Cameroon’s Ministry of Higher Education, together with Professor Yoram Gidron, a renowned Health Psychology expert from Haifa University, Israel, has pledged to expand education on non-communicable diseases across Cameroon’s eight medical schools. This pilot initiative aims to address the escalating prevalence of health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease in developing nations.
Professor Gidron, also known as Yori, recently led a conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, alongside his colleague, Professor Eric Mulumba Zozo. Their mission was to empower local health professionals with the necessary tools to combat these pressing health challenges. The event, held at the University of Yaounde 1, marked Gidron’s second visit to Cameroon since 2019 and received commendation for its visionary approach to health education.
During the conference, over 100 participants gathered to learn about innovative health strategies, with a focus on evidence-based methods for detecting and preventing heart diseases. Professor Gidron introduced attendees to techniques such as activating the vagus nerve through slow-paced breathing, which has shown promising results in reducing blood pressure and inflammation. The use of biofeedback devices was also emphasized to allow participants to monitor their progress in real-time.
Professor Gidron and his team provided their expertise free of charge, emphasizing the value of preventing death without financial barriers. This commitment aligns with their goal of making health education accessible to all, particularly in resource-constrained regions.
Looking ahead
Professor Gidron and Professor Zozo plan to expand their initiative by training health professionals across all eight medical schools in Cameroon, as promised by the Ministry of Higher Education. Their dedication to involving more Cameroonians in discussions about health and prevention reflects a transformative approach to healthcare in developing countries, fostering a proactive stance against the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.
