Louis-Albert Tchuem Tchuenté is Professor of Parasitology at the University of Yaoundé I, with broad interest in the epidemiology, ecology, and control of parasites. He is the Founding Director of the research Centre for Schistosomiasis and Parasitology, Coordinator of the National Programme for the Control of Schistosomiasis and Intestinal Helminthiasis, Inspector for Medical and Paramedical Services at the Ministry of Public Health, NTD Ambassador, Global Schistosomiasis Alliance (GSA) Ambassador, and Chair of the GSA Monitoring and Evaluation Working Group. He has over 35 years of extensive experience in various aspects of research and control of schistosomiasis, STH and other NTDs, including project/programme development, management, implementation, leadership, resource mobilization, partnership development and capacity building. Through his scientific discoveries, he contributed to a better knowledge of the reproductive biology of schistosomes and its implications on the epidemiology of schistosomiasis, and he provided new insights on the precision mapping of schistosomiasis and the transition from control to elimination. He provided strategic direction and built high political commitments for the control and elimination of NTDs in Cameroon, with significant achievements. Between 2012-2015, he joined the World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa where he worked as focal person for preventive chemotherapy NTDs, and focal point for the China-Africa collaboration for the elimination of schistosomiasis in Africa. He provided technical assistance to African countries and significantly contributed to the establishment of the Institution-based Network on China-Africa Cooperation for Schistosomiasis Elimination. Professor Tchuem Tchuenté is a member of the Expanded Board of the International Federation for Tropical Medicine, a life member of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, and of several other international professional societies and Advisory Committees. He is a member of the World Health Organization Advisory Group on STH and Schistosomiasis Control and Elimination. He serves on the editorial board of several international journals and has published over 130 peer-reviewed papers. He received several awards and distinctions, and was raised to the dignity of Commander of the National Order of Valour of Cameroon in 2016.
