Editorial Team

Publisher

Afrimvoe Medical Services

Nkolso’o, Nouvelle Route Nkolbisson, Carrefour Station Ola. BP 17583 Yaounde – Cameroon

Editor -in - Chief.

Nko’o Amvene Samuel   - University of Yaounde 1, AMS, Cameroon

Pr Nko’o Amvene Samuel (NAS) is a physician and professor emeritus of clinical radiology, co-founder of Afrimvoe Medical Services, and the current editor-in-chief of Health Research in Africa (HRA). He earned his Doctorate in Medicine in 1980 from the University Center of Health Sciences ( Centre Universitaire des Sciences de la Santé) of the University of Yaounde in Cameroon, a then innovative school of medicine sponsored by WHO and UNFD. He completed his specialization in sports medicine and radiology in France (Dijon, Université de Bourgogne). NAS has been practicing clinical radiology in the Yaounde University Teaching Hospital since 1988 and he held several high-level academic responsibilities, including Head of the Radiology Residency Program in the Faculty of Medicine of Yaounde  for  nearly 30 years, Vice Dean in Charge of Academic Affairs and Coordinator General of the Residency Program in the same faculty. He also occupied high level administrative functions as Deputy Director General of the Yaounde General Reference Hospital and Inspector General of Administration in the Ministry of Higher Education. The scope of his expertise includes clinical radiology, medical pedagogy, medical research and dissemination of research. NAS is the current president of the Scientific Council of the Consultative Committee of Higher Education Institutions in the Minister of Higher Education. He authored more than fifty papers in various peer reviewed journals and is a former member of the New York academy of Sciences, the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine and the European Society of Radiology. NAS has been editor-in-chief of Health Sciences and Disease (the official academic journal  of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University of Yaounde I) for more than ten years and managed the transition of this journal to a full electronic journal in 2013. Furthermore, he strongly believes in the potential of the Open Access movement and brought several Cameroonian editors to use OJS as a platform for their journals. NAS is the founder and President of the NGO “Afrimvoe”, which promotes health, education, environment protection and peace in Africa. He is also Director of the Medical Department of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church of Cameroon since 2022 and a traditional ruler in the South Region of Cameroon. . NAS is Commander of the Order of Valor of Cameroon and Knight of the International Order of Academic Palms (OIPA/CAMES).

Deputy editor-in-chief

Moulion Tapouh Jean Roger - University of Dschang, Cameroon

Dr Moulion Tapouh Jean Roger is a physician and member of the scientific committee of HRA/HSD. He holds a Doctorate in Medicine and a Diploma of Specialised Studies in Radiology and Medical Imaging from Cameroon. Since 2014, he has been practising as a radiologist and has been teaching at the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences of the University of Dschang since 2020. His expertise spans across various disciplines, including diagnostic radiology, radiation protection, health professions education, and research ethics. Additionally, Dr. Moulion Tapouh Jean Roger is affiliated with the Cameroonian Society of Radiology, Radiotherapy and Medical Imaging, the Society of Radiology of French-speaking Black Africa, and the French Society of Radiology. His research endeavours encompass areas such as radiation protection, digestive imaging, best practices in medical imaging, and access to radiology. He has authored and co-authored approximately forty scholarly articles published in journals and reviews. Ultimately, Dr Moulion Tapouh Jean Roger is a passionate advocate of African scientific research aimed at addressing local challenges and enhancing Africans' access to high-quality healthcare. In this capacity, he is actively involved in the Open Access movement as a means of promoting scientific development and equity

Section editor

Georges Bediang, MD, MSc, PhD & MPH. University of Yaounde 1 - Cameroon

Prof. Georges BEDIANG, MD, MSc, PhD & MPH, is a Medical Doctor, who obtained a PhD in Medical Informatics and a Master of Advanced Studies in Public Health at the University Geneva.Currently, he is Full Professor, Head of the Medical Informatics chair and Director of the Laboratory for Research, Expertise and Innovation in Medical Informatics of the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (FMBS) of University of Yaoundé I. From these positions he introduced pre-graduate training in medical informatics for students in general medicine, pharmacy and dentistry and residents in public health since 10 years. In 2024, he designed and implemented the brand-new University Diploma in digital health within the same faculty.  His main research areas are: (i) the appropriate use of eLearning for the training of health professionals in Africa; (ii) the use of digital health and telemedicine tools to support healthcare and decisions for health professionals in Africa; (iii) and the use of knowledge engineering and artificial intelligence-based approaches in healthcare to improve screening, diagnostic and management of patients in resource-limited settings. Moreover, he is the current President of Cameroon Digital Health Society (SOCAS@N).

Member of the advisory and scientific board

François ONDO N'DONG, University of Health Sciences. Honorary President of the Société Gabonaise de Chirurgie. Libreville

Pr François ONDO N'DONG is Chief Hospital Surgeon and University Full Professor. He studied medicine at the Centre Universitaire des Sciences de la Santé in Libreville, and specialized in Thoracic and Vascular Surgery at the University of Aix-Marseille II. He is Head of the Department of Surgery and Specialties at the Libreville Faculty of Medicine, Chairman of the Teaching Commission and Vice-Chairman of the Scientific Commission. In these capacities, he presides over the training of the institution's trainers for registration on the CAMES aptitude lists, and preparatory courses for the Agrégation competitive examination. For the past twelve years, he has organized the Libreville International Pedagogy and Clinical Research Seminar, which has become a benchmark in the African sub-region. François ONDO N'DONG is Editor-in-Chief of two international surgical journals, and a member of the scientific and editorial committees of several scientific reviews. He is Honorary President of the Société Gabonaise de Chirurgie, Secretary General of the Société de Chirurgie d'Afrique Centrale, and Vice-President of the Association Africaine des Chirurgiens Thoraciques et Cardio-Vasculaires. In these capacities, he has made a significant contribution to the development of medicine on the African continent and worldwide

Member of the advisory and scientific board

Pr Rabiou Cisse, Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, Burkina Faso

Pr Rabiou Cisse  is a radiologist, member of the Advisory and Scientific Board of HRA. He is full professor of Radiology since 2008 in the Unité de Formation et de Recherche en Sciences de la Santé Université Joseph Ki Zerbo in Burkina Faso. He got his doctorate in Medicine in Senegal in 1989 and completed residency  in Bordeaux (France). He experienced a broad spectrum of academic, clinical and administrative functions  such as Dean  of the Faculty of medicine (unité de formation et de recherche en Sciences de la santé), President of Université Joseph KI-ZERBO, member of the Board of  Agence universitaire de la Francophonie. He authored more than 60 publications in peer review journals. He received numerous distinctions in his country and in Conseil africain et Malgache de l’enseignement supérieur (CAMES) for his contributions in the practice, teaching and research in the field of radiology medicine. RC is enthusiastic about  the Open Access (OA) movement and sees African researchers as the great beneficiary of OA.

Member of the advisory and scientific board

Mbopi-Keou - WHO, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon

With over three decades of Laboratory Medicine and Global Health experience, Prof Mbopi-Keou possesses a unique depth of knowledge of Infectious Diseases in Africa. In recognition of the ground-breaking nature of his work describing the association between genital herpes and HIV infection, he was awarded the first-ever GlaxoSmithKline Elion International Research Award 2000, named after the Nobel Prize Laureate Elion Truly. In addition, for a decade, he embodied the concept of “mobile medicine” by screening HIV/AIDS and other Infectious Diseases in urban and rural areas of Cameroon. Prof. Mbopi-Keou received his training from the Universities of Bordeaux and Paris, The Institut Pasteur, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine & Harvard University. He is currently a full Professor and Chair of the Department of Microbiology/Parasitology, Haematology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the University of Yaoundé I in Cameroon. He was the pioneer Head of the National Public Health Laboratory and the Division of Laboratories and Blood Safety at the Cameroon Ministry of Public Health. Moreover, Prof Mbopi-Keou is a Fellow of the Cameroon Academy of Science, and Member of several International professional, and academic societies, UN Technical Advisory Committees, and a Knight of the Cameroon National Order of Valor.

 

Member of the advisory and scientific board

Mah Evelyn Mungyeh, University of Ngaoundere, Cameroon

Pr Mah Evelyn Mungyeh is pediatrician, member of the advisory and scientific board of HRA and HSD. She is guided by the belief that as a team we can go far, especially as concerns improving health indicators in our country. She obtained a BSc in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Bradford in England, M.Med.Sci in Clinical Pathology from Sheffield Medical School (UK), MD and DES in pediatrics from the faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaounde1. She heads the neonatology unit at the Yaoundé Gyneco-Obstetric and Pediatric Hospital since 2008, University teacher end researcher since 2009 at the University of Yaounde1, and active member of the Newborn Technical force since 2014. She also has some experience in the university administration since 2020. Her areas of expertise and domain of research includes neonatology, infant nutrition, Infectiology and Epidemiology; with over 70 publications.. She has contributed in putting into place national policies on newborn care. She believes that it is not enough to carryout research, but that the results of research must be shared with other researchers through publication. Email: aminevelyn@yahoo.co.uk

 

Member of the advisory and scientific board

Kouadio Ayépa Alain, Houphouët Boigny University of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

Pr Kouadio Ayépa Alain holds a PhD in Dental Sciences, obtained through a joint supervision between Felix Houphouët Boigny University and Nantes University. He is an associate professor in removable prosthodontics at the department of orofacial rehabilitation within the faculty of dentistry at Felix Houphouët Boigny University. Additionally, he is a dental surgeon and hospital practitioner in the clinical prosthodontics and occlusodontics unit at the Cocody University Hospital Center (Abidjan). He is also affiliated with the department of prosthodontics at the faculty of dentistry at Nantes University. He has participated in numerous research studies and has co-authored scientific articles published in national, regional, and international peer-reviewed journals. He is an active member of several professional and scientific organizations, including: the research laboratory for biomorphology, orofacial pathologies, and oral health at the faculty of dentistry of Abidjan, the African College of Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery and the National College of Prosthodontics and Orofacial Rehabilitation Professors of France. His areas of expertise include: pathologies associated with removable prosthodontics and microbiology in dentistry

Member of the administrative and editorial staff

Nko’o Nko’o Samuel, Afrimvoe Medical Services, Cameroon

Nko’o Nko’o Samuel is member of the administrative and editorial staff  of  Health Research in Africa.  He has a Master’s degree obtained from the International Relations Institute of Cameroon. He carries out editing, formatting and preparation for review of papers submitted to HRA as well as uploading and prepublication of articles. In his free time, he spends time in sports, social and political activities.

Member of the administrative and editorial staff

Abo'o Melom Adèle Tatiana, University of Yaounde 1, Cameroon

Dr Adèle Tatiana Abo’o Melom is member of the administrative and editorial staff  of  Health Research in Africa. She is  a Medical Doctor and a  Radiologist, with subspeciality training in Musculoskeletal Imaging from the University of Paris Cité, and in Women's Imaging from Sorbonne University. She also holds a Master's degree in Health Facility Management obtained from IAE Paris-Est. She carries out pre-publication processing and is particularly involved in editing, formatting, and uploading of articles. Her cardinal values are excellence, hard work and integrity.

 

Publisher
Afrimvoe Medical Services, Cameroon

Editor in chief
Samuel Nko’o Amvene, MD (University of Yaounde 1)

Deputy editors in chief
Moulion Tapouh Jean Roger, MD (University of Dschang)
Nko’o Amvene Michael Robert MD (University of Douala)

Section editors
Bediang Georges (FMBS/UYI, Yaounde), Ongolo Zogo Pierre (Centre for Development of Best Practices in Health, FMBS/UYI, Yaounde), Kingue Samuel (FMBS/UYI, Yaounde), Ondo Ndong François (University of Health Sciences, Libreville), Ekono Nna Michel (FMPS/UD, Ebolowa)

Editorial Committee
Biwole Sida Magloire (ISTM, Yaounde), Essame Oyono Jean Louis (Institut de Recherche Médicale et d'Etudes des Plantes Médicinales (IMPM) Yaounde), Mboudou Emile (Douala General Hospital, Douala), Njock Louis Richard (Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé), Zeh Odile Fernande (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Djientcheu Vincent (Yaounde General Hospital, Yaoundé), Ndjolo Alexis (CIRCB, Yaounde), Gloria Ashuntantang (FHS/Uba, Bamenda), Hamadou Ba (Garoua General Hospital, Garoua), Ntone Enyime Felicien (University Teaching Hospital, Yaounde), Seme Ambroise (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Mbo Amvene Jérémie (FMBS/UGa, Garoua), Guegang Goujou Emilienne (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Moifo Boniface (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Luma Henri (FMBS/UYI, Douala General Hospital, Douala), Mpondo Mpondo Emmanuel (CNM, Ministry of Public Health, Douala), Essi Marie José (The University of Yaounde 1, Yaoundé), Mballa Amougou Jean Claude (FMPS/UEb, Ebolowa).

Advisory and Scientific Board
Klaus Schönenberger (EPFL, Lausanne), Etoua Remy Magloire (ENSPY/UY1, Yaounde), Ebana Mvogo Come (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Rabiou Cissé (Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou), Ze Minkande Jacqueline (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Dong a Zok (FHS/UPAC, Yaoundé), Mezom Timothée (ESTAD, Yaoundé), Siaka Sidibe (CHU du Point G, Bamako), Loughe S Claudine (Université Joseph Ki-Zerbo, Ouagadougou, Ouagadougou), Essame Oyono Jean Louis (Institut de Recherche Médicale et d'Etudes des Plantes Médicinales (IMPM) Yaounde, Yaounde), Kasia Jean Marie (CHRACERH, Yaounde), Biwole Sida Magloire (Yaounde), Ngowe Ngowe Marcellin (Douala), Ondo Ndong François (Libreville), Ndjolo Alexis (CIRCB, Yaounde), Zo’o Martin Roger (Maine Image Santé, Le Mans), Ille Saha (Ministry of Health, Niamey), Gresenguet Gérard (Université de Bangui, Bangui), Ibara JR (Université Marien-Ngouabi, Brazzaville), Tetanye Ekoe (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Foumane Pascal (FMSB/UEb, Sangmelima), Choukem Simeon Pierre (FMSP/UDs, Dschang), Kofi Ndakena (Université de Lomé, Lomé), Nkegoum Blaise (CNLS/ Ministry of Public Health, Yaounde), Njamnshi Kongnyu Alfred (FMBS/UY1, BRAIN, Yaounde), Ndjitoyap Ndam Elie Claude (FMBS/UY1, SCA, Yaoundé), Medjo Eko Robert (EIPC, Abidjan), FX Mbopi Keou (FMBS/UY1, Yaounde), Kouadio Ayépa Alain (Houphouët Boigny University of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire).

Administrative and Technical Secretariat
Mbede Maguy, Moulion Tapouh Jean Roger, Nko’o Amvene Michael Robert, Belobo Eyebe Grace, Akono Ondo Laryssa, Awana Armel, Nko’o Ebale Franklin Albert, Amenele Jeanne Marie Priscille, Abdouraman Sali, Angono Dorothée Célanie, Bite’e Bengono Nathalie, Ndigai Angelle, Nko’o Nko'o Samuel Princy, Abo’o Melom Tatiana, Ngono Akam Vanina, Ningha Nguimgo Brenda, Mbozo’o Mvondo Samuel.

Duties and responsibilities
HRA complies with  the recommendations of the Council of Science Editors that encourage everyone involved in the scholarly publishing process to take responsibility for promoting integrity in scientific publishing.
 
Duties and responsibilities  of Editors
Editors have responsibilities toward the authors who provide the content of the journals, the peer reviewers who comment on the suitability of manuscripts for publication, the journal’s readers and the scientific community, the owners/publishers of the journals, and the public as a whole
The role of editors is to maintain and develop wherever possible the journal’s profile and reputation. Editors have final responsibility for the journal’s content. They should ensure that the journal’s aims, scope and content respond to any changes of direction in the field of study to incorporate newly-emerging work. They work closely with the journal’s publishing staff to ensure that it is strategically developed in line with market evolution. Both editors and the publishing staff will make recommendations in this regard, based on their complementary expertise and sources of information.
Reviewers’ duties and responsibilities 
Reviewer responsibilities toward authors
• Providing written, unbiased, constructive feedback in a timely manner on the scholarly merits and the scientific value of the work, together with the documented basis for the reviewer’s opinion
• Indicating whether the writing is clear, concise, and relevant and rating the work’s composition, scientific accuracy, originality, and interest to the journal’s readers
• Avoiding personal comments or criticism
• Maintaining the confidentiality of the review process: not sharing, discussing with third parties, or disclosing information from the reviewed paper
Reviewer responsibilities toward editors
• Notifying the editor immediately if unable to review in a timely manner and, if able, providing the names of alternative reviewers
• Alerting the editor about any potential personal, financial or perceived conflict of interest and declining to review when a conflict exists
• Complying with the editor’s written instructions on the journal’s expectations for the scope, content, and quality of the review
• Providing a thoughtful, fair, constructive, and informative critique of the submitted work, which may include supplementary material provided to the journal by the author
• Determining scientific merit, originality, and scope of the work; indicating ways to improve it; and, if requested, recommending acceptance or rejection using whatever rating scale the editor deems most useful
• Noting any ethical concerns, such as any violation of accepted norms of ethical treatment of animal or human subjects or substantial similarity between the reviewed manuscript and any published paper or any manuscript concurrently submitted to another journal that may be known to the reviewer
• Refraining from direct author contact
Reviewer responsibilities toward readers
• Ensuring that the methods and analysis are adequately detailed to allow the reader to judge the scientific merit of the study design and be able to replicate the study
• Ensuring that the article cites all relevant work by other scientists.
Duties and responsibilities of the Advisory and Scientific Board
The Advisory and Scientific Board (ASB) has an advisory role. It is composed of specialists within the journal’s fields and offers guidelines for the journal: themes, scientific choices, etc. The scientific committee guarantees the quality of the journal. Their roles are:
Advice: The members the ASB provide scientific advice to the editorial team, informed by evidence from the relevant literature. Scientific advice includes assessments, guidelines, recommendations, and other types of prescriptions. They contribute to the development of HRA within the context of its development plan. They advise on novel and contentious proposals and projects and respond to requests from the Editor in Chief (EIC) in relation to wider scientific issues raised by the public and/or scientific community.
Review: The members of the ASB review the quality, timeliness and relevance of published research, and assist the EIC in the composition of the editorial team and the choice of reviewers.
Other contributions: The members of ASB contribute in light of an individual member's specialist knowledge, to in-depth investigations of particular topics as required by the EIC