Excellency : Professor Eugène Sobngwi a model for medical research in Africa

Professor Eugène Sobngwi, eminent Cameroonian endocrinologist and director of the organization of care and health technology at the Ministry of Public Health, was received in audience by Minister Dr Malachie Manaouda for a special ceremony.
The professor wanted to share with his supervising minister the prestigious distinctions he has just received.
The ceremony of this Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the Ministry of Public Health was an opportunity to celebrate Cameroonian excellence in the field of health and to strengthen the links between research and public policies.
These distinctions, obtained at the end of an exceptional career, testify to the excellence of Cameroonian medical research. Prof. Sobngwi was elected a member of the National Academy of Medicine of France, a centuries-old institution that brings together the most eminent medical scientists. He was also admitted to the prestigious Royal College of Physicians in England, a recognition of his expertise in the field of endocrinology.
The first distinction is a diploma (to be completed later by a medal) which attests to the admission of Professor Eugène SOBNGWI into the National Academy of Medicine of France established in 1820. The second distinction is a parchment written in Latin also accompanied by a diploma which makes the specialist in endocrinology, one of the members of the Royal College of Physicians. One of the highest medical distinctions in Great Britain. Admitted since December 2023, the decision was not made official until July 2024. With Professor Eugène SOBNGWI, there are now six Cameroonians to hold the precious sesame.
During this meeting, Professor Sobngwi explained the scope of these distinctions and their importance for medical research in Cameroon. He stressed that these international recognitions are the result of hard work and close collaboration with his teams.
For his part, the Minister of Public Health warmly congratulated Professor Sobngwi for these honorary distinctions. He praised his exemplary career and his commitment to serving the health of Cameroonians. Dr. Manaouda Malachie also stressed the importance of these international recognitions for Cameroon’s influence in the field of medical research.
This ceremony was an opportunity for the Minister to reaffirm the government’s support for Cameroonian researchers and to encourage them to continue their efforts to improve the health of populations. It was also an opportunity to celebrate Cameroonian excellence in the field of health and to strengthen the links between research and public policies.
Pr Eugène Sobngwi, a rich and promising career, dedicated to research, teaching and medical practice.
Born in 1971, Prof. Sobngwi is an endocrinologist internationally recognized for his work on diabetes in Africa. His research has focused on epidemiology, pathophysiology of the disease, clinical trials and gestational diabetes. His contributions have been instrumental in better understanding this chronic disease, which affects more and more people on the African continent.
After brilliant studies in Cameroon and France, Professor Sobngwi began a prolific academic career. He has taught at several universities, including the University of Yaoundé I where he currently holds the position of full professor. He has supervised many PhD students and published numerous scientific articles.
In parallel with his academic activities, Prof. Sobngwi has always been very involved in clinical practice. He worked as an endocrinologist at the Yaoundé Central Hospital and held positions of responsibility within the Ministry of Public Health. Since 2021, he has been Director of the Organization of Care and Health Technology, a strategic position that allows him to influence health policies at the national level.
His election to the French National Academy of Medicine is an international recognition of the excellence of his work and his commitment to public health. It also demonstrates the influence of Cameroonian medical research on the international scene.
A model for African youth
The career of Professor Eugène Sobngwi is a source of inspiration for the younger generations of Cameroonian researchers and doctors. He demonstrates that with passion, determination and hard work, it is possible to achieve excellence and contribute to the development of one’s country.
As a member of the French National Academy of Medicine, Prof. Sobngwi will continue to promote medical research in Africa and advocate for patients. He is convinced that the fight against chronic diseases, such as diabetes, requires strengthening health systems and ensuring equitable access to care.
The election of Professor Eugène Sobngwi to the National Academy of Medicine of France is excellent news for Cameroon and for Africa. It is the result of an exceptional career, marked by excellence, commitment and dedication.
Mireille Siapje