Profiling Non-Communicable Diseases
Hugues C. Nana Djeunga
Dr. Hugues C. Nana Djeunga, PhD is the Group Leader of the Profiling Non-Communicable Diseases (PROUD) Research Group and serves as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Translational Research and Development Foundation (TREND Foundation). He obtained his PhD in Molecular Parasitology from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon, in 2019. During his doctoral training, he was awarded competitive fellowships from the French Cooperation (SCAC) and the French National Research Institute for Sustainable Development (IRD), enabling advanced training in molecular parasitology, population genetics, and bioinformatics at the Institute of Parasitology, McGill University (Montreal, Canada), as well as specialized training in the statistical analysis of longitudinal and hierarchical data using multivariate and multilevel approaches at the IRD Centre in Montpellier, France.
Dr Nana Djeunga’s research focuses on the epidemiology and transmission dynamics of infectious diseases, the development of innovative diagnostic tools, drug discovery and development, and the design of novel interventions that accelerate disease elimination and improve public health. As leader of the PROUD Research Group, he is expanding these translational research approaches to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Africa through data-driven and precision health strategies.
He serves as a consultant and technical expert to several national and international bodies, including the Cameroon National Onchocerciasis Elimination Committee (NOEC), the World Health Organization (WHO) Onchocerciasis Technical Subgroup (OTS), and the WHO Diagnostic Technical Advisory Group (DTAG) for Neglected Tropical Diseases. He is also an active member of several professional organizations, including the Cameroon Academy of Young Scientists (CAYS), the Cameroon Society of Epidemiology (CaSE), the African Research Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases (ARNTD), the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH), and the Global Young Academy (GYA).
Background
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) – including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, chronic respiratory diseases, neurological disorders, and mental health conditions – are responsible for nearly three-quarters of all deaths worldwide. Their rapidly increasing burden, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, threatens health systems, economic development, and social well-being. In Africa, demographic transitions, urbanization, environmental changes, lifestyle modifications, and persistent health inequities are driving a growing epidemic of NCDs that often coexists with infectious diseases, creating a complex double burden of disease. Despite this growing challenge, important knowledge gaps remain regarding the biological, environmental, behavioral, and social determinants of NCDs in African populations. Addressing these gaps requires multidisciplinary and context-specific research capable of generating evidence that can be translated into effective public health interventions and policies.
Research Goals
PROUD Research Group is dedicated to advancing the understanding, prevention, diagnosis, and management of NCDs through innovative, data-driven, and translational research. Our mission is to characterize disease patterns, identify populations at greatest risk, unravel the complex interactions between genetic, environmental, behavioral, and socioeconomic determinants, and develop evidence-based strategies that improve health outcomes. Our research integrates epidemiology, clinical sciences, molecular and genomic technologies, digital health, biostatistics, artificial intelligence, and implementation science to generate actionable evidence for precision public health. We develop and apply innovative approaches for disease surveillance, risk prediction, biomarker discovery, early diagnosis, and health systems strengthening. Through strategic national and international collaborations, capacity building, and knowledge translation, PROUD Research Group aims to accelerate the development of equitable, scalable, and sustainable solutions that reduce the burden of NCDs and contribute to healthier communities across Africa and beyond.
PROUD Research Group conducts
multidisciplinary and translational research to better understand the burden,
determinants, and consequences of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Our work
combines epidemiology, clinical sciences, molecular and population health
research, biostatistics, artificial intelligence, digital health, and
implementation science to generate evidence that informs policy and improves
health outcomes. Our research is organized around four (04) complementary
thematic Research Axes.
Research Axis #1 - Population profiling, epidemiology & disease surveillance
Understanding who is affected, where, and why is fundamental to effective NCD prevention and control. This Research Axis investigates the epidemiology, geographic distribution, temporal trends, and disease trajectories of NCDs across diverse populations. We establish population cohorts, strengthen surveillance systems, and generate high-quality epidemiological evidence to monitor disease burden, identify emerging health challenges, and support evidence-informed planning and resource allocation.
Research Axis #2 - Risk factors, multimorbidity & health equity
Non-communicable diseases arise from complex interactions between biological, behavioral, environmental, genetic, and socioeconomic factors. This Research Axis seeks to identify the determinants of NCDs, characterize multimorbidity patterns, and understand how health inequities influence disease risk and outcomes. By identifying vulnerable populations and modifiable risk factors, our research informs targeted prevention strategies and promotes equitable access to quality healthcare.
Research Axis #3 - Data science, precision public health & digital innovation
Harnessing the power of data is transforming the prevention and management of chronic diseases. This Research Axis develops and applies advanced analytical methods, including biostatistics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, geospatial analysis, and digital health technologies, to improve disease prediction, risk stratification, and clinical decision-making. We leverage large-scale and real-world health data to advance precision public health and support innovative, data-driven approaches to NCD surveillance, diagnosis, and intervention.
Research Axis #4 - Translation science, health systems & policy impact
Scientific discoveries achieve their greatest value when translated into practice. This Research Axis focuses on implementation science, health systems research, and evidence translation to ensure that research findings inform policies, clinical guidelines, and public health programmes. Working closely with governments, healthcare providers, and international partners, we evaluate interventions, strengthen health systems, and contribute to policies aligned with national priorities, World Health Organization recommendations, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Our ultimate goal is to accelerate the adoption of effective, equitable, and sustainable solutions that reduce the burden of NCDs in Africa and globally.
Dr. Hugues C. Nana Djeunga
Dr. Florence Zeh Kakanou
Permanent Secretary of the National Committee for Cancer Control (CNLCa), Ministry of Public Health, Cameroon.