I am Pouokam Guy Bertrand, from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Yaoundé I - Cameroon. I hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Biochemistry and I am currently completing a Master's degree program at both the Laboratory of Hygiene and Environment, section Chemistry - LHEC of the "Centre Pasteur du Cameroun" and the Laboratory of Food Sciences and Metabolisms of Yaoundé I University.

Current Research

I am currently working on Exposure and Risk Assessment of a Cameroonian population to Heavy metals intake and 14 essential elements using the Total Diet Study approach recommended by the World Health Organization.

In 2008, I attended a three month Toxicology Training Internship organized by the U.S Foundation The Africa Education Initiative (NEF) and hosted by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom Plateau State Nigeria. During this internship I worked with two other team members on the "Influence of age on sub - chronic toxicity of aqueous leaves extract of Calotropis procera plant on rabbits". This exciting and unique opportunity allows me to consolidate my skills on basic techniques for biochemical and hematological laboratory analysis. Moreover I learned for the first time, background for Necropsies exploration and Histopathology investigations.

Important Research Underway in Cameroon

• The Inter-States Pesticides Committee for Central Africa (CPAC), with headquarters in Cameroon, is a sub-regional inter-state body in charge of pesticide regulation. It comprises 3 experts/representatives from each CEMAC Member State, as well as representatives of the CEMAC Commission, IAPSC-AU, FAO and WHO. The major objective of CPAC is the sanitation of agricultural production for the preservation of the environment and the health of local consumers, as well as to enhance the competitiveness of local agricultural produce on the international market.

• Centre Pasteur of Cameroon (CPC), is at the national level, the reference laboratory for public health investigations, and internationally, is the the WHO excellence and regional Center for infectious diseases (those transmitted from water and food) in francophone sub Saharan countries. In addition, it is a member of Pasteur Institute Network (32 Institutions)

• The Laboratory of Foods Sciences and Metabolisms (LABSAM) of the University of Yaoundé I, is gaining interest in food toxicology, particularly the effects of common local food processing technologies on nutrients quality and toxic effects.

• The National Food Fortification Alliance Committee (Ministry of Health) is piloting a National food fortification program with the technical support of the NGO Helen Keller International, Cameroon.