PROJECTS
Healthcare access improvement in the Bakwa community, Njikwa health district.
The issue
In Bakwa, access to healthcare is a significant challenge, with pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers resorting to unsafe herbal remedies due to a lack of accessible antenatal care. Women often trek for long distances up to 80km to access healthcare, resulting in the loss of lives and pregnant women giving birth along roadsides without medical assistance. This exacerbates maternal and infant mortality rates in the area. There is a need for urgent establishment and equipping of a health facility in this community to address the issues and also to serve nearby communities (Batanga, Assaka, and Ikwebo) lacking healthcare access.
Project Goal:
To improve access to healthcare for 816 children, 425 women, and the entire 1500 rural population of Bakwa and the nearby communities through the construction and equipping of the uncompleted Bakwa Integrated Health Centre by November 2026.
Impact
Improved healthcare access for 816 children, 425 women, 1500 community dwellers, and nearby communities (Batanga, Assaka, and Ikwebo). Improved uptake of ANC and reduction of maternal and infant mortality rates.
Hospital Lifeline
The issue
Healthcare access in the Northwest region is a significant challenge, especially in crisis-affected communities. The rise of NCDs and infectious diseases such as HBV, HIV, and HCV in the region is a call for urgent action. In addition, there is an estimated need for blood at 5000 units annually at the Bamenda Regional Hospital, but only 3000 to 3500 units are received, implying that many people need blood without having it. This shortage often leads to delays in medical treatment, adversely affecting patient outcomes. There is a need to raise awareness of infectious and NCDs, increase access to testing, and ensure a reliable blood supply to save lives.
Goal
To promote well-being and improve the healthcare status of the population of the Bamenda II subdivision, and to enhance patient care at the Bamenda Regional Hospital through blood donation by July 2026.
Impact
200 community members gained knowledge and access to diagnosis of NCDs (Diabetes, Hypertension), HIV, HBV, HCV, Sickle Cell Anaemia, and malaria. 10 suspected cases of hypertension were referred and placed on Rxn, and 5 suspected cases of HBV were referred and placed on Rxn. 31 pints of blood products were collected. Over 40 lives at the ICU of the Bamenda regional hospital were saved.
Pre-Conception Care (Ap-Care): Steps to a Healthy Family
The issue
Preconception care remains underutilized and inadequately accessible, particularly in low-resource settings such as Cameroon. There is limited awareness and access to preconception care services, resulting in adverse maternal and child health outcomes. To ensure healthy pregnancies and families, there is a critical need to address the specific needs and challenges faced by women of reproductive age.
Goal
To strengthen the capacity of healthcare providers and CSOs working on SRH and women’s health and community health workers in the Northwest region in delivering effective pre-conception care services and counselling by December 2024.
Impact
30 CSOs and 50 healthcare workers gained comprehensive knowledge of pre-conception care. This acquired knowledge will enable healthcare workers and CSOs to effectively scale preconception uptake in their various communities.