Chantal Biya International Centre 2026 : Budget Stands At FCFA 5 Billion

The Chantal Biya International Reference Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Care Research (CIRCB) concluded its 15th Ordinary Session of the Board of Directors, yesterday, December 17, 2025, approving a budget for 2026 that prioritises sustainability and impactful research. The session, presided over by Jean Stephanie Biatcha, Chairman of the Board of Directors, evaluated CIRCB's performance and reviewed its performance plan for 2026. 
The Board unanimously adopted a budget of FCFA 5 billion for 2026, representing a 5 per cent decrease from the previous year. According to CIRCB General Manager, Professor Ndjolo Alexis, this reduction reflects a deliberate choice to be reasonable and realistic, given the prevailing economic circumstances and challenges. The Centre is confident that the approved budget will enable it to achieve its objectives and deliver meaningful results from it research to the population.
The Board acknowledged that, despite limited resources, CIRCB achieved satisfactory results both nationally and internationally this year. Notably, CIRCB was designated a reference laboratory for early infant HIV diagnosis and recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as a reference laboratory for anti-retroviral drug resistance testing in Cameroon and the sub-region. The Deputy General Manager of CIRCB, Dr Godwin Nchinda, reported that the centre had also contributed to capacity building for laboratory personnel and healthcare workers managing HIV patients. Furthermore, the centre welcomed the increased number of publications produced in 2025, noting a steady increase in both quality and quantity over the past 15 years, with 40 high-l...