Installation of solar panels at CREMER: towards energy autonomy
Installation of solar panels at CREMER: towards energy autonomy
Photo: IRD
The Centre for Research on Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases (CREMER) is a virology laboratory and research center under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation in Cameroon. In partnership with IRD, its priority activities focus on operational and fundamental research on emerging and re-emerging diseases, following a One Health approach.
In recent years, the laboratory has faced the challenge of unstable electricity supply, recognized as one of the main limiting factors for the deployment of genomic surveillance in Africa. In this context, the AFROSCREEN project (Strengthening sequencing capacities in Africa), funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), has played a central role: it supported the feasibility study, purchase, and installation of a renewable energy production system for the Centre.
The handover of the works took place on 12 September 2025 by Prof. Charles Kounafack (Co-coordinator of CREMER), in the presence of Reinette Demenou, IRD Administrator in Cameroon.
This new equipment represents a major step forward for CREMER, enabling it to carry out its genomic and molecular biology research activities with greater stability, as regular electricity supply is as crucial for laboratories as it is for hospitals.
The provision of this key equipment aligns with the project’s initial objective: supporting laboratory staff training, providing sequencing equipment and consumables, and conducting field investigations to strengthen the surveillance of emerging pathogens with epidemic potential since 2021.
Photo: IRD
The Centre for Research on Emerging and Re-emerging Diseases (CREMER) is a virology laboratory and research center under the technical supervision of the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation in Cameroon. In partnership with IRD, its priority activities focus on operational and fundamental research on emerging and re-emerging diseases, following a One Health approach.
In recent years, the laboratory has faced the challenge of unstable electricity supply, recognized as one of the main limiting factors for the deployment of genomic surveillance in Africa. In this context, the AFROSCREEN project (Strengthening sequencing capacities in Africa), funded by the French Development Agency (AFD), has played a central role: it supported the feasibility study, purchase, and installation of a renewable energy production system for the Centre.
The handover of the works took place on 12 September 2025 by Prof. Charles Kounafack (Co-coordinator of CREMER), in the presence of Reinette Demenou, IRD Administrator in Cameroon.
This new equipment represents a major step forward for CREMER, enabling it to carry out its genomic and molecular biology research activities with greater stability, as regular electricity supply is as crucial for laboratories as it is for hospitals.
The provision of this key equipment aligns with the project’s initial objective: supporting laboratory staff training, providing sequencing equipment and consumables, and conducting field investigations to strengthen the surveillance of emerging pathogens with epidemic potential since 2021.