Professor Judith Torimiro is a pioneering Cameroonian scientist whose extensive work in research, education, and public health has made a significant impact on health outcomes in her country and beyond.
She was recognized for her 27 years of impactful work in research, education, and public health, celebrated at the World Health Assembly in May 2019. Her journey began in the rainforests of Cameroon, where she became one of the first Cameroonian scientists to study zoonoses—diseases transmissible from animals to humans.
After completing her postdoctoral research in clinical biochemistry and applied molecular biology across Nigeria, the UK, and the USA, Professor Torimiro returned to Cameroon to bolster the national health system, train health workers, and focus on infectious diseases that affect women and children. Since her return in the 1990s, she has been instrumental in establishing four health research institutions in the country.
As Chair of the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Yaoundé I, Professor Torimiro plays a vital role in developing academic capacities in molecular biology, shaping the next generation of Cameroonian scientists. Her students conduct research using molecular techniques to identify disease-associated genes related to AIDS, hepatitis B, cancer, diabetes, and more. She emphasizes that “research output drives health policy,” advocating for responsible research that informs effective patient management and care.
Under her leadership, Cameroonian scientists have increasingly met international research standards, conducting work entirely within Cameroon since 2005. This achievement marks a significant step in capacity-building and talent retention in Africa.
Professor Torimiro is committed to operational research that addresses the health challenges of the population. She has contributed to improving early diagnosis of HIV in infants born to HIV-positive mothers and has helped establish a national program as part of the National AIDS Treatment Programme. Her efforts extend to researching hepatitis B in pregnant and breastfeeding women, aiming for cost-effective early diagnosis to enhance maternal and child health.
For her outstanding achievements in maternal health, she received the Award for Women’s Health from the Commonwealth in 1999. Professor Torimiro has sponsored various health screening campaigns and actively trains and mentors junior female scientists in health research.
Looking ahead, Professor Torimiro advocates for the integration of early diagnosis of bloodborne pathogens, like hepatitis B, into routine antenatal care services, emphasizing the need for accessibility and support for pregnant women in Cameroon. Her dedication to advancing health research and improving public health outcomes exemplifies her commitment to her country and the African continent.
The Editorial Team
