Dr. Patrice Njomnang Soh, a dedicated researcher in tropical diseases, has been at the forefront of combating malaria, a leading cause of global mortality. Reflecting on the alarming rise in malaria deaths during the early 2000s, he emphasizes the critical need for effective treatments, especially as drug resistance worsened outcomes. His commitment was further fueled by witnessing the devastating impact of malaria during a trip to Africa.In response,the World Health Association launched the “Roll Back Malaria” initiative in 1998,aiming to reduce morbidity adn mortality through universal health coverage. By 2003, a coalition of global health organizations, including Médecins Sans Frontières, established the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative to develop effective treatments and promote preventive education.A decade later, these efforts began to show results, inspiring Soh to focus his doctoral research on the epidemiology of drug resistance and the search for new malaria treatments.
Dr. Patrice Njomnang Soh, a newly established general practitioner in Saint-gaudens, France, emphasizes the vital role of integrating medicine with research to enhance patient care. After earning his medical degree in 2022, he recognized that understanding human physiology and pathology is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. With a meaningful percentage of the local population lacking a primary care physician,Dr.Soh is committed to addressing healthcare needs in the region. His unique background in urology and andrology research equips him to tackle complex medical issues,making him a valuable asset in a community that,while not as critically underserved as others in France,still faces notable healthcare challenges.Dr. Patrice Njomnang Soh, a dedicated physician and educator, is currently managing a demanding schedule, seeing nearly 1,700 patients while also teaching at the University of Toulouse.Despite his busy practice, he remains actively involved in research, recently presenting at the International Microbiology Days in Yaoundé, Cameroon, where he highlighted the alarming decline in malaria treatment effectiveness and the urgent need for innovative therapies. With concerns about the future of his practice,which includes seven other general practitioners,Dr. Soh emphasizes the importance of adapting to new medical knowledge and protocols to ensure the best care for his patients. Balancing his roles as a clinician and an academic, he continues to contribute to the medical field while navigating the challenges of a growing patient load.In a light-hearted moment, a local leader expressed his commitment to the community, stating, “The idea is, of course, to stay, unless the residents no longer want me,” eliciting laughter from those present.This sentiment reflects a growing trend among public figures to engage more openly with their constituents, fostering a sense of connection and accountability. As organizations like UNICEF and DNDi continue to address pressing global issues,the importance of local leadership in community progress remains paramount. Engaging with residents not only strengthens community ties but also enhances the effectiveness of initiatives aimed at improving public health and welfare.
Q&A with Dr. Patrice Njomnang Soh: A Leader in Malaria Research and Treatment
Editor,Time.news: Dr. Soh, thank you for joining us. You’re known for your impactful research in tropical diseases, notably malaria. Can you discuss your motivation for focusing on malaria during your career?
Dr. Patrice Njomnang Soh: Thank you for having me.My motivation stems from witnessing the devastating consequences of malaria during a trip to Africa. The increase in malaria deaths, especially in the early 2000s, highlighted a critical need for effective treatments. This prompted my dedication to understanding and combating this disease, especially as we are now facing alarming levels of drug resistance in regions like South-East Asia and Africa [1[1[1[1].
Editor: It’s concerning to hear about the rise in drug resistance. Can you explain how this impacts malaria treatment?
dr. Soh: Absolutely. The resistance to artemisinin derivatives, which are the mainstay of malaria treatment, presents a critically important challenge. If this trend continues, especially in Africa where malaria morbidity and mortality are highest, we could face a situation where not only the artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) are less effective, but also the partner drugs [1[1[1[1].
Editor: The World Health Institution has initiated several responses to tackle these issues.Can you elaborate on some of the initiatives launched, such as the “Roll Back Malaria”?
Dr. Soh: Certainly. The “Roll back Malaria” initiative, launched by the World Health Association in 1998, aims to reduce malaria morbidity and mortality through worldwide health coverage. This has laid the groundwork for subsequent initiatives like the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative established in 2003, which brought together various global health organizations. These collaborative efforts have focused not only on developing effective treatments but also on promoting preventive education [1[1[1[1].
Editor: As a general practitioner managing a busy practice and also teaching at the University of Toulouse, how do you balance these responsibilities while remaining involved in research?
Dr. Soh: balancing these roles is indeed challenging, but it’s also rewarding. I see around 1,700 patients and am committed to enhancing patient care through integrating research with clinical practice. Understanding human physiology and pathology is vital for effective diagnosis and treatment. My background in urology and andrology helps me address complex medical issues,which is essential for my community that faces notable healthcare challenges [1[1[1[1].
Editor: You recently presented at the International Microbiology Days in Cameroon. What were some key takeaways from your presentation regarding malaria treatment effectiveness?
Dr.Soh: I highlighted the concerning decline in the effectiveness of malaria treatments and stressed the urgent need for innovative therapies. We must adapt to the evolving landscape of malaria treatment, especially as resistance patterns change. It’s crucial for healthcare professionals to stay informed and revise protocols to provide the best care for our patients [1[1[1[1].
Editor: There’s also a significant emphasis on community engagement in public health. How do you view the role of local leadership in battling malaria?
Dr. Soh: Local leadership is essential.Engaging with community members fosters stronger ties and enhances the effectiveness of public health initiatives. A recent encounter with a local leader underscored this point,as he expressed his commitment in a humorous way,reminding us of the importance of being present and accountable to the residents [1[1[1[1]. The work of organizations like UNICEF and the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative is vital, but local leadership drives the implementation and sustainability of these global efforts.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Soh, for sharing your insights. Your work and dedication to combating malaria are incredibly inspiring and critical to global health efforts.
Dr.Soh: thank you for the opportunity to discuss these important issues. It’s a collective effort, and we must continue to support one another in this fight against malaria.