Dr. Francis ATEBA NDONGO | Epidemiology | Best Researcher Award|

Chantal Biya Foundation, Cameroon

Professional Profiles:

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Dr. Francis Ateba Ndongo is an accomplished epidemiologist and public health expert from Cameroon with over 19 years of experience in clinical research and care for HIV-infected and -exposed children and youth. Currently, he works as an epidemiologist in the Division of Operational Research in Health at Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health. His vast experience spans HIV prevention, healthcare policy, community health, and emergency response, making him a leader in public health in Cameroon and beyond. His professional contributions extend to various national and international projects, especially in resource-limited settings.

🎓 Educational Background:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo completed his Doctorate of State in Medicine at the University of Yaounde I, Cameroon, in 2003. To deepen his expertise in epidemiology and public health, he pursued advanced degrees in France, earning a Master I in Public Health Methods in 2011, followed by a Master II in Public Health with an option in Epidemiology in 2012 from the University of Paris Sud 11. He later obtained his PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Paris Saclay in 2017. His educational journey is marked by specialized training and certifications in comprehensive HIV care, underscoring his dedication to improving healthcare for vulnerable populations.

🔍 Research Focus:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo’s research primarily revolves around HIV/AIDS, particularly in treating HIV-infected children, adolescents, and youth in Sub-Saharan Africa. He has contributed to developing and implementing strategies for HIV prevention and care, including clinical protocols, community linkage strategies, and capacity-building efforts. His work also involves operational research in health, allowing him to tackle practical challenges in public health policy and implementation. Additionally, he has contributed to the COVID-19 response in Cameroon, managing initiatives to curb the virus’s spread.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Throughout his career, Dr. Ateba Ndongo has received recognition for his contributions to public health and epidemiology. His leadership roles in major health initiatives and participation in the National Ethical Committee for Human Research demonstrate his respected position within the health sector in Cameroon. While details on specific awards are not listed, his professional advancements and roles reflect his impact and dedication to improving public health outcomes.

💼 Professional Experience:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo has served in various impactful roles over the years. He has coordinated HIV clinical care and research for the Chantal Biya Foundation, focusing on pediatric and adolescent HIV care. As a Clinical Officer for the CAMPHIA 2018 Project, he supported technical implementations for national HIV guidelines and policies. Since 2020, he has been a Senior Lecturer in Public Health at the University of Garoua. Notably, he coordinated the COVID-19 response for the Cameroonian Red Cross from 2020-2021, showcasing his capability in emergency health management. Currently, he is an epidemiologist at the Ministry of Public Health and a member of Cameroon’s National Ethical Committee for Human Research, providing oversight for human-centered clinical studies.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title: Tuberculosis Diagnosis in HIV-Infected Children: Comparison of the 2012 and 2015 Clinical Case Definitions for Classification of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis Disease
Authors: Marcy, O., Goyet, S., Borand, L., Delacourt, C., Godreuil, S.
Citations: 1
Index: Journal of the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society
Year of Publication: 2022
Volume and Issue: 11(3), pp. 108–114

Title: Access to the Management of HIV-Infected Children: Overview of the Healthcare Supply in Cameroon in 2014 | Accès à la prise en charge de l’infection VIH pédiatrique – État des lieux de l’offre des soins au Cameroun en 2014
Authors: Penda, C.I., Zoung Kanyi Bissek, A.-C., Téjiokem, M.C., Njock, L.R., Koki Ndombo, P.O.
Citations: 0
Index: Revue d’Epidemiologie et de Sante Publique
Year of Publication: 2020
Volume and Issue: 68(4), pp. 243–251

Title: Low Rate of Early Vertical Transmission of HIV Supports the Feasibility of Effective Implementation of the National PMTCT Guidelines in Routine Practice of Referral Hospitals in Cameroon
Authors: Penda, C.I., Tejiokem, M.C., Sofeu, C.L., Warszawski, J., Faye, A.
Citations: 3
Index: Paediatrics and International Child Health
Year of Publication: 2019
Volume and Issue: 39(3), pp. 208–215

Title: A Treatment-Decision Score for HIV-Infected Children with Suspected Tuberculosis
Authors: Marcy, O., Borand, L., Ung, V., Blanche, S., Delacourt, C.
Citations: 35
Index: Pediatrics
Year of Publication: 2019
Volume and Issue: 144(3), Article ID: 2018-2065

Title: Mortality and Its Determinants in Antiretroviral Treatment-Naive HIV-Infected Children with Suspected Tuberculosis: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Marcy, O., Tejiokem, M., Msellati, P., Godreuil, S., Fournier-Nicolle, I.
Citations: 20
Index: The Lancet HIV
Year of Publication: 2018
Volume and Issue: 5(2), pp. e87–e95

Conclusion:

Dr. Ateba Ndongo’s impressive career in HIV/AIDS clinical care, research, and health policy makes him a strong candidate for a Best Researcher Award, particularly within public health and epidemiology. His hands-on experience in clinical settings, combined with his ethical oversight and recent COVID-19 response, demonstrate both dedication and versatility. Enhancing his publication volume and broadening his research scope could further reinforce his candidacy, positioning him as a distinguished researcher on a global scale.

Mrs. Lerato Lucia Olifant| Public Health | Best Researcher Award

University of Johannesburg, South Africa

Professional Profiles:

ORCID

GOOGLE SCHOLAR

👨‍🎓 Bio Summary:

Mrs. Lerato Lucia Olifant is an adaptable and driven health science researcher specializing in health promotion. With a strong foundation in community-based research, she has built a reputation for leveraging her skills in stakeholder engagement, data management, and leadership. As a second-year Ph.D. student, she focuses on HIV PrEP interventions, particularly among adolescent girls and young women. Mrs. Olifant’s career is rooted in her passion for improving community health and applying research-driven strategies to promote behavior change.

🎓 Educational Background:

2024 (Ongoing): Ph.D. in Public Health – University of Johannesburg

2021: Master of Health Sciences in Transdisciplinary Health Promotion – North-West University

2017: BA Honours in Psychology – North-West University

2016: BA in Health Sciences – North-West University

2006: Matric – Seiphemelo Secondary School

Mrs. Olifant’s educational background highlights a strong focus on health sciences and psychology, culminating in her current Ph.D. program, where she is dedicated to researching vital public health interventions.

🔍 Research Focus:

Mrs. Olifant’s research centers around HIV PrEP interventions aimed at adolescent girls and young women. She is deeply involved in exploring strategies to empower and protect vulnerable populations through health promotion. Her work focuses on designing interventions that bring about positive behavior change, utilizing a combination of fieldwork, community engagement, and evidence-based approaches to address pressing health challenges.

🏆 Honors & Awards:

Black Women in Science (BWiS) Fellowship – 2023 Cohort: A prestigious fellowship supporting women in STEM fields, equipping them with skills to succeed in their studies and careers.

Best Innovative Group Project Award – 2023: Received through the Black Women in Science Program, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation, recognizing her team’s innovative approach to solving social and business challenges.

Featured in a Book by Prof Phaswana-Mafuya (2023): Mrs. Olifant’s mentor-mentee relationship was highlighted in a book on research mentorship, reflecting her significant contributions and mentorship in academia.

These honors underscore Mrs. Olifant’s contributions to scientific research and innovation, particularly in health-related fields.

💼 Professional Experience:

Research Intern – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (June 2021 – May 2022): Conducted research, data gathering, and analysis, while fostering community engagement and stakeholder relationships.

Project Facilitator – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (January 2020 – December 2020): Managed fieldwork operations, coordinated with community forums, and facilitated training for field workers on upcoming research projects.

NRF Intern – Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research (April 2018 – March 2019): Gained hands-on experience in data collection, fieldwork, and community health promotion.

Her roles reflect extensive experience in research management, community engagement, and health promotion.

📚 Top Noted Publications :

Title:
Using Mobile Phones for Collecting Health Information in Sub-Saharan Africa During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons from the World Development Indicators

Authors:
OJ Baruwa, H Asare, L Olifant, P Bester, IM Kruger, C Ricci

Citations:
BMJ Global Health 7 (Suppl 2)

Index:
BMJ Global Health

Year of Publication:
2022

Conclusion:

Lerato Lucia Olifant’s extensive research experience, leadership, and commitment to community health promotion make her a strong contender for a Best Researcher Award. Her achievements, particularly in the realm of public health and health promotion, show that she is well-regarded in her field. To further strengthen her case for such an award, she could focus on increasing her academic publications, expanding her research impact globally, and securing funding for her research projects. Overall, her combination of practical skills, academic excellence, and recognized achievements make her a solid candidate.