On September 19, the U.S. Embassy in Yaoundé welcomed Fulbright Scholar Dr. Lawrence Ayong of “Centre Pasteur” Cameroon to share his academic experiences under the Fulbright program in the United States.

The accomplished scholar was met by Public Affairs Officer Roberto Quiroz II, Cultural Affairs Officer Merlyn Schultz, and Fulbright Program Coordinator Gerald Chilla, who lauded him for a rich Fulbright experience and his current work to combat and eradicate malaria, which remains a major public health threat in Cameroon and other nations.

“The Fulbright program can change the lives of its participants as it has changed and enriched my own life. I grew up poor and had to clean the streets of Yaoundé to finance my education.

Thanks to the American people’s sponsorship, I completed a doctoral program at the University of Central Florida in Orlando in 2009. Thereafter I enrolled in a postdoctoral program at the Center for Tropical and Emerging Diseases in Athens, Georgia.

As I was completing my post-doctoral fellowship, I received an offer to lead a Malaria Group at Centre Pasteur in Seoul, Republic of Korea. While in Korea, I maximized all opportunities and was eager to return home to make a difference.

I thankfully obtained a large grant to establish a Malaria Group Research Unit at the Centre Pasteur in Yaoundé. After one year my team has established an ultra-modern laboratory with a staff of five, including three graduate students. We are looking forward to making great strides with our fellow Cameroonians in the fight against malaria, and welcome any American Fulbrighters to join in our efforts,” Dr. Ayong noted.

The U.S. Embassy staff congratulated Dr. Ayong for his academic achievements and leadership combatting malaria through a dedicated research team composed of Cameroonian professionals. “As Ambassador Michael S. Hoza has said, the United States places a top priority in promoting the health of all Cameroonians.

The American people invest over $48 million in health programs which are implemented in partnership with Cameroonians like you, who are committed to strengthening the health of your fellow citizens.

We look forward to partnering with you on future endeavors, and commend you especially for raising awareness on the benefits of the Fulbright Program and on the pressing need to eradicate malaria, which is a preventable disease that continues to affect millions around the world,” Mrs. Schultz said. She also presented him with the book “The National Parks of America” in appreciation for his support of the program.

The Fulbright Program was established in 1946 and provides participants - chosen for their academic merit and leadership potential - with the opportunity to study, teach and conduct research, exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international challenges.

Each year, seven to ten Cameroonians receive grants to earn graduate and doctoral degrees, and to conduct research or teach in American institutions.