Courtesy of The Express; by Amos Muang Nsah
In a groundbreaking initiative, Professor Yoram Gidron, commonly known as Yori, a distinguished Health Psychology expert from Haifa University, Israel, recently facilitated a conference in Yaounde, Cameroon, aimed at addressing the rising prevalence of non-communicable diseases in developing nations.
Joined by his colleague, Professor Eric Mulumba Zozo, Gidron’s mission was to equip local health professionals with the tools necessary to combat health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.
A Vision for Change in Central Africa
The conference, which marked Gidron’s second visit to Cameroon since 2019, was held at the University of Yaoundé I. Gidron expressed his admiration for the university’s leadership, particularly praising the head of the department of Psychology at the University of Yaounde 1 for his visionary approach to health education. “We were welcomed with open arms, and the collaboration has been incredibly fruitful,” Gidron noted.
The conference attracted a significant turnout, with approximately 60 to 100 participants eager to learn about innovative health strategies.
During the event, Gidron and his team introduced participants to evidence-based methods for detecting and preventing heart diseases. Central to their approach is the activation of the vagus nerve, which has been linked to various health outcomes. “We demonstrated how simple techniques, such as slow-paced breathing, can enhance vagal activity and subsequently reduce blood pressure and inflammation,” prof explained.
The use of biofeedback devices was also highlighted, allowing participants to visualize their progress in real-time.
A Commitment to Accessibility
In a departure from typical conference practices, Gidron and his colleagues chose to offer their expertise free of charge. “Preventing death is invaluable; it should not come with a price tag,” he stated, reflecting on the Jewish principle that saving a single life is akin to saving the entire world. This philosophy underscores their commitment to making health education accessible to all, particularly in regions where resources are limited.
Looking Ahead: Expanding the Initiative
With plans to return to Cameroon, prof Gidron and prof Mulumba aim to broaden their outreach, potentially training health professionals across all eight medical schools in the country as promised by the Secretary at the Ministry of Higher Education.
The health psychology expert expressed enthusiasm about the future, stating, “We are dedicated to involving more Cameroonians in this vital conversation about health and prevention.”
As the conference concluded, it was clear that Gidron’s efforts are not just about sharing knowledge; they represent a transformative approach to health care in developing countries, fostering a proactive stance against the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.