Maboh M. Nkwati’s professional background is in Nursing. He was the pioneer Head of Nursing (2016-2018) and Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Academic Affairs (2016-2019) at the Biaka University Institute of Buea Cameroon. He has been working for 14 years in health professions education and academic governance.
He is passionate about improving individual and community health through education and has been active in the development of health professions education in Cameroon. In this context he has led curriculum development in a wide range of health and nursing subject areas. His primary research interest is in the area of improving health care through health professions education, active learning and geriatrics.
This has led to publications in academic journals that include articles on innovative approaches to curriculum development, elderly care, student-led community health improvement projects, and the evolution of professional education. He is also introducing the concept of interdisciplinary clinical simulation in health professions education in Cameroon at Biaka University Institute of Buea..
Health Research Foundation (HRF) is a peer research group that seeks to drive change through research and evidence-based practice. HRF actively seeks collaboration opportunities in a bid to form a network of change leaders across different sectors. The strategic goal of HRF is to create a multidisciplinary platform that uses applied research to lead change in health care.
HRF interacts with the local and global community directly and through its Centres. Aims to conduct research, promote and collaborate education, education and surveillance, as well as socio-cultural projects that promote the wellbeing of mothers and infants. to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates
The mission of HRF Buea is to:
- Promote the highest standards and combat fraud in education and professional practice
- Transform lives through the innovative and multisectoral, integration of education and research in daily individual and community operations
- Connect professionals and community stakeholders to synchronise education/research initiatives to community needs and expectations
- Create a safe environment to promote exchanges towards intellectual, professional and community development
- Create a never-ending network of enlightened agents of positive change
The vision of HRF Buea is of a world where education truly leads drives personal and community development, continuous improvement of quality of life and promotion of humanity. The strategic goal of HRF is to create a multidisciplinary platform that uses applied research to lead change in health care. This is to be achieved through projects that target health professions education, health professions practice; health and health-related research; professional advocacy; social accountability and community participation; and recognition of excellence in the areas targeted.
The concept of HRF was born in 2007 as a potential solution to the near absence of published research among the new generation of health professionals in Cameroon. HRF was conceived as a platform that could support research development and evidence-based practice directly through research projects and indirectly through capacity building for institutions and professionals.
We conducted many small peer initiatives between 2007 and 2011 to expose colleagues and peers to the integration of research evidence into their practice. We obtained accreditation from the Ministry of Territorial Administration through decision No. 298/G.37/-D14-/-1–/VOL-T-/BAPP of 19 Sep 2011 from the regional services in Limbe SWR Cameroon.
With the acute lack of sustainable mentorship opportunities, HRF remained focused on low key activities until 2018. With the availability of more competent professionals with rich educational experiences from the United Kingdom, USA and other advanced countries, we reorganised HRF in order to benefit from these professionals and their networks.
HRF is working to raise awareness on the prevalence of plastic wastes and the risks posed to human health by microplastics. HRF researchers are part of the team that developed and implemented the “Reducing Plastics-Based Fabrics in Local Fashion Design: A Training-Empowerment-Promotion (TEP) Model. The project seeks to educate fashion designers about the problem of microplastics and strategies to reduce the use of plastics-based fabrics. The Foundation is also promoting research into effects of microplastics in human organs
