Research Officer at Research Center on Emerging and Re-merging ,Cameroon
Dr. Amougou Atsama Marie is a highly accomplished public health manager and virologist with extensive expertise in research, biosafety, and disease prevention. She currently serves as Biosafety Officer and Public Health Manager at the Research Center for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases in Yaoundé, Cameroon. With a strong focus on viral hepatitis and other infectious diseases, she has led numerous initiatives aimed at prevention, surveillance, and control within Central Africa. Her work spans laboratory research, public health program coordination, and stakeholder engagement at national and regional levels. Dr. Marie has played a key role in developing diagnostic protocols, improving health systems, and fostering community-based prevention strategies. Her leadership extends to advocacy, capacity building, and integrating innovative approaches, such as the use of improved traditional medicine in disease management. Dedicated, results-oriented, and deeply committed to public health, she continues to advance impactful research and healthcare improvement in underserved communities.
Professional Profile
Scopus
Education
Dr. Amougou Atsama Marie possesses a strong academic background in virology, biotechnology, and biochemistry, built through rigorous studies and advanced research training. She completed her doctoral and postdoctoral work at the renowned Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, where she specialized in the molecular and epidemiological aspects of various viral pathogens. She earned her master’s degree in biotechnology and development from the University of Yaoundé I, developing a foundation in molecular biology, diagnostics, and public health applications. Her undergraduate degree in biochemistry further strengthened her understanding of biological systems and analytical methods. Over the years, she has complemented her formal education with specialized certifications in good clinical laboratory practice, human research ethics, quality control management, and advanced genomic sequencing techniques. These academic achievements, coupled with hands-on research experience, have equipped her with both theoretical knowledge and practical expertise, enabling her to design, implement, and oversee complex public health and laboratory research programs effectively.
Experience
Dr. Amougou Atsama Marie has established herself as a leader in public health management and virology through diverse roles in research, biosafety, and quality control. As Biosafety and Research Officer, she has coordinated regional efforts for the elimination of viral hepatitis B and C across multiple Central African countries, facilitating capacity-building workshops and advocacy programs. She has developed and optimized diagnostic protocols for a range of viruses, including hepatitis B, C, D, E, Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika, while implementing robust surveillance and monitoring systems. Her work involves close collaboration with national and international health partners to strengthen healthcare delivery and integrate innovative solutions into disease prevention strategies. She has also led research on vaccine response, genetic diversity of hepatitis viruses, and the integration of traditional medicine in treatment. In addition to her technical expertise, she actively engages in community education, raising awareness about infectious disease prevention among students and the public.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Amougou Atsama Marie has received multiple recognitions for her outstanding contributions to virology research, biosafety, and public health initiatives. Her leadership in hepatitis elimination programs across Central Africa has earned her commendations from national health authorities and regional stakeholders. She has been honored for her innovative approaches in integrating traditional medicine into viral hepatitis management and for developing advanced diagnostic protocols for various infectious diseases. Her work in facilitating high-impact workshops, mentoring healthcare professionals, and contributing to national health guidelines has been acknowledged by both academic and public health institutions. She is respected for her role in promoting cross-border collaboration in disease control and for her dedication to building local capacity in laboratory diagnostics and biosafety management. Through these recognitions, Dr. Marie’s influence extends beyond research, highlighting her as a key figure in advancing evidence-based, community-centered health solutions in Cameroon and the broader Central African region.
Research Focus
Dr. Amougou Atsama Marie’s research centers on the prevention, diagnosis, and control of viral hepatitis and other emerging infectious diseases. She is particularly focused on understanding the genetic diversity of hepatitis viruses and its impact on vaccine response and treatment outcomes. Her work involves developing and optimizing molecular and serological diagnostic protocols for a wide range of viruses, including arboviruses such as Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika. She also investigates strategies to integrate traditional medicine into viral hepatitis management, aiming to improve accessibility and cultural acceptance of treatment in local communities. Dr. Marie is actively involved in operational research that strengthens health systems, enhances biosafety measures, and improves outbreak preparedness. Her approach combines laboratory-based research with community engagement, ensuring that scientific advancements translate into practical, sustainable health solutions. By bridging research, policy, and public health action, she contributes to regional and global efforts to control infectious diseases effectively.
Publication Top Notes
Title: First molecular detection of five gastroenteritis viruses in untreated wastewater and impact of seasonal change on their distribution in Cameroon
Journal: One Health (2025)
Summary:
This study presents the first molecular evidence of five major gastroenteritis-causing viruses detected in untreated wastewater in Cameroon. Using molecular techniques, researchers identified the presence of these pathogens and assessed how their distribution varies across different seasons. The findings reveal a clear influence of seasonal patterns on virus prevalence, highlighting the importance of wastewater surveillance as an early warning system for community health risks. The research supports the One Health approach by linking environmental monitoring to public health interventions, offering valuable insights for disease prevention and control strategies in the region.
Conclusion
Dr. Amougou Atsama Marie embodies a rare combination of scientific expertise, leadership, and dedication to public health improvement. Her career reflects a consistent commitment to advancing research, enhancing diagnostic capabilities, and promoting evidence-based interventions for infectious disease control. Through her work in laboratory innovation, biosafety, and community engagement, she has significantly contributed to the fight against viral hepatitis and other infectious threats in Central Africa. Her ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders, from policymakers to grassroots organizations, underscores her holistic approach to healthcare solutions. By integrating modern scientific methods with culturally sensitive strategies, she ensures that her work is both impactful and sustainable. Dr. Marie’s professional journey serves as an inspiring example of how research excellence and public health service can intersect to create lasting change, improving the lives of individuals and strengthening health systems across regions.