By Ikome Christie-NoellaEposi in Buea
The University of Buea’s Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS), in collaboration with the Cameroon Society for Toxicological Sciences (CSTS), held the Third Annual Toxicology Open Day Seminar on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. The event has grown in prominence since its inception took place at Amphitheatre 500 under the distinguished patronage of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ngomo Horace Manga.
With the central theme “Toxicological Implications of Climate Change and Human Health,” this year’s seminar brought together academics, researchers, healthcare professionals, and students to examine the growing intersection between environmental changes and public health concerns in Cameroon and the wider region.
The event was marked by the recognition of distinguished individuals for their outstanding contributions to toxicological research and education.
Awardees included Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga, Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea; Prof. Halle-Ekane Edie Gregory, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences; and Dr. Abdel-Razak M. Kadry (in absentia).
Raising the alarm on climate-induced health threats
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Charles N. Fokunang drew attention to alarming global health statistics resulting from environmental degradation. He cited that 1.8 million deaths from diarrhea are linked to poor water access and hygiene, 3.1 million deaths result from malnutrition driven by climate disruptions, and air pollution causes approximately 800,000 deaths annually. Malaria remains a major health threat, claiming over 400,000 lives each year, predominantly among African children under five.
In the Cameroonian context, Prof. Fokunang noted that the country is experiencing climate-related effects such as extreme heat, agricultural challenges, and the transformation of urban areas into heat islands. He also emphasised increasing risks related to ultraviolet radiation, food poisoning, and storm-related injuries, all of which are exacerbated by climate variability. “Climate change is very likely to result in major environmental instability that will lead to growing global challenges,” Prof. Fokunang warned, calling for urgent and concerted global action.
Strategic solutions and policy integration
As a roadmap, the keynote speaker recommended placing health at the heart of climate change policies, strengthening public health infrastructure, adopting low-carbon development paths, and building responsive healthcare systems. He urged decision-makers and the public to engage actively with environmental issues, noting that the complex dynamics of climate change require location-specific and proactive responses.
Scientific presentations and community engagement
The seminar featured an array of research presentations that reflected the diversity of toxicological concerns in Cameroon. Topics included: The ecotoxicity–climate change nexus, Pollution and ecological risk assessment in Njombe-Penja volcanic soils, Impacts of anthropogenic activity along River Ndongo, Maternal toxic exposures and fetal health, Postnatal development following toxic plant exposure, Heavy metal loads in Douala Bassa wetland ecosystems etc.
The academic atmosphere was complemented by interactive sessions, poster exhibitions, and vibrant discussions between scholars, students, and health professionals. Attendees hailed from various sectors, including academia, public health, government institutions and the wider community.
Insights from academic leadership
In a press interview, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Buea, Prof. Ngomo Horace Manga described the seminar as vital to understanding the toxins present in everyday environments. “Seminars like this update our knowledge and enable synergy between academia and public policy. The Ministry of Health and other stakeholders can benefit directly from what is shared here,” he noted.
Reflecting on his award, the VC acknowledged the initiative of the seminar coordinator who linked his prior research to toxicological issues. He added that the recognition also symbolises the university’s broader commitment to supporting health-related research that benefits national development.
Professor Halle-Ekane Edie Gregory, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and a practicing obstetrician-gynecologist, emphasised the urgency of addressing toxicological risks. “Toxicology is not infectious, but it is contaminative. Even air can become a toxin. As scientists, we need continuous updates to counter the harmful effects of environmental toxins,” he said.
CSTS and the future of toxicology in Cameroon
Professor Asongalem Emmanuel Acha, President of the CSTS, highlighted the progress made through the seminars and CSTS outreach efforts, including educational programming on national television. “We are here to sensitise the population about the chemical and environmental risks they face in everyday life. Toxicology is still new to many people, but awareness is growing,” he stated.
Prof. Asongalem reiterated the importance of establishing a national poison center in Cameroon, a long-awaited project that could serve both medical and legal functions. Such a center, he explained, would provide expert guidance in cases of poisoning and perform analyses to support public health and forensic investigations.
A call to action
The 2025 seminar closed with a renewed call for awareness, collaboration, and policy integration in toxicology and climate health. With environmental and chemical exposures increasingly shaping health outcomes, the work of the University of Buea and CSTS remains a crucial pillar in Cameroon’s health and academic landscape.
As Prof. Fokunang aptly concluded, “The complexity of climate systems means impacts will vary globally. But everywhere, the consequences demand urgent, informed action.”
As environmental changes continue to influence health outcomes, the Third Annual Toxicology Seminar served as a vital platform for discussion, research sharing, and policy engagement. With growing momentum from both academic and public health communities, the University of Buea and CSTS remain at the forefront of raising awareness and developing strategies to mitigate the toxicological impacts of climate change in Cameroon and beyond.