In a move to enhance professionalism, improve on training delivery and expand its scope of activity, the Tropics Derma Training & Research Institute, TDTRI has initiated a collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, UNESCO. This partnership has as main aim to revamp the cosmetic industry in Cameroon and across Africa.
Both TDRTI and UNESCO are also working towards elaborating a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with the goal to solidify their working relationship, and ensure a structured approach to their joint efforts. The MoU will clearly define areas of cooperation, the development of training programmes, research initiatives as well as professional projects.
UNESCO pledges continuous support to TDTRI
As the leading global scientific education body, UNESCO recognises the importance of supporting endeavours geared towards scientific research and innovation. The organ pays special attention to promoting gender equality and empowering women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics STEM.
In line with its commitment to youth empowerment and capacity-building, UNESCO in July 2024 hosted a pivotal Multilateral Science Forum on Tropical Skin Sciences in collaboration with TDTRI. The forum was to showcase new advancements and research works on tropical skin solutions by 25 students from the second batch of the Tropics Derma Institute.
This was at the end of their two-year training where they were equipped with innovative technological skills to provide clinical solutions to the devastating effects of climate change on skin in Tropical Africa.
UNESCO’s Regional Advisor for Natural Sciences in Central Africa, Diawara Bandiougou who took part in the forum lauded the young scholars from TDTRI. He further assured the institute of UNESCO’s commitment to create platforms that facilitate access to scientific and technological progress and knowledge sharing. He added that, UNESCO strongly supports the engagement of more and more women in the frontline of science and research.
“We are pleased to provide the platform and opportunity for these emerging scholars, especially women, to showcase their insights and exchange with experts in the country, while inspiring younger generations of women to pursue scientific careers as well as scientific excellence,” Diawara Bandiougou underscored.
On her part, TDTRI’s vision bearer Dr. Edith Forkwa Gibson reiterated that the institute’s vision is to regionally multiply trained contributors that can provide an effective scientific response to the hazards of climate change in the equatorial regions of the globe, whcih directly and indirectly contributes to skin conditions and unhealthy coping practices among people living in tropical areas.