Contribution to Cameroon Diabetes epidemiology by risk analysis in patients and first degree relatives (Cameroon diabetes Epidemiology and Registry (CAMDER) in Kameroen)

The available evidence suggests that non-communicable diseases currently contribute substantially to the burden of morbidity (illnesses) and mortality (deaths) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Even allowing for the uncertainties of predicting future disease patterns posed by the unfolding of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa and Cameroon, it is clear that the relative importance of non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, is increasing. This project proposal is oriented towards the development of diabetes health care tools, the elucidation of the epidemiological picture of the disease and its related risk factors, and a better disease management in two collaborating centres in Cameroon. We will translate the experience accumulated over the last 15 years in the Belgian Diabetes Registry (BDR) and the Diabetes Research Centre (DRC) of the VUB through capacity building into research action in collaboration with two academic departments in Cameroon. The project focuses on creation of long-standing co-operation between private and public stakeholders and capacity building including the training of young scientist and MDs, and the establishment of a reference lab for clinical biology of diabetes.