Cameroonian Ophthalmologist, Dr Mbacham Nyoh, bags prestigious Francophonie prize.

This was at the close of a three-day international congress held in Paris, France. The international prize honours young ophthalmologists residing in French-speaking countries outside France, whose innovative research advances the frontiers of ophthalmology.

Dr Mbacham Nyoh received the recognition for her innovative research titled: “Correlation between optical coherence tomographic markers and the plasmodium falciparum histidine rich protein 2 (pfhrp2) gene in Severe Malaria”.

The award-winning research, carried out at the Second Region Military Hospital in Douala, was conducted under the supervision of Prof Koki Godefroy and Prof Wilfred Mbacham, with the assistance of Prof Toukam Michel and Dr Nomo Arlette.

With this honour, Dr Mbacham Nyoh not only elevates Cameroon’s flag but also shines a spotlight on the critical intersection of malaria and ophthalmic health in Francophone Africa.

Key findings

According to Dr. Mbacham’s study, the correlation between genetic and age revealed the presence of the PfHRP2 gene correlated directly with Optical Coherence Tomography, OCT-detected retinal abnormalities. 

The findings disclosed that older patients showed higher risk, while carriers of the NLRP3 (the Inflammation trigger), TT genotype appeared protected against severe retinal damage. 

By using light waves, OCT provides high-resolution images that allow eye specialists to detect subtle changes in the retina’s structure, blood vessels, and layers, often before symptoms appear.

It is especially valuable in diagnosing and monitoring diseases like diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and, as highlighted in Dr. Mbacham’s research, retinal complications linked to severe malaria

About Dr. Nyoh Mbacham 
Born and raised in Yaoundé, Dr Fanny Nyoh Mbacham is a 34-year-old ophthalmologist dedicated to advancing eye health and research in Cameroon and beyond.
In 2017, she obtained her Doctor of Medicine, MD, from the Université des Montagnes in Bangangté, West Region, before moving to the University of Yaoundé I, where she acquired her Master of Science Degree in Molecular Bioscience at the Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, FMBS, in 2019.

She then engaged to complete her specialisation in Ophthalmology at same university, with a public defence in September 2024.

In addition, she pursued advanced training at the Harvard Medical School in USA, from 2020 to 2021, earning certification as a Clinical Research Scholar.
Currently, she is the Managing Director at Mom Ophthalmology, with branches in Yaounde and Kribi.

Dr Mbacham Nyoh also serves as Deputy Director of the Centre for Health Implementation and Translational Research, CHITRES, which is part of the Fobang Institutes for Innovations in Science and Technology, FINISTECH.
She also works at the private health facility, Polyclinique de Poitiers, in Bessengue-Douala, where she provides patient care, performs diagnostic procedures, and conducts research aimed at advancing eye health in Littoral Region.

About French Society of Ophthalmology

The French Society of Ophthalmology or the Société Française d’Ophtalmologie, SFO, brings together eye health professionals to be informed of new developments in the field of ophthalmology. 

Through the organization of events, the SFO and the Organisation for the Prevention of Blindness, OPC, offer each other the possibility of communicating with new audiences.

The 2025 SFO congress, a leading ophthalmology conference, featured reports, conference debates, teaching and practical workshops on a wide range of ocular topics, from infections to specific pathologies such as cataracts and macular atrophy.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3448 of Wednesday May 14, 2025