SIARP 2.0: Cameroonian Dr. Adrienne Vanessa Kouatchouang Njewel Joins the African Civil Society Regional Reference Group

Officially endorsed by the African Union Commission (AUC), the CSRRG serves as an advisory, advocacy, and accountability mechanism supporting the implementation of SIARP 2.0. Its mission is to ensure that the programme remains grounded in the lived realities of African women and girls while strengthening the participation of civil society organizations in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV).

Dr. Adrienne Vanessa Kouatchouang Njewel’s appointment to this regional body is a recognition of her professional achievements and longstanding commitment to public health and women’s rights. With more than twelve years of medical practice, she specializes in Public Health, with a focus on Epidemiology, and has extensive expertise in the prevention and response to gender-based violence. As a trainer of trainers in GBV prevention and response, she has also contributed to health project coordination, sexual and reproductive health, epidemiological surveillance, clinical research, and the analysis of health policies and systems.

Her academic background reflects a strong international outlook. She earned her Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of the Mountains in Cameroon and later obtained a Master’s degree in Public Health from the Catholic University of Central Africa (UCAC). She further strengthened her expertise at the Université catholique de Louvain in Belgium, where she completed a Master’s degree in Public Health specializing in the analysis and evaluation of international health policies, programmes, and health systems.

Beyond her academic and professional qualifications, Dr. Kouatchouang Njewel is widely recognized for her deep community engagement. An active member of civil society, she has worked with public institutions, the private sector, and international organizations. Her experience in social mobilization, advocacy, and programme management has enabled her to build an extensive network of stakeholders working to prevent gender-based violence and promote public health across communities.

Her selection comes at a pivotal moment as the Spotlight Initiative expands its efforts across Africa. SIARP 2.0 aims to strengthen legal and institutional frameworks, improve evidence-based prevention strategies, enhance survivor-centred response services, and support women- and youth-led movements working to advance gender equality.

Through this appointment, Cameroon sees one of its leading public health experts contributing directly to the strategic direction of a continental programme led by the African Union Commission, the European Union, and United Nations agencies. The appointment reflects the strength of Cameroonian expertise in public health and the fight against violence against women and girls, while giving the country a stronger voice in Africa’s regional decision-making and advocacy platforms.