Our history, mission and the principles that guide the association's work.
In 1992, Mr BIJENSI Jerome — a laboratory technologist and bureau member of the Association of Nurses, Midwives and Health Technicians — attended the 20th World Congress of the International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists (IAMLT) in Dublin, Ireland. Moved by what he encountered there, he asked IAMLT's Executive Director, Margaretta Haag, how the association he represented could join the world body. He was told the existing association was too broad — IAMLT admitted laboratory professional groups only — and advised to return home and form one exclusively for medical laboratory personnel.
He did exactly that. Mobilising laboratory professionals in Bamenda, Kumbo, Buea, Tiko and Limbe, the discussions that followed gave rise to the Cameroon Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists (CAMLAT), headquartered in Bamenda and officially registered on 12th July 1995.
Formed in Bamenda by laboratory professionals from Bamenda, Kumbo, Buea, Tiko and Limbe. Pioneer President: Mr Mancho Daniel.
CAMLAT joins the International Association of Medical Laboratory Technologists, with international dues for 1996–1998 paid through an "adoption" by regions of the American Society of Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS).
Mr Chick Stanley, CAMLAT's first chief delegate to an IAMLT World Congress (Singapore), is elected to its 8-member Executive Council — the only African on the board until 2002.
At the Vancouver World Congress, CAMLAT signs a collaboration agreement with the Canadian Society of Clinical Laboratory Science for correspondence courses that trained many Cameroonian professionals.
CAMLAT holds its first two-day national conference in Bamenda, drawing over 100 professionals — a tradition that continues today.
Following IFBLS's global shift recognising laboratory work as a science rather than a technical trade, CAMLAT becomes CAMELS — adopted at the 5th General Assembly in Douala.
CAMELS begins official collaboration with Cameroon's Ministry of Public Health through joint workshops, seminars and conferences.
CAMELS signs a Memorandum of Understanding with the African Society for Laboratory Medicine (ASLM).
CAMELS celebrates three decades under the theme "The Science Behind Wellness."
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Mr Mancho Daniel | President |
| Mr Check Stanley | Vice President |
| Mr Yongbang Wilson Bangha | Secretary General |
| Ms Mercy Tebid | Assistant Secretary |
| Mr Bijensi Jerome | Treasurer |
| Rev. Sr Linda Kinyuy | Public Relations Officer |
| Name | Term |
|---|---|
| Mr Chick Stanley | 1998–2002 |
| Mr Patrick Joseph Chattad | 2010–2016 |
| Dr Anselm Akume Ewang | 2018–2020 |
| Member | Award | Year & Location |
|---|---|---|
| Mme Shiavouabon Anembon Epse Ndah | Nordic Award | 2022, Taipei, Taiwan |
| Rev. Jonas Oben Tabe | Nordic Award | 2018, Florence, Italy |
| Foncham Jermia Nchwa | Nordic Award | 2016, Kobe, Japan |
| Nchotu Rengerline Bihnwi | Student Award | 2014, Taipei, Taiwan |
| Patrick Joseph Chattad | Nordic Award | 2010, Nairobi, Kenya |
| Ransom Mazeh Keyim | Nordic Award | 2008, New Delhi, India |
| Rev. Jonas Oben Tabe | IFBLS TIMER Overseas Training Project | 2023, Japan |
To advance medical laboratory science in Cameroon by promoting high standards of professional practice, continuous education, ethical conduct, and collaboration to improve patient care, public health, and laboratory services nationwide.
To be the driving force of excellence and innovation in laboratory medicine, empowering professionals to shape the future of healthcare in Cameroon and Africa.
Provide accessible continuing education, certification support, and mentorship to strengthen workforce skills.
Promote implementation of quality management systems, accreditation, and best laboratory practices in public and private labs.
Advocate for an independent national regulatory body, licensure, and recognised scopes of practice for laboratory professionals.
Support operational and clinical research, data-sharing, and publication to inform practice and policy.
Strengthen laboratory contributions to disease surveillance, outbreak response, and national health programmes.
Work with training institutions and employers to improve curricula, recruitment, retention, and career pathways.
Secure funding, equipment, and technical partnerships to improve laboratory infrastructure and access.
Increase public awareness of the role of medical laboratories and promote laboratory-related health education and trust.
