org/0000-0002-9604-0140 Specialty Section: This article was submitted to Rehabilitation for Musculoskeletal Conditions a section of the journal Frontiers in Rehabilitation Sciences (Business in Cameroon) - Customs officers at the International Airport of Douala seized 30 kilograms of cocaine on April 25 during a routine check of luggage registered on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET686 to New Delhi The drugs were hidden inside a travel bag filled with spices a method that customs authorities say shows a sophisticated attempt to evade detection The market value of the cocaine is estimated at $2.3 million The main suspect is currently in custody and undergoing questioning Customs officials said early investigations point to the existence of a well-organized criminal network that may be operating across borders This is the second major drug bust at Douala Airport in just ten days customs officers intercepted a shipment of 70 kilograms of narcotics had arrived on a Rwand’Air flight from South Africa and was hidden inside air compressors Douala Airport has intercepted drugs worth an estimated CFA3.4 billion so far this year (Business in Cameroon) - The Container Terminal Operator (RTC) of the Port of Douala distributed CFA2 billion in commercial rebates for the FY2024 during a ceremony held on April 25 The rebates were allocated based on the volume of full containers (measured in twenty-foot equivalent units Shipping companies received 20% of the total amount while importers and exporters received 80% Deputy General Manager of the Port Authority of Douala (PAD) said the rebate system was adjusted this year to reward shippers even more "The shippers are the real engine behind our growth," he said adding that their share was increased by nearly 15% Denmark's Maersk Group claimed the highest rebate It was followed by MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) where a minimum of 520 full TEUs was required to qualify seafood distributor Congelcam led the pack with a rebate of CFA68 million and Orca Industry came third with CFA26.3 million where the minimum was set at 350 full TEUs Agricultural company Ofi Cameroun followed with CFA47.8 million and cocoa trader Telcar Cocoa secured CFA39 million Shippers from landlocked neighboring countries such as the Central African Republic and Chad did not receive their checks during the event RTC said it plans to organize separate official ceremonies in each country to hand over their rebates (Business in Cameroon) - The Port Authority of Douala (PAD) has invested CFA11.5 billion to acquire two new ASD 3010-type tugboats for its dedicated towing service -the Delegated Towing Service (RDR) The tugboats are currently being completed at Damen’s shipbuilding facilities in Sharjah Delivery to Douala Port is expected within the next few months This acquisition follows a direct contract signed between PAD and Damen in October 2023 and commissioning of the tugboats within 14 months as well as one year of training and technical assistance for the local staff The project’s execution is overseen by Matgénie the National Civil Engineering Equipment Park and the Shipbuilding and Industrial Yard of Cameroon (CNIC) PAD’s Technical Advisor and project leader this investment is part of the port’s broader fleet renewal program These two new tugboats will strengthen a fleet that has been aging with the average age of the five existing vessels being around 25 years RDR will now operate a total of seven tugboats This follows the failure of negotiations between PAD and the Spanish operator Boluda who was initially set to manage the port’s towing services The new tugboats are expected to improve port operations by increasing the capacity to assist vessels that cannot dock or depart the quay on their own Tugging involves towing ships at the port’s entrance and exit with the help of one or more tugboats “These tugboats will also help address the challenges faced by the Cameroonian company Fako Transport & Shipping Company Ltd which holds the towing contract at the Cap Limboh oil terminal This acquisition is part of the larger modernization strategy for Douala Port The port’s annual traffic is expected to rise from 12.4 million tons to 21 million tons by 2030 The asymptomatic nature of COVID-19 coupled with differential testing are confounders in the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 incidence among people living with HIV (PLWH). As various comorbidities increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection, it is crucial to assess the potential contribution of HIV to the risk of acquiring COVID-19. Our study aimed to compare the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among people living with and without HIV. PLWH were enrolled in the HIV units of two health facilities in Douala, Cameroon. Participants were consecutively enrolled, among which 47 were people living with HIV and 31 were HIV-negative patients. SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests were performed on all participants. Overall, medical consultation was conducted. For HIV-positive participants only, viral load, antiretroviral regimen, duration of HIV infection, and duration of antiretroviral treatment were retrieved from medical records. We found an overall SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence of 42.31% within the study population, with a SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence of 44.6% for PLWH and 38.7% among those without HIV infection; no significant statistical difference was observed. Adjusting for sex, HIV status, and BCG vaccination, the odds of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were higher among married persons in the study population. Sex, BCG vaccination, and HIV status were not found to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity. Our findings support the lack of association between HIV status and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ARV regimen, suppressed viral load, and Tenofovir boasted ARV regimen might not affect the body’s immune response after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among PLWH. Thus, if HIV is well treated, the susceptibility to COVID-19 in PLWH would be like that of the general population. Volume 3 - 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fepid.2023.1212220 This article is part of the Research TopicWomen In Infectious Diseases EpidemiologyView all 7 articles Background: The asymptomatic nature of COVID-19 coupled with differential testing are confounders in the assessment of SARS-CoV-2 incidence among people living with HIV (PLWH) As various comorbidities increase the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection it is crucial to assess the potential contribution of HIV to the risk of acquiring COVID-19 Our study aimed to compare the anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among people living with and without HIV Methods: PLWH were enrolled in the HIV units of two health facilities in Douala among which 47 were people living with HIV and 31 were HIV-negative patients SARS-CoV-2 antibody tests were performed on all participants and duration of antiretroviral treatment were retrieved from medical records Results: We found an overall SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence of 42.31% within the study population with a SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence of 44.6% for PLWH and 38.7% among those without HIV infection; no significant statistical difference was observed the odds of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were higher among married persons in the study population and HIV status were not found to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity Conclusions: Our findings support the lack of association between HIV status and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and Tenofovir boasted ARV regimen might not affect the body’s immune response after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among PLWH the susceptibility to COVID-19 in PLWH would be like that of the general population will contribute to the emerging data measuring the COVID-19 disease burden in PLWH Understanding seroprevalence and the rate of actual cases is necessary to better manage epidemics helping to make some inferences about a larger population Our study aimed to compare the anti-SAR-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence among people living with and without HIV receiving healthcare in two non-governmental health facilities in Douala patients were recruited from the Adlucem Clinic Bonaberi and the Adlucem Clinic Bonamoussadi two non-governmental health facilities in Douala PLWH were enrolled as they attended the HIV units of both facilities HIV-negative patients were recruited from the same health facility's outpatient unit after a negative HIV screening test participants were subjected to a SARS-CoV-2 antibody test and HIV-related information (for PLWH) was collected through a study-developed questionnaire Participants considered for this study were those: with a known HIV history and followed up at the HIV unit who were randomly selected (for the HIV group) or tested HIV-negative at the external consultation (for the HIV negative group); aged 21 years or older; residing in the town of Douala for the last 12 months; willing to take a COVID-19 screening test; willing to take part in the study; and those who signed an informed consent form The sample size was estimated to detect a 40% probability of having COVID-19 antibodies among the general population with absolute precision of 5% at a 95% confidence level A total of 78 participants were selected consecutively among which 47 were people living with HIV and 31 were people living without HIV The sample size was calculated using OpenEpi software version 3.01 based on a method proposed by Kelsey et al., for the calculation of sample size for an unmatched case-control study (14) The following assumptions were made: a two-sided confidence level(1-alpha) = 95 power (% chance of detecting) = 80 the ratio of Controls to Cases = 1 the hypothetical proportion of controls with exposure = 40 the hypothetical proportion of cases with exposure:16.5 and least extreme Odds Ratio to be detected: 0.30 This study targeted to enroll 132 participants: 66 HIV-positive participants and 66 HIV-negative participants Detection of SARSCoV-2 IgG was done using lateral flow immunochromatographic assay Wondfo® (Guangzhou Wondfo Biotech Co., China). Wondfo® SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibody test is an immunochromatographic assay for rapid and quantitative detection of SARSCoV-2 IgG antibody in human biological samples. The assay has a sensitivity of 95.6% and a specificity of 98.4%, as reported by the manufacturer (15) A blood sample of 5 ml was used for SARS-CoV-2 antibody characterization an additional blood sample was taken from participants whose last viral load control result dated more than 6 months Medical conditions such as chronic disease history and duration of antiretroviral treatment were assessed via consultation of participants’ medical records for PLWH and HIV-negative patients a patient-administered questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic data Mobile-based KoBo toolbox software (https://kf.kobotoolbox.org/#/forms) was used to collect and manage data which was later extracted into an Excel sheet for verification Participants lacking a verifiable HIV or SARS-CoV-2 status were not included in the analysis The validated data was then transferred into a newly created database in the SPSS and Stata software for appropriate analysis Descriptive statistics were performed using SPSS The intergroup comparisons of SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity were done by performing a test of proportions using R were presented in rates or proportions and compared amongst them using the chi-square test The risk factors of disease acquisition in the two groups were determined using bivariate logistic regression which was later adjusted for each other's effect in a multivariate logistic regression from which the independent risk factors were identified The significance of all the above tests was set at 5% As shown in Table 1 of the 78 participants enrolled in the study The median age was 35 ± 11 years for PLWH and 40 ± 11 years for the non-HIV group There was no observed difference in religion and smoking status across the two population groups 41.9% of persons were obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) while the majority of the PLWH (57.4%) were of average weight (BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2) with no obesity documented Most of the participants within the HIV group had received a BCG vaccine at birth (97.9%) had a suppressed viral load (61.7%) and were on a TLD (Tenofovir + Lamuvidine + Dolutegravir) antiretroviral regimen No participant had reported a previous COVID-19 infection and no one was vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2 Demographic characteristics (N = 78) SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were detected in 33 giving a SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence of 42.31% within the study population The SARS-CoV-2 IgG seroprevalence was 44.6% (21 out of 47) among people with HIV and 38.7% (12 out of 31) among those without HIV infection No statistical difference was observed between the seroprevalence of the two study groups at a 95% confidence interval As shown in Table 2 and BCG vaccination status within both study groups the odds of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (SARS-CoV-2 IgG positive) were 80% higher among married persons an unsuppressed viral load (>40 copies/ml) and receiving TLD (Tenofovir + Lamuvidine + Efavirenz) as antiretroviral treatment was not found to be associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG seropositivity Factors associated with SARSCoV-2 IgG positivity It is challenging to discuss comparisons with such a variety of results As shown in Table 2, when adjusted for age, sex, and religion, the odds of having suffered from a previous infection were significantly associated with marriage. In a previous seroprevalence study conducted in Cameroon by Fai et al., age, gender, and comorbidities were significantly associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies, contrary to our findings (34) These findings may be attributed to the difference in the study populations the Fai study included hospitalized patients admitted with severe COVID-19 disease which may explain the association between age and comorbidities A matched case-control study design may have improved the efficiency in determining the strength of the association between HIV status and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies matching was not feasible as our participant recruitment abilities were constrained by the health facilities' patient attendance the legal age of majority to be able to consent is 21 years Any adults aged 18–20 were thus automatically excluded limiting the results' ability to generalize to the general adult population All the PLWH recruited in this study were on a tenofovir ARV boasted regimen It will be interesting to investigate the effect of other non-tenofovir ARV regimens Our findings support the lack of association between HIV status and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and Tenofovir boasted ARV regimen might not affect the body's immune response after exposure to SARS-CoV-2 among PLWH and HIV-negative individuals the susceptibility to COVID-19 would be similar to those of the general population including multiple study sites and subgroup analyses based on the immunological status of HIV-positive patients The datasets generated during and/or analyzed for study are available in a data repository through the following link (https://redcap.mrc.gm:8443/redcap/redcap_v12.0.20/ProjectSetup/index.php?pid=298) The studies involving human participants were reviewed and approved by National Ethics Committee of Cameroon SN and MN conceived and designed the study MN and CC contributed to the acquisition of data in the field This study is part of the “The African coaLition for Epidemic Research Covid-19 Clinical Characterization Protocol (ALERRT CCP)” funded by the Wellcome Trust (Ref 221012/Z/20/Z) “ALERRT” is part of the European and Developing Clinical Trial Partnership (EDCTP2) Programme 2 supported by the European Union under Grant Agreement RIA2016E-1612 The authors are grateful to all study participants for their voluntary participation in this study sincere thanks are extended to the Adlucem Clinic Bonaberi and the Department of Public Health at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University of Yaoundé I and CD were consulting for Capacity for Leadership Excellence and Research (CLEAR) The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest Incidence and severity of COVID-19 in HIV-positive persons receiving antiretroviral therapy a cohort study COVID-19 outcomes among persons living with or without diagnosed HIV infection in New York state and incidence of symptomatic coronavirus disease 2019 in a large cohort of adults living with HIV: a single-center virological and serological features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in people living with human immunodeficiency virus in Wuhan: a population-based cohort study COVID-19 and AIDS: outcomes from the coexistence of two global pandemics and the importance of chronic antiretroviral therapy COVID-19 susceptibility and outcomes among people living with HIV in San Francisco Seroprevalence of anti SARS-CoV2 antibodies in umbrian persons living with HIV and IgG concentration and pseudovirus neutralising antibody titres after infection compared by HIV status: a matched case-control observational study Risk factors for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) death in a population cohort study from the western cape province HIV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection: a global perspective PubMed Abstract | CrossRef Full Text | Google Scholar UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Cameroon: COVID 19 Emergency Situation Report (SITREP) No 22—1 January to 28 February 2022 (2022) 12. 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This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) *Correspondence: Sylvie Kwedi Nolna YmVsbGFzeWxrQHlhaG9vLmNvbQ== laid the foundation stone for the Douala-Dibamba Eastern Park at Missolè II This 74-hectare park represents a CFA36 billion investment from China Eastern Park Company The project marks the beginning of construction after two years of discussions between the Douala Urban Community (CUD) and Chinese investors about finding the right location the park’s location was shifted to Dibamba The park will be developed in two phases: the first phase will include a large aquatic park and a five-star themed hotel both expected to be completed by Christmas 2026 will add a terrestrial park and a second five-star hotel Deputy General Manager of the Douala-Dibamba Eastern Park the project will generate over 1,000 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect jobs The total economic impact is expected to exceed CFA600 billion annually This inclusive development project is not only a symbol of innovation for Missolè II but also an opportunity for significant economic and tourism growth highlighted the park as a step toward establishing Cameroon as a top-tier tourist destination the Douala-Dibamba Eastern Park aims to attract over two million visitors annually Identify construction & infrastructure project opportunities in Africa. Proposals expected by 30 January for 242km Ngaoundere-Garoua route Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Works (MINTP) has invited bids by 30 January for reconstruction works on the 242km Ngaoundere-Garoua road The route is part of the 2,100km Douala-N’Djamena corridor linking Cameroon’s western port city of Douala to N’Djamena The work is being undertaken under phase 4 of Cameroon’s Transport Sector Support Programme (PAST) which was built in the 1990s and is a breakpoint on the corridor is at the end of its lifespan and in a dilapidated state causing excessive journey times and transaction costs namely the 50km Ngaoundere-Malang crossroads-Bottom of the Mbe Cliff section with a duration of 36 months; the 39km Mbe Cliff-Keroua bridge route over 24 months; the 77km Keroua bridge-Salah bridge road over 36 months; a 56km route linking Salah bridge to the entrance of the Ouro Andre village over 24 months; and a 56km road running from the entrance of the Ouro Andre village to the Benoue bridge over 24 months The tender was issued on 11 December 2024 and can be viewed here Related works will include the development of 15km of urban roads in the towns of Ngaoundere Gouna and Ngong; the rehabilitation of 139km of roads to open up the agro-pastoral basin in the North Region; and the revamping of 163km of access roads to cotton-growing basins in the Adamaoua region The specific objectives of the Ngaoundere-Garoua road project include the opening up of the Adamaoua plateau production basins; reduction in journey time and transport cost on the Douala-N’Djamena corridor as well as the Douala-Bangui corridor that links to the capital city of the Central African Republic (CAR); and promotion of the use of other modes of transport The Ngaoundere-Garoua road scheme has a total cost of €340.7 million (US$351.2 million) and is aimed to be completed by December 2030 It is being supported by the African Union and the Cameroonian government as well as the African Development Bank (AfDB) which approved loans worth a combined €330 million for the scheme in December 2024 The Douala-N’Djamena corridor is seen as the most important in Cameroon the corridor accounts for 35% of Cameroon's GDP and serves 35% and 20% of the populations of Cameroon and Chad respectively “The renovation of the most deteriorated section [of the corridor] will help improve the performance of the Cameroonian road network in order to promote participation and private investment in the agro-industrial transport and logistics sectors along the Douala-N’Djamena corridor and will facilitate cross-border trade,” said Serge N’Guessan Previous PAST phases are ongoing or on the verge of being completed PAST 1 is aimed at providing an alternative access route to the Douala-N’Djamena corridor via the central plain of Cameroon and the Centre and Adamaoua regions The work involves the development of the 248.6km Batschenga-Ntui-Yoko-Lena road and is part of the government’s efforts to channel produce from the Mbam-Sanaga agricultural basin to the main consumption centres of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) region through the Yaounde-Ndjamena-Bangui Yaounde-Gabon-Equatorial Guinea and Yaounde-Republic of Congo corridors Completion on the US$514.9 million project is targeted by December 2025 PAST 2 covers the rehabilitation of the Yaounde-Bafoussam-Babadjou route which connects the southern and northern regions of Cameroon via the west while connecting the Bamenda-Enugu (Nigeria) corridor to the Douala-N’Djamena corridor from Ngaoundere The US$505.9 million scheme was expected to have been concluded by December 2024 PAST 3 targets the construction of a 365km ring road that forms a loop crossing five departments of the North West Region and includes several connections to the Nigerian border The US$247.8 million project is planned to be completed by December 2026. Top photo: Cameroon road (Source: Facebook @ MINTP) Gouga-Bangui route is part of Pointe Noire-Ndjamena multimodal trade corridor World Bank to support establishment of country’s first BESS and facilitate investments. Your one-stop-shop for information and actionable intelligence on the construction and infrastructure pipeline in African countries Construction News Construction Market Reports Construction Project Intelligence All Rights Reserved CA Digital Marketplace The new scandal is said to involve players and an unnamed European company some Union Douala players agreed to manipulate the results of certain matches The early investigation indicated that the players reached on agreement with a Europe-based sport betting company to influence the results of some games In exchange the players would pocket a large sum of money The management of Union Douala have revealed that they are investigating the scandal internally Local authorities and the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) are said to be joining in the investigation The five-time Cameroonian champions are 12th after a dreadful start of the season in Elite One (Business in Cameroon) - The Central African Stock Exchange (Bvmac) in Douala These were shares of the Société Camerounaise de Palmeraies (Socapalm) which an investor bought for CFA2.3 million thousands of shares from companies like Socapalm and SCG-Ré remain up for sale with few takers along with others from companies in various sectors Socapalm is not alone in this; its sister company Société Africaine Forestière et Agricole du Cameroun (Safacam) which also specializes in palm oil and rubber production and the Gabon-based reinsurance company SCG-Ré also have unsold shares on the market According to the Bvmac’s official trading report from November 12 a total of 2,166 shares remain available but unsold across the board The Bvmac report also mentioned that although there were offers to buy and sell Safacam shares no transactions occurred because the offered purchase price was lower than the asking price were among the stock exchange’s best performers in 2023 That year saw a total of 28,527 shares traded on the exchange The total transaction value more than doubled rising from CFA1.5 billion in 2022 to CFA4 billion in 2023 Socapalm recorded a 139% increase in transaction value La Régionale Bank rose by 54% to CFA56 million while SCG-Ré saw transactions worth CFA41 million La Régionale Bank led the market in 2023 with 79 transactions making up 33% of the total trades and marking the second consecutive year it was the most traded stock Socapalm followed closely with 78 transactions Despite the recent positive performance of these companies the November 2024 Bvmac report does not provide an explanation for why investor interest seems to have waned Some analysts suggest that the simple fact that shares from successful companies are now up for sale could be causing potential buyers to hold back leading to increased caution in the market.re cautious Médiamétrie is publishing the results for the 2nd half of 2024 for this reporting-based measurement which it carried out with its partner Omedia from 29th September to 14th October from 27th October to 11th November and from 26th November to 9th December 2024 This approach allows clients to analyse the results for specific targets and per day This measurement aims to provide television channels, communication agencies and advertisers with the necessary for the advertising and editorial management of their offers 73.1% of those surveyed said they had logged in to the Internet the day before.Social media use remains high with 86.1% of individuals registered on at least one social media network; Facebook still leads the way followed by TikTok Of those registered on at least one social media network Proportion observed in the sample or on a target in the sample Used to assess whether the difference between 2 proportions is significant at the 95% threshold Nigerian women dominated the podium with a clean sweep of the Discus throw final at the 23rd CAA African Athletics Championships Douala 24 It’s the second time for Nigeria dominating the podium in the same event at the African Championships after a clean sweep at the 2016 edition in Durban, South Africa with the trio of Nwanneka Okwelogu, Chinwe Okoro and again Reigning African Games champion Ashley Erasmus spearheaded South Africa charge in the women’s shot put final The 24-year-old set a personal best of 18.17m in the second round to claim the gold medal Her compatriot Mine de Klerk finished in second place with a throw of 17.09m while Mali’s Nassira Kone earned the bronze medal with a distance of 17.07m pushing Colette Uys into fourth place and preventing South Africa from sweeping the medals Cheikh Tidiane Diouf emerged victorious in the men’s 400m race leaving the rest of the field behind to secure an upgrade from his earlier bronze medal at the African Games this year Lee Eppie of Botswana and Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi followed in second and third positions with times of 45.39 and 45.47 respectively In the men’s 400m hurdles, Botswana’s Victor Ntweng and Kemorena Tisang demonstrated their dominance with impressive performances, finishing in 48.88 and 49.24 seconds respectively. Former champion Abdelmalik Lahoulou secured the third place in 49.36 Making history for his country, Joseph Fahnbulleh became the first Liberian sprinter to win the 100m title at the African Athletics Senior Championships Fahnbulleh overtook the 2023 African Games gold medallist, Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon just before the finish line to secure a narrow victory by 0.02 seconds in 10.13 Benjamin Richardson claimed the bronze medal with a time of 10.17 edging out Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi into fourth place Gina Bass Bittaye continued her impressive form this season by winning the women’s 100m gold at the African Championships for the second consecutive time The Gambian finished ahead of Liberia’s Maia McCoy in 11.14 while Maboundou Kone of Cote d’Ivoire finished in third place with a time of 11.24 Zahra Tatar from Algeria took the gold medal in the women’s hammer throw defeating defending champion Sade Olatoye with a best effort of 67.82m The Nigerian settled for silver with a best of 67.72m while Xena Ngomateke of The Central African Republic grabbed the bronze medal with a best throw of 65.84m On Saturday, the reigning African Games champion Nibret Melak led an Ethiopian 1-2 in the men’s 10,000m racing to his second continental gold medal of the season in 28:52.27 Gemechu Dida once again took the silver medal (28:52.79) as was in Accra 2023 while Kenya’s Roncer Kipkorir Konga completed the podium with a mark of 28:52.94 Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi officially launched the design and construction of Phase 2 of the Yaoundé-Douala highway According to the Ministry of Transport’s communication services this progress reflects the recent visit of President Paul Biya during which the highway was a key topic in discussions between Cameroonian and Chinese officials The Yaoundé-Douala highway has been a major project in talks between Cameroon and China During the 4th Forum on Sino-African Cooperation (Focac) President Biya urged for increased Chinese investment in Cameroon’s road infrastructure He mentioned the imminent launch of second-generation structural projects including Phase 2 of the Yaoundé-Douala highway in his discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping This phase aims to improve connectivity between Cameroon’s two major cities and facilitate trade within Central Africa The work will strengthen the Douala-N’Djamena The project also seeks to support the development of the localities along this route Minister Nganou Djoumessi noted that the partnership with China First Highway Engineering Corporation (Cfhec) stems from the strong ties between Cameroon and China as well as the quality of work done by the company in the first phase of the project (60 km) The decision to select Cfhec was made by the presidency concluding a selection process that began in March 2020 to identify firms to help the government with financing the government opted for a direct contract with the subsidiary of the China Communications Construction Company (CCCC) Nganou Djoumessi assured residents about compensation related to the project He urged the community to be civic-minded and not hinder progress An assessment report of the affected properties has been completed The total estimated cost for Phase 2 is nearly CFA880 billion The construction will follow a unit price contract allowing the company to be paid based on the work completed The project is divided into five sections: Bibodi-Bodmon (39.5 km) The work is expected to be finished within 36 months It is important to note that after four amendments took more than eight years to complete and cost nearly CFA350 billion compared to an initial contract of CFA284 billion revealed that customs authorities at Douala International Airport had intercepted two drug shipments were concealed in air compressors shipped from South Africa They were carried by a RwandAir flight and were hidden in 13 air pumps that had been carefully modified to evade detection The estimated market value of the drugs is over $3 million The seized drugs are currently sealed in the customs warehouse while awaiting transfer to the appropriate judicial authorities "The legal procedures are being followed in accordance with the applicable laws," Abdoulaye stated This seizure is the first major drug bust of 2025 at Douala airport and is considered one of the largest in recent years customs intercepted 24 kg of cocaine from São Paulo valued at around $2 million (CFA1 billion) 15 kg of cocaine was seized in a shipment from Turkish Airlines there has been a growing trend of drug and illicit product seizures at Cameroon’s international airports particularly in Douala and Yaoundé-Nsimalen This increase is partly due to the gradual establishment of anti-trafficking units at several of the country’s airport platforms aimed at strengthening efforts to combat transnational trafficking In a bid to stop the spread of the COVID-19 in Cameroon’s coastal city of Douala city officials led by Mayor Roger Mbassa Ndine on Monday (April 6) distributed face masks to motorcycle and taxi drivers The mayor said the aim is to combat the spread of the virus which could explode due to the high mobility of residents “We will intensify the distribution in the coming days in the other boroughs our wish is that everyone has a mask all day long Wearing a mask will be made compulsory,” the Mayor said Cameroon is one of few African countries that have not imposed restrictions on movement despite being sub-Saharan Africa’s second most impacted after South Africa you can wash them in the evening and wear them the next day This is the way to stop the spread of the coronavirus,” he stressed One month after the discovery of the first case of coronavirus in Cameroon the country os of April 9 had 730 cases with 10 deaths and 60 recoveries The virus has spread to five regions of the country a vendor it is important to have such preventive measures against a very difficult and rampaging virus Can you imagine if I take a taxi for example if you are in the taxi and you are even only two people if one person is infected the other will automatically be infected.” District mayors have also launched a sanitation campaign to disinfect unsanitary areas Authorities said the situation is worrying and called for barrier measures to stop the pandemic from spreading Douala - Douala international airport hosted a significant ceremony marking act 2 of the unveiling of posters to raise awareness and combat human trafficking and the migrant smuggling this crucial initiative was attended by the Minister of Transport and local administrative authorities similar to the event that took place in Yaoundé on 18 March 2024 Co-organised by the Ministry of Social Affairs as part of its full mandate to assist vulnerable populations and the United Nations Migration Agency (International Organisation for Migration - IOM) the ceremony featured speeches and strong calls from officials for concerted action ‘The posters we are unveiling (...) are not just an awareness-raising campaign They embody our collective determination to say NO to the exploitation and trafficking of human beings' as the IOM Chief of Mission emphasised in his speech This initiative is part of the Cameroon government's ongoing efforts to combat these scourges that affect so many lives strategically placed in various parts of the airport are designed to raise awareness among travellers and airport staff of the signs of human trafficking and to encourage people to report these acts The posters provide clear and precise contact details including the toll-free numbers for the Ministry of Social Affairs (1503) and the Cameroon Human Rights Commission (1523) The importance of this synergy of efforts to combat these scourges was explicitly underlined by the Minister for Social Affairs in the following terms: “We are fully committed to the fight against human trafficking and smuggling This is a collective effort that calls on all players in society...” expressed their support for this initiative and their commitment to working together with international and civil society organisations to eradicate human trafficking specifically in the region This ceremony marks an important step in the fight against human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Cameroon The new awareness-raising posters will serve as a constant reminder of the government's and IOM's commitment to protecting human rights and guaranteeing the safety of all Welcome to portstrategy.com. This site uses cookies. Read our policy webinars and articles on innovations and current trends in the ports and terminals industry Alternatively REGISTER for website access and sign up for email alerts Afreximbank and APD-Cameroon are set to transform the Port of Douala with a €210 million terminal expansion This project will enhance regional trade connections The first funding tranche of €147 million will kickstart the development reinforcing Douala’s strategic role for Central Africa Want to read more before deciding on a subscription It only takes a minute to sign up for a free account and you’ll get to enjoy: Get more free content sign up today Ready to subscribe? Choose from one of our subscription packages for unlimited access Site powered by Webvision Cloud Unveiling Tomorrow's Cameroon Through Today's News A growing public outcry over mounting urban waste in Cameroon took a chilling turn this week after a giant Mboma snake was discovered hidden in an open-air garbage pile in the Ndogbong neighborhood of Douala has renewed concerns over poor sanitation and dangerous living conditions in major cities across the country the reptile was found by sanitation workers from HYSACAM as they prepared to clear a makeshift dump Residents were alerted when the workers recoiled in panic prompting a community response that led to the snake being killed What if it had attacked someone?” one resident told Cameroon Concord News The incident has added fuel to an online protest dubbed the #ChallengeDesOrdures in which Cameroonians post photos of themselves standing in front of trash heaps The movement has gained momentum over the past week as frustration grows over the state of hygiene and waste management in cities like Douala Environmental activists and public health experts say the issue has been building for years and the absence of timely waste collection have turned urban neighborhoods into breeding grounds for disease and pests “The public health implications are enormous — cholera This comes amid reports of rising cases of waterborne diseases in areas most affected by waste stagnation the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development has announced “États Généraux on Urban Waste Management” The meeting is intended to bring together policymakers and civil society to devise solutions to the nation’s waste management crisis critics have dismissed the event as cosmetic We need clean streets,” said activist Carine Ndongo who joined the #ChallengeDesOrdures campaign online The viral challenge has become more than a meme — it’s a civic movement Cameroonians are confronting decades of poor urban planning and what they describe as chronic governmental neglect Some users have turned the challenge into art such as more transparency in public sanitation budgets and better oversight of companies like HYSACAM What next?” one Twitter user posted alongside a selfie in front of a garbage pile Cameroon generates an estimated 6 million tons of waste annually but experts say less than half is properly collected or disposed of Waste management services suffer from poor funding The situation is particularly dire in Douala and Yaoundé where rapid urbanization and population growth have overwhelmed municipal systems residents worry that blocked drains and rotting trash will trigger floods and outbreaks of disease — a scenario that has played out repeatedly in previous years As Cameroon gears up for major political events including the October presidential election critics say the nation’s leadership is failing in its most basic duties They’re a right,” said urban planning consultant Marie-Therese Ebang the challenge continues — and the garbage remains (Business in Cameroon) - The Container Terminal Authority (RTC) at the Port Authority of Douala (PAD) plans to acquire five new cranes including two quay cranes and three Rubber Tyred Gantry (RTG) cranes based on projections from the eight RTGs purchased for CFA12 billion in 2023 by RTC the cost of these five cranes is expected to be less than CFA10 billion These cranes will be deployed at the new Quai 16 where construction work is expected to begin in the coming days The work is part of the Container Terminal expansion project which includes the construction of an additional 250 meters of quay the development of 7.9 hectares of land for back storage and the creation of 1,200 meters of additional land access roads these developments will increase the total length of the terminal to at least 1,000 meters The evolution of trade shows that over the next ten years the volume handled at the Port of Douala will increase," said Cyrus Ngo'o was awarded in December 2022 to the French company Negri These new cranes will add to the 12 existing cranes at PAD including the eight RTGs purchased in 2023 bringing the total number of cranes at the Port of Douala to 17 these new cranes will help RTC increase its capacity from handling 380,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2024 to one million containers by 2030 "The outlook for the container terminal at Douala Port is promising after the commitments and results achieved over the past five years." Between 2019 and 2024 the terminal has generated a cumulative revenue of CFA277 billion and invested CFA58 billion in a ten-year investment project totaling CFA89 billion RTC still faces challenges in modernizing its operations emphasized the importance of digitizing procedures and improving service quality (Business in Cameroon) - The Airports of Cameroon (ADC) has awarded contracts to two Cameroonian companies for the fabrication and supervision of jet blast barriers at the cargo area of Douala International Airport signed by ADC’s General Manager Thomas Owona Assoumou on August 27 Jet blast barriers are structures designed to protect airport operational areas from the powerful air expulsions from aircraft engines These barriers are typically placed near aircraft parking and taxiing areas to reduce the space needed for safe aeronautical operations the company Dik’s Business Group will handle the fabrication and installation of the jet blast barriers for a total cost of CFA485.5 million The work is expected to be completed within four months the Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS) will be responsible for the technical supervision and monitoring of the project over five months This supervision contract is valued at CFA42.9 million These works are part of the certification process for Douala International Airport interrupted and assaulted journalists in Douala as they gathered to celebrate World Press Freedom Day on 3 May and confiscated their equipment in the process The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate Syndicat National des Journalistes du Cameroun in condemning this act of naked aggression on a group of journalists who had peacefully gathered to take stock of their work According to a statement issued by the SNJC their gathering was in accordance with Law 90/055 of 19 December 1990 which ensures their rights to gather at the Place du Gouvernment Bonanjo in Douala to read their statements and those from the Secretary General of the United Nations rudely interrupted the event by chasing journalists as soon as they arrived at the venue brutalising them and confiscating their equipment The SNJC noted that it will report this act of aggression to the Government the Secretary General of the United Nations and to the President of the IFJ SNJC ‘Strongly condemns this arbitrary act which has no benefit to the image of the country and deeply regrets that the forces of law and order are conspicuous by their violence against the men and women of the media’ Anthony Bellanger said that the wilful disruption of the gathering of journalists in Cameroon on World Press Freedom Day shows how much media freedom has deteriorated in the country ‘What happened on 3 May in Douala is unacceptable and a dangerous precedent to media freedom May 3 is a day specifically set aside by UNESCO and the world at large to recognise the essential work of journalists and their contributions in informing educating and entertaining the citizenry and more so in enhancing democracy and the rule of law To attack journalists on World Press freedom day is a sacrilege that cannot be forgiven The International Federation of Journalists joins its affiliate SNJC in calling on the Government of Cameroon to do more in protecting media freedom Cameroon as a democratic country must ensure that its media laws are in line with internationally recognised standards and create a conducive environment for journalists to do their work The perpetrators of crimes against journalists in Cameroon must be brought to justice and the government of Cameroon must do everything possible to end impunity Tel: +221- 33 867 95 86/87; Fax: +221- 33 827 02 The National Union of Somali Journalists (NUSOJ) an affiliate of the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) The Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) hails the courage resilience and exceptional service of African journalists whose unwavering commitment… Many IFJ affiliates are taking action to mark World Press Freedom Day on 3 May Here is a non-exhaustive list of their initiatives The International Federation of Journalists is the global voice of journalists it is the world’s largest organisation of journalists representing 600,000 media professionals in 187 unions and associations in more than 140 countries IFJ - International Federation of Journalists Cameroon – A tragic road accident occurred in the early hours of Monday leaving several people dead and many others injured was involved in a violent crash at approximately 2 AM The exact number of casualties has yet to be confirmed but eyewitness accounts describe the accident as horrific Details on the cause of the accident remain unclear but authorities suspect factors such as speeding and potential mechanical failure could have played a role Road safety officials and first responders were dispatched to the scene to assist survivors and transport the injured to nearby hospitals This latest incident adds to the growing concerns over road safety in Cameroon particularly on major highways like Douala-Yaoundé which has witnessed numerous fatal crashes due to reckless driving Authorities have yet to issue an official statement but transport regulators are expected to launch an investigation into the accident with possible sanctions against the transport company if negligence is established As road accidents continue to claim lives in Cameroon civil society organizations and transport unions have repeatedly called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and improved vehicle inspections to prevent such tragedies and further updates will follow as more details emerge 2024 will remain etched in the financial market books of the CEMAC region as this day marks the presentation of the very first bond issued by a microfinance institution a challenge taken up by the Agence de Crédit pour l'Entreprise Privée (ACEP) The operation was presented at a public event in Douala attended by a number of experts from across the sub-region and beyond Five (05) billion CFAF is the total indicative amount sought on the domestic market to address financing needs in line with the objectives of ACEP Cameroun's 2025-2027 strategic plan The main aim of the operation is to reduce the company's dependence on international lenders "This operation in itself is an innovation in the micro-finance sector,” explains Yann Akindele,”and also with a view to mobilizing savings in a much more structured way with mechanisms that comply with standards and also with an objective for good stakeholder management it is therefore important that the various stakeholders benefit from this new diversification of its sources of financing through financial resources in local currency whose interest rates are very often less onerous." This operation involves the issue of bonds with a face value of 10,000 (Ten thousand) CFAF for a minimum of ten (10) subscriptions 100,000 CFAF in absolute value between 30 December who will benefit from the constant semi-annual amortization of 2,000 CFAF known as “ACEP CAMEROUN 7% BRUT 2024-2027” requires the support of a number of institutional guarantees during the three (03) years of maturity of the operation ACEP CAMEROUN has requested the investment services of a brokerage firm a subsidiary of the Moroccan banking and financial group BCP the Central African Financial Market Authority a special “ORANGE MONEY” account has been created by ACEP CAMEROUN in BICEC’s books The main purpose of this account is to receive repayment via Orange Money of loans granted by ACEP CAMEROUN to its clientele (Business in Cameroon) - Work on Phase 2 of the Yaoundé-Douala highway has been at a standstill since November 2024 according to Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Works has been delayed on the first 28 kilometers due to disputes with local residents demanding compensation for land acquisition a critical step to prepare the area for road construction and ensure safety Public Works Minister Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi visited Bibodi in the Nyong-et-Kellé department on February 14 He met with affected residents to hear their concerns locals insisted that compensation must be paid before construction resumes The minister assured them that no property would be destroyed without prior compensation He also urged the community to support the project emphasizing the economic benefits the highway would bring to the region the minister announced the creation of a local monitoring committee chaired by the regional prefect and including representatives of the affected communities He also noted that there were no major settlements in the first few kilometers of the construction zone he proposed clearing a 2 to 5-kilometer stretch of land to allow work to begin while compensation issues are being resolved The Ministry of Public Works pledged to mobilize the necessary funds to compensate those affected along this section “This is the condition the residents set for accepting the project,” the minister stated adding that a confrontation with the community was out of the question The construction firm Cfhec said it was ready to resume work as soon as the compensation matter was settled In a previous meeting with local representatives in January 2025 Minister Nganou Djoumessi had already acknowledged the compensation concerns He explained that full compensation payments could not be made before construction begins he proposed establishing a "useful work zone," reducing the area to be cleared from 200 meters to 100 meters He also reassured residents that they would not be displaced without compensation Cfhec has indicated that it is willing to make early payments to avoid further delays Compensation issues were a major sticking point in Phase 1 of the project the minister had announced in October 2024 that compensation payments would be made in advance to ensure a smooth start While the exact compensation amounts and the number of beneficiaries have yet to be finalized an initial list of recipients has been published to allow people to report any omissions Phase 2 of the highway is expected to cost nearly CFA880 billion and is divided into five sections: Bibodi-Bodmon (39.5 km) The project is scheduled to be completed within 36 months took more than eight years to complete due to multiple delays and cost overruns the final cost rose to nearly CFA350 billion after four contract amendments (Business in Cameroon) - The construction of an eight-silo complex at Douala Port is 93% complete with the facility expected to be fully operational by March 2025 will provide 40,000 tons of grain storage capacity Each of the eight silos will hold 5,000 tons The reinforced concrete structures and loading unit for trucks are finished along with the metal framework and aerial walkways The remaining work involves completing the metal walls of the truck loading unit focuses on building foundations and installing 200 meters of rail to support the mechanized unloading system for ships The Port Authority of Douala (PAD) is overseeing the project and Bureau Veritas managing technical supervision While the cost of the project remains undisclosed PAD reports that the new facility will feature a suction-based grain unloading system This will significantly reduce docking times the port’s grain terminal is primarily used by Grand Moulin Cameroun (GMC) at berth 13 will eventually be handed back to the PAD after their use a growing insecurity situation has led to the arrest of 11 individuals nicknamed “microbes,” suspected of being involved in the murder of a man in the Bali neighborhood These arrests are part of a large-scale operation conducted by the Bobongo vigilance committee which has managed to capture several gang members accused of various crimes Residents of the area described the methods of these criminals highlighting that they often disguise themselves as women wearing traditional dresses like the kaba ngondo and applying lipstick to go unnoticed during their attacks The national gendarmerie intervened after the vigilance committee to formally arrest these criminals These coordinated efforts aim to enhance security in the neighborhood and reassure the population in the face of this wave of violence (Business in Cameroon) - Construction is set to begin on a 10-kilometer stretch of road along the Wouri River in Douala as the Chinese firm China First Highway Engineering Co (CFHEC) takes charge of the project This new development comes eight months after the Douala City Council (CUD) awarded the contract to CFHEC in a direct deal The Chinese company is funding the entire project through a loan to the city of Douala valued at CFA41.4 billion (around €62 million including taxes) The CUD has agreed to repay the loan over 10 years The project is expected to last two years and will cover the stretch between the Deido roundabout and the Maetur roundabout in Bonamoussadi The new road is designed to ease traffic and improve access to the city center for residents of Douala’s 3rd and 5th districts where daily congestion makes commuting a major challenge (Business in Cameroon) - The Italian company Lucatelli has resumed its contract to remove 50 abandoned shipwrecks from the quay at Douala Port with work beginning in March 2022 and scheduled to last 36 months operations at the Boscam quay were halted just two months after starting According to the Port Authority of Douala (PAD) including difficulties mobilizing equipment without an advance payment and limited access to some wrecks an amendment was added to the original contract allowing for targeted dredging to improve access This adjustment enabled Lucatelli to deploy specialized equipment and speed up the project the resumed work has so far cleared about ten wrecks from the silt and waters This project marks the second phase of wreck removal at Douala Port freeing up several quays and improving the port’s functionality The PAD noted that decades of shipwreck accumulation affected 30% of port operations Port performance and competitiveness are critical metrics in global trade According to the 2023 Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) from the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence Douala Port ranked 373rd out of 405 ports worldwide The decline is largely attributed to aging infrastructure which has caused inefficiencies and recurring delays The PAD expects that clearing the wrecks will enhance Douala Port’s navigability and operational efficiency while generating additional revenue the port authority projects raising CFA34.749 billion including CFA1.339 billion from land use fees and CFA33.350 billion from selling raw sediment extracted from the seabed