[{"video_id": "", "session_date": "2026-10-31", "session_number": 136, "title": "Pink October 2026 in Cameroon: From Breast Cancer Awareness to Action", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "At the close of Pink October 2026, the Chair, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma, set out a plan to move from breast cancer awareness to completed care in Cameroon: early diagnosis of symptomatic women, biopsy and receptor testing for every case, tumor boards, a registry and the WHO 60-60-80 targets. The Permanent Secretary of the National Cancer Control Committee, Dr. Florence Zeh Kakanou, described a new campaign strategy built on referral, and clinicians debated whether Cameroon is ready to screen.", "slug": "2026-10-31-pink-october-2026-in-cameroon-from-breast-cancer-awareness-to-action", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S136-2026-10-31-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S136-2026-10-31-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-10-31-pink-october-2026-in-cameroon-from-breast-cancer-awareness-to-action/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2026-09-26", "session_number": 135, "title": "From Behavior to Biology: A Current Update on Autism Screening and Diagnosis", "theme_tags": ["Child Health", "Mental Health"], "summary": "Paediatrician Dr. Lum Frundi explained autism as a brain that develops differently, its early signs, how it is diagnosed, what does and does not cause it, and what helps, from early therapy to sleep and sensory support. A mother and a paediatrician in Cameroon described stigma, witchcraft beliefs and the lack of therapists, and participants discussed screening through existing health workers.", "slug": "2026-09-26-from-behavior-to-biology-a-current-update-on-autism-screening-and-diag", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S135-2026-09-26-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S135-2026-09-26-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-09-26-from-behavior-to-biology-a-current-update-on-autism-screening-and-diag/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2026-08-01", "session_number": null, "title": "A New Subtype of Diabetes in Young Cameroonians? Evidence from the YODA Study", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "Co-moderator Dr. Jean Claude Njabou Katte presented YODA study evidence that most young Cameroonians and other Africans diagnosed with type 1 diabetes lack its autoimmune and genetic markers, pointing to a non-autoimmune insulin-deficient subtype. He described ruling out monogenic and other causes and the new PANDA study, and participants discussed infections, reference values and treatment.", "slug": "2026-08-01-a-new-subtype-of-diabetes-in-young-cameroonians-evidence-from-the-yoda", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-08-01-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-08-01-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-08-01-a-new-subtype-of-diabetes-in-young-cameroonians-evidence-from-the-yoda/"}, {"video_id": "dNN8ipjayuM", "session_date": "2026-06-27", "session_number": 132, "title": "Meet the Students Bringing Healthcare Closer to Communities in Cameroon (CAMESA)", "theme_tags": ["Workforce & Training", "Health Systems & Policy", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "CAMESA, the Cameroon English Speaking Medical Students' Association, presented 30 years of community health campaigns and its 2026 campaign for about 1,500 people in Kupe Muanenguba. The Minister of Public Health announced community health innovation awards from 2027, and members pledged funds, equipment and follow-up care.", "slug": "2026-06-27-meet-the-students-bringing-healthcare-closer-to-communities-in-cameroo", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S132-2026-06-27-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S132-2026-06-27-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-06-27-meet-the-students-bringing-healthcare-closer-to-communities-in-cameroo/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2026-05-30", "session_number": null, "title": "Breaking the Silence: Creating Safe Spaces for Mental Health Conversations in Cameroonian Families and Communities", "theme_tags": ["Mental Health", "Diaspora & Partnerships", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Psychiatrist Dr. Bih Bikelle shared her family's experience of serious mental illness and spoke on the stigma and silence around mental health in Cameroonian families, and how to become a safe space by listening, validating and supporting. Participants raised suicides among medical students and doctors, trauma in crisis-affected regions and the shortage of mental health professionals.", "slug": "2026-05-30-breaking-the-silence-creating-safe-spaces-for-mental-health-conversati", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-05-30-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-05-30-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-05-30-breaking-the-silence-creating-safe-spaces-for-mental-health-conversati/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2026-04-18", "session_number": null, "title": "The Global Malaria Action Gap: Progress, Peril and the Playbook for Elimination", "theme_tags": ["Malaria", "Infectious Disease", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Ahead of World Malaria Day, co-moderator Dr. Bryan Tegomoh presented the WHO World Malaria Report: progress is stalling as populations grow, the African region is off track, and funding covers less than half of need. He drew lessons from Suriname, Timor-Leste and Georgia, and experts and the National Malaria Control Programme discussed diagnostics, vaccines and Cameroon's funding gaps.", "slug": "2026-04-18-the-global-malaria-action-gap-progress-peril-and-the-playbook-for-elim", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-04-18-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-04-18-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-04-18-the-global-malaria-action-gap-progress-peril-and-the-playbook-for-elim/"}, {"video_id": "j7BLcdVfMSc", "session_date": "2026-03-14", "session_number": 129, "title": "Giving Back: The ACPA 2026 Cancer Screening and Advanced Cancer Education Program in Buea", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Diaspora & Partnerships", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "ACPA President Dr. Luegenia Ndi and Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma presented the ACPA 2026 programme in Buea, offering free or subsidised screening for breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancer with teaching and tumour boards at the University of Buea. Members discussed fees, turnout, follow-up, local data and HPV vaccination, and Elvis Ndansi pledged $5,000 for screening.", "slug": "2026-03-14-giving-back-the-acpa-2026-cancer-screening-and-advanced-cancer-educati", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S129-2026-03-14-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S129-2026-03-14-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-03-14-giving-back-the-acpa-2026-cancer-screening-and-advanced-cancer-educati/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2026-02-21", "session_number": 128, "title": "Science in a Political World: Careers, Funding and Africa's Place in the New Global Health Order", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Research & Innovation", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain of APHRC argued that global health careers now need political skill, ethics, networks and attitude as much as expertise, and that decolonising global health must start with African funding and equitable African partnerships. He shared practical advice on funders, publishing and mentorship, and participants discussed science communication and engaging politicians.", "slug": "2026-02-21-science-in-a-political-world-careers-funding-and-africa-s-place-in-the", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S128-2026-02-21-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S128-2026-02-21-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-02-21-science-in-a-political-world-careers-funding-and-africa-s-place-in-the/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2026-01-24", "session_number": null, "title": "Barriers to Optimal Cancer Care in Cameroon: Brainstorming Solutions", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Ntumsi Tontu of Mbingo Baptist Hospital set out the barriers to cancer care in Cameroon: no screening programme, a small oncology workforce, scarce immunohistochemistry, two radiotherapy units for the whole country, catastrophic costs and the North West conflict. Four patient cases illustrated the gaps, and participants discussed pathology capacity, adapted guidelines and diaspora support.", "slug": "2026-01-24-barriers-to-optimal-cancer-care-in-cameroon-brainstorming-solutions", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-01-24-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2026-01-24-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2026-01-24-barriers-to-optimal-cancer-care-in-cameroon-brainstorming-solutions/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2025-12-20", "session_number": null, "title": "2025 in Review and Priorities for 2026: Health Financing, Public Health and Artificial Intelligence", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Digital Health & AI", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "At the last session of 2025, co-moderator Dr. Bryan Tegomoh reviewed a year of USAID funding cuts, the Minister of Public Health's town hall session, malaria vaccine rollout and a cholera outbreak. Participants set priorities for 2026: diversified funding, unique patient identifiers and digital records, and training in the responsible use of artificial intelligence.", "slug": "2025-12-20-2025-in-review-and-priorities-for-2026-health-financing-public-health", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2025-12-20-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2025-12-20-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2025-12-20-2025-in-review-and-priorities-for-2026-health-financing-public-health/"}, {"video_id": "", "session_date": "2025-11-22", "session_number": null, "title": "Building Sustainable Health Solutions for Cameroon: Capacity, Infrastructure and Innovation (the Heartbeat e.V. Cardiac Surgery Experience)", "theme_tags": ["Surgery & Anesthesia", "Cardiovascular", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "Prof. Clarence Pingpoh and Dr. Thierry Siemeni of Heartbeat e.V. described two 2025 cardiac surgery missions at Douala General Hospital built around training a fixed local team, and the years it took to gain access. Participants discussed Ministry facilitation for diaspora teams, customs exoneration, biomedical engineering and incentives for trained staff.", "slug": "2025-11-22-building-sustainable-health-solutions-for-cameroon-capacity-infrastruc", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2025-11-22-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2025-11-22-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2025-11-22-building-sustainable-health-solutions-for-cameroon-capacity-infrastruc/"}, {"video_id": "T68PHxgTt98", "session_date": "2025-03-08", "session_number": 117, "title": "Global Health at the Crossroads: How Cameroon is Confronting the Challenges (with the Minister of Public Health)", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "HIV", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, explained how the country is responding to the suspension of US health funding, including a 51 billion FCFA gap for HIV, through State-paid staff, universal health coverage and domestic financing. He answered members on local production, workforce retention, cancer care and barriers facing diaspora professionals.", "slug": "2025-03-08-global-health-at-the-crossroads-how-cameroon-is-confronting-the-challe", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S117-2025-03-08-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S117-2025-03-08-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2025-03-08-global-health-at-the-crossroads-how-cameroon-is-confronting-the-challe/"}, {"video_id": "pPaumdshUmU", "session_date": "2025-02-08", "session_number": 116, "title": "Global Health at a Crossroads: A Wake-up Call for Africa", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "HIV", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "In an open session on the US foreign aid freeze, moderators and members discussed how the suspension of USAID and PEPFAR funds threatens HIV treatment and other programmes in Cameroon. Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji, Dr. Samuel Ojong and others called for emergency procurement of antiretrovirals, domestic financing, local manufacturing and national ownership of health.", "slug": "2025-02-08-global-health-at-a-crossroads-a-wake-up-call-for-africa", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S116-2025-02-08-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S116-2025-02-08-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2025-02-08-global-health-at-a-crossroads-a-wake-up-call-for-africa/"}, {"video_id": "NcdT5DLo8ts", "session_date": "2025-01", "session_number": null, "title": "Healthcare Career Opportunities in the Diaspora: Becoming a Physician in the USA and Other Pathways", "theme_tags": ["Workforce & Training", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "The first town hall of 2025 brought together Cameroonian professionals abroad to explain career paths in clinical research, medicine, laboratory science, public health and nursing in the USA, Canada, the UK and South Africa, including salaries and common mistakes. Speakers stressed early planning, strong exam scores, networking and mentorship. Participants called for brain circulation so that skills return to Cameroon.", "slug": "2025-01-healthcare-career-opportunities-in-the-diaspora-becoming-a-physician-i", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2025-01-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2025-01-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2025-01-healthcare-career-opportunities-in-the-diaspora-becoming-a-physician-i/"}, {"video_id": "j2ng2AmtauM", "session_date": "2024-12-14", "session_number": 114, "title": "World AIDS Day: Updates on HIV Prevention, Treatment and Vaccines", "theme_tags": ["HIV", "Infectious Disease", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "For World AIDS Day, Emory infectious diseases physician Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji reviewed the state of the HIV pandemic, the breakthrough twice yearly injectable lenacapavir for prevention, the latest HIV cure case and setbacks in vaccine research. She stressed that price, delayed access and stigma, not science, now stand between Africa and the end of HIV. Participants discussed why young women are most affected and why there is still no HIV vaccine.", "slug": "2024-12-14-world-aids-day-updates-on-hiv-prevention-treatment-and-vaccines", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S114-2024-12-14-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S114-2024-12-14-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-12-14-world-aids-day-updates-on-hiv-prevention-treatment-and-vaccines/"}, {"video_id": "QPDh66XS9Y4", "session_date": "2024-11-16", "session_number": 113, "title": "Special Edition: AI and the Future of Health Care", "theme_tags": ["Digital Health & AI", "Health Systems & Policy", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "In an interactive special edition, Dr. Bryan Tegomoh, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma and participants discussed how AI is changing health care and what Cameroon needs to benefit. They covered AI scribes, imaging and laboratory tools, bias, privacy, hallucinations and dual use risks, and a TED talk by Dr. Eric Topol. A data scientist from a US healthcare startup urged local validation and controlled experiments, while others stressed digitised records, reliable power and data protection.", "slug": "2024-11-16-special-edition-ai-and-the-future-of-health-care", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S113-2024-11-16-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S113-2024-11-16-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-11-16-special-edition-ai-and-the-future-of-health-care/"}, {"video_id": "4D4WVTUiwik", "session_date": "2024-11-02", "session_number": null, "title": "The Giveback Project: Cameroon Diaspora Supporting Health Initiatives in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy", "Maternal & Child Health"], "summary": "The town hall revisited its Giveback Project, which encourages Cameroonians abroad and at home to run measurable health projects in their communities. Speakers showcased CLEAR Radiology in Buea, Premier Health Centre in Douala, the Cameroon Oncology Center and Unite for Health's maternal health and women's empowerment work in Misaje. Prof. Theodore Ngatchu shared lessons on building quality facilities, and Dr. Bryan Tegomoh outlined investment areas using the WHO health system framework.", "slug": "2024-11-02-the-giveback-project-cameroon-diaspora-supporting-health-initiatives-i", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-11-02-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-11-02-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-11-02-the-giveback-project-cameroon-diaspora-supporting-health-initiatives-i/"}, {"video_id": "wJHsLa3o8uI", "session_date": "2024-10-27", "session_number": null, "title": "Special Edition: Breast Cancer Educational Series for Health Professionals, Part 2: Systemic Treatment of Early and Metastatic Breast Cancer", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Workforce & Training", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "In the second part of the breast cancer series, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma explained how treatment depends on hormone receptor and HER2 status and how to adapt standard care to Cameroon. He showed that endocrine therapy, available locally, is the main treatment for most women, and called for trastuzumab and palbociclib to be made affordable. Radiologists and surgeons discussed imaging standards and molecular testing capacity.", "slug": "2024-10-27-special-edition-breast-cancer-educational-series-for-health-profession", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-10-27-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-10-27-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-10-27-special-edition-breast-cancer-educational-series-for-health-profession/"}, {"video_id": "SAW09Cfrb_w", "session_date": "2024-10-26", "session_number": null, "title": "Special Edition: Breast Cancer Educational Series for Health Professionals, Part 1: Prevention, Screening, Diagnosis and Local Management", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Workforce & Training", "Diagnostics & Imaging"], "summary": "In the first part of a breast cancer series for health professionals, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma covered risk, prevention, screening, biopsy, staging and surgery, adapted to Cameroon's resources. He called for a national screening policy, core biopsy with hormone receptor testing for every patient, and an end to outdated surgery. Radiologists and diaspora oncologists debated the right screening age for Cameroonian women.", "slug": "2024-10-26-special-edition-breast-cancer-educational-series-for-health-profession", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-10-26-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-10-26-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-10-26-special-edition-breast-cancer-educational-series-for-health-profession/"}, {"video_id": "H7iNj2O65x8", "session_date": "2024-10-19", "session_number": null, "title": "Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Cameroon: Efforts to Fight a Curable Disease", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Diagnostics & Imaging", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "Medical physicist Sidney Tazeh described how CLEAR Radiology in Buea links breast cancer awareness to screening, diagnosis and treatment through community partners, follow up calls and donor support. Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma urged hormone receptor testing for every patient and routine mammography by general practitioners. Participants discussed costs, genetic testing and cancer registries.", "slug": "2024-10-19-breast-cancer-awareness-month-in-cameroon-efforts-to-fight-a-curable-d", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-10-19-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-10-19-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-10-19-breast-cancer-awareness-month-in-cameroon-efforts-to-fight-a-curable-d/"}, {"video_id": "VFSCaRbQonA", "session_date": "2024-10-05", "session_number": 110, "title": "Looking Back on National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Prostate Cancer in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Medical oncologist Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma reviewed prostate cancer in Cameroon, where it is the most common cancer in men and most cases are found late. He urged PSA screening from age 45, complete pathology and team based care, and showed that effective treatments are already available locally. Participants described how hard it is to navigate cancer referrals in Cameroon.", "slug": "2024-10-05-looking-back-on-national-prostate-cancer-awareness-month-prostate-canc", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S110-2024-10-05-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S110-2024-10-05-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-10-05-looking-back-on-national-prostate-cancer-awareness-month-prostate-canc/"}, {"video_id": "Dtt6GamvCXQ", "session_date": "2024-09-21", "session_number": null, "title": "Companion Diagnostics: Advancing Personalized Medicine", "theme_tags": ["Diagnostics & Imaging", "Research & Innovation", "Cancer"], "summary": "Dr. Obadia Mfuh Kenji explained how companion diagnostics link tests to treatments, from PCR for EGFR to comprehensive genomic profiling and HIV resistance testing. Participants discussed data protection, laboratory regulation and quality in Cameroon, reuse of COVID-era equipment, and AI for pathology.", "slug": "2024-09-21-companion-diagnostics-advancing-personalized-medicine", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-09-21-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-09-21-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-09-21-companion-diagnostics-advancing-personalized-medicine/"}, {"video_id": "HlJPOo98jIc", "session_date": "2024-09-07", "session_number": null, "title": "Empowering Precision Oncology in Africa: The New Frontier in Cancer Care", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Diagnostics & Imaging", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma showed how cancer care has moved from treating organs to treating mutations, and how far Cameroon is from even the basics: most cancers never receive a pathology diagnosis and few breast cancers are tested for hormone receptors or HER2. Participants from Mbingo and elsewhere discussed testing costs, workforce, registries and trials.", "slug": "2024-09-07-empowering-precision-oncology-in-africa-the-new-frontier-in-cancer-car", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-09-07-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-09-07-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-09-07-empowering-precision-oncology-in-africa-the-new-frontier-in-cancer-car/"}, {"video_id": "BDSwt0uKHik", "session_date": "2024-08-24", "session_number": 107, "title": "The State of the Mpox Outbreak in Africa: An Open Discussion", "theme_tags": ["Emergencies & Outbreaks", "Infectious Disease", "Diagnostics & Imaging"], "summary": "With the Minister unavailable because of the emergency, the town hall held an open discussion on mpox after the WHO and Africa CDC declarations. Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji and Dr. Bryan Tegomoh explained clade Ib, vaccines, treatment and testing, and urged Cameroon to focus on clinician training, testing, contact tracing and domestic investment.", "slug": "2024-08-24-the-state-of-the-mpox-outbreak-in-africa-an-open-discussion", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S107-2024-08-24-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S107-2024-08-24-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-08-24-the-state-of-the-mpox-outbreak-in-africa-an-open-discussion/"}, {"video_id": "-gayJ6xbBkM", "session_date": "2024-06-15", "session_number": 103, "title": "Beyond the Clinic Walls: A Whole Person Approach to Sickle Cell Disease", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Maternal & Child Health", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Marthe-Sandrine Mpollo argued that sickle cell outcomes depend as much on education, screening, follow up and community support as on new drugs, which remain out of reach in Africa. Participants discussed premarital and newborn screening, the role of faith leaders, community associations, and the research Cameroon still needs.", "slug": "2024-06-15-beyond-the-clinic-walls-a-whole-person-approach-to-sickle-cell-disease", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S103-2024-06-15-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S103-2024-06-15-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-06-15-beyond-the-clinic-walls-a-whole-person-approach-to-sickle-cell-disease/"}, {"video_id": "fYAZnoLH7j0", "session_date": "2024-06-01", "session_number": 102, "title": "Liver Cancer in Cameroon: An Urgent Call to Action", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Infectious Disease", "NCDs"], "summary": "Dr. Marcel Nzoume of the Bafoussam Regional Hospital presented the burden of liver cancer in Cameroon, driven mainly by hepatitis B acquired early in life and diagnosed late in young adults. Participants agreed that prevention comes first: a hepatitis B birth dose, screening of pregnant women, safe blood, and access to $60 hepatitis C treatment.", "slug": "2024-06-01-liver-cancer-in-cameroon-an-urgent-call-to-action", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S102-2024-06-01-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S102-2024-06-01-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-06-01-liver-cancer-in-cameroon-an-urgent-call-to-action/"}, {"video_id": "yIQM8cWNPp8", "session_date": "2024-05-18", "session_number": 101, "title": "Cameroon's Health Ecosystem through the WHO Framework for Health System Strengthening", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "At its 101st session the town hall reviewed Cameroon's health system against the WHO's six building blocks, with a presentation by Dr. Bryan Tegomoh. Discussion centred on low health spending and out of pocket costs, the need for transparency before new taxes, legal status for community health workers, and barriers to diaspora engagement.", "slug": "2024-05-18-cameroon-s-health-ecosystem-through-the-who-framework-for-health-syste", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S101-2024-05-18-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S101-2024-05-18-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-05-18-cameroon-s-health-ecosystem-through-the-who-framework-for-health-syste/"}, {"video_id": "l2Yh9vc9VKU", "session_date": "2024-05-04", "session_number": 100, "title": "100th Session: Reflections on 100 Sessions and the Future of the Cameroon Town Hall", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "The town hall's 100th session had no guest speaker and was used to reflect on its origins in the COVID-19 response and its direction. Participants called for a survey, a topic calendar driven by needs in Cameroon, a formal route for policy briefs to the Ministry, and a sustainable volunteer base.", "slug": "2024-05-04-100th-session-reflections-on-100-sessions-and-the-future-of-the-camero", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S100-2024-05-04-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S100-2024-05-04-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-05-04-100th-session-reflections-on-100-sessions-and-the-future-of-the-camero/"}, {"video_id": "gz94qolvXQQ", "session_date": "2024-04-20", "session_number": 99, "title": "Access to Novel Targeted Therapy in Cameroon: Unmet Needs and Opportunities", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Cancer", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "Dr. Alain Abeh reviewed why Cameroon lags in access to targeted therapies across oncology, rheumatology and other fields: missing diagnostics, an indebted procurement system, outdated choices and low quality imports. Participants discussed payer led models from Nigeria, patient advocacy, and building immunohistochemistry capacity.", "slug": "2024-04-20-access-to-novel-targeted-therapy-in-cameroon-unmet-needs-and-opportuni", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S99-2024-04-20-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S99-2024-04-20-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-04-20-access-to-novel-targeted-therapy-in-cameroon-unmet-needs-and-opportuni/"}, {"video_id": "l4xFGOED6z4", "session_date": "2024-03-23", "session_number": null, "title": "Chronic Kidney Disease in Cameroon: An Overview of Drivers, Opportunities and Challenges", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Ronald Gobina of the Buea Regional Hospital described chronic kidney disease in at least one in ten Cameroonian adults, driven by diabetes, hypertension, infections and traditional medicines, and the gaps in biopsy, dialysis and workforce. He welcomed free dialysis and the start of kidney transplant, and called for early screening, rational dialysis planning, local production of dialysis fluids and kidney pathology services.", "slug": "2024-03-23-chronic-kidney-disease-in-cameroon-an-overview-of-drivers-opportunitie", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-03-23-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-03-23-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-03-23-chronic-kidney-disease-in-cameroon-an-overview-of-drivers-opportunitie/"}, {"video_id": "ilMUxPT5gmQ", "session_date": "2024-03-09", "session_number": null, "title": "Roadmap to Sickle Cell Disease Elimination in Cameroon by 2060: Strategies, Action and Policy Priorities", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Maternal & Child Health", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Yauba Saidu, Country Director of the Clinton Health Access Initiative in Cameroon, set out a roadmap to eliminate sickle cell disease by 2060: help people know their genotype, screen at existing contacts, and prevent deaths with vaccines, hydroxyurea and pain relief. Participants debated the ethics of 'elimination', diagnostic accuracy and the cost of gene therapy.", "slug": "2024-03-09-roadmap-to-sickle-cell-disease-elimination-in-cameroon-by-2060-strateg", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-03-09-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-03-09-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-03-09-roadmap-to-sickle-cell-disease-elimination-in-cameroon-by-2060-strateg/"}, {"video_id": "7YgxPuHgqjU", "session_date": "2024-02-24", "session_number": null, "title": "Malaria Vaccines in Cameroon: When Promise Meets Hesitancy", "theme_tags": ["Malaria", "Infectious Disease", "Maternal & Child Health"], "summary": "Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji of Emory University explained the science, efficacy and safety of the RTS,S and R21 malaria vaccines and took apart common myths, weeks after Cameroon became the first country to add a malaria vaccine to routine immunisation. Participants called for community based communication in local languages, help for families to complete four doses, and sustainable funding.", "slug": "2024-02-24-malaria-vaccines-in-cameroon-when-promise-meets-hesitancy", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-02-24-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-02-24-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-02-24-malaria-vaccines-in-cameroon-when-promise-meets-hesitancy/"}, {"video_id": "waVXFHulaKU", "session_date": "2024-02-10", "session_number": null, "title": "World Cancer Day: Bridging Cancer Care Disparities in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Health Systems & Policy", "NCDs"], "summary": "The Chair, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma, used real patient cases to show how gaps in staging, pathology, imaging and drugs shape cancer outcomes in Cameroon. Participants called for national screening guidelines for breast, cervical and prostate cancer, a national cancer registry, training of the full cancer team, and better uptake of the free HPV vaccine.", "slug": "2024-02-10-world-cancer-day-bridging-cancer-care-disparities-in-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-02-10-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-02-10-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-02-10-world-cancer-day-bridging-cancer-care-disparities-in-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "KN61clqFGxI", "session_date": "2024-01-27", "session_number": null, "title": "The Giveback Project: Presentation of the Concept Note and Discussion", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Elvis Ndansi presented the Giveback Project, a five-year (2024 to 2029) town hall initiative inviting each member to carry out a health project in their home community, with templates, ministry-backed recognition and a reporting platform that Dr. Bryan Tegomoh demonstrated. Discussion covered existing projects, shipping supplies to Cameroon and support for students.", "slug": "2024-01-27-the-giveback-project-presentation-of-the-concept-note-and-discussion", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-01-27-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2024-01-27-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2024-01-27-the-giveback-project-presentation-of-the-concept-note-and-discussion/"}, {"video_id": "xeMTEA0_E4Q", "session_date": "2023-12-16", "session_number": 90, "title": "Promoting Clinical Trial Informativeness in Africa: The Role of DAC-Africa", "theme_tags": ["Research & Innovation"], "summary": "The 90th Town Hall, closing out 2023, heard Elvis Ndansi explain why so many clinical trials in Africa fail to change practice, and how DAC-Africa's protocol review and planning grants of up to $30,000 help investigators design trials that matter.", "slug": "2023-12-16-promoting-clinical-trial-informativeness-in-africa-the-role-of-dac-afr", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S90-2023-12-16-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S90-2023-12-16-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-12-16-promoting-clinical-trial-informativeness-in-africa-the-role-of-dac-afr/"}, {"video_id": "mcww6evOg3Q", "session_date": "2023-12-02", "session_number": 87, "title": "The Future of HIV Treatment and the Hope for a Cure", "theme_tags": ["HIV", "Infectious Disease", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji of Emory University reviewed the state of HIV the day after World AIDS Day 2023, new long acting drugs and delivery methods, and the main strategies being studied for a cure. Discussion focused on PrEP stigma, the paediatric treatment gap, and why Cameroon is largely absent from HIV trials.", "slug": "2023-12-02-the-future-of-hiv-treatment-and-the-hope-for-a-cure", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S87-2023-12-02-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S87-2023-12-02-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-12-02-the-future-of-hiv-treatment-and-the-hope-for-a-cure/"}, {"video_id": "MVs1ApsPBsM", "session_date": "2023-11-18", "session_number": null, "title": "The Silent Epidemic of Heart Disease in Cameroon: Alleviating Cameroon's Cardiovascular Burden", "theme_tags": ["Cardiovascular", "NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Cardiac surgeon Dr. Clarence Pingpoh and interventional cardiologist Dr. Nchang Taka set out a plan to move from talk to action on heart disease in Cameroon: simple screening in primary care, stress testing, and cath labs and cardiac surgery built around local training. Participants debated government's role and agreed to form a diaspora task group and an ECG course for medical students.", "slug": "2023-11-18-the-silent-epidemic-of-heart-disease-in-cameroon-alleviating-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-11-18-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-11-18-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-11-18-the-silent-epidemic-of-heart-disease-in-cameroon-alleviating-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "aWy0k9EvE4A", "session_date": "2023-11-04", "session_number": 86, "title": "Decolonizing Global Health: The African Diaspora's Role in Advancing Global Health Equity", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "Prof. Yap Boum II, Executive Director of Institut Pasteur de Bangui, spoke on decolonizing global health and the diaspora's role in health equity. Participants argued that decolonization must start from within, through domestic health funding, accountable leaders and stronger Cameroonian research, with the diaspora as mentors and partners.", "slug": "2023-11-04-decolonizing-global-health-the-african-diaspora-s-role-in-advancing-gl", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S86-2023-11-04-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S86-2023-11-04-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-11-04-decolonizing-global-health-the-african-diaspora-s-role-in-advancing-gl/"}, {"video_id": "3QGpYy_AUNY", "session_date": "2023-10-29", "session_number": null, "title": "Breast Cancer Educational Series, Day 2: Metastatic Breast Cancer and Special Situations", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Workforce & Training", "NCDs"], "summary": "On day two of the town hall's breast cancer educational series, oncologist Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma covered the treatment of metastatic breast cancer and special situations such as pregnancy, fertility and male breast cancer. His central message: about 80% of cases are hormone positive, so every patient needs receptor testing before treatment, and endocrine therapy, not chemotherapy, should come first.", "slug": "2023-10-29-breast-cancer-educational-series-day-2-metastatic-breast-cancer-and-sp", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-10-29-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-10-29-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-10-29-breast-cancer-educational-series-day-2-metastatic-breast-cancer-and-sp/"}, {"video_id": "2r1gaagaHUw", "session_date": "2023-10-28", "session_number": null, "title": "Breast Cancer Educational Series: Guide for Health Professionals in Low-Resource Settings, Part I (Prevention, Screening, Diagnosis, Local and Systemic Treatment of Early Breast Cancer)", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "In Part I of the town hall's breast cancer educational series, oncologist Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma taught health professionals how to prevent, screen, diagnose and treat early breast cancer in a low-resource setting. He stressed core biopsy, receptor testing for every patient, endocrine therapy for the 80% of hormone positive cancers, and mastectomy where radiotherapy cannot be assured.", "slug": "2023-10-28-breast-cancer-educational-series-guide-for-health-professionals-in-low", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-10-28-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-10-28-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-10-28-breast-cancer-educational-series-guide-for-health-professionals-in-low/"}, {"video_id": "cdN8LLBSG5Q", "session_date": "2023-10-21", "session_number": 85, "title": "Breast Cancer in Cameroon: Challenges and Solutions", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Health Systems & Policy", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma gave a deliberately critical review of breast cancer care in Cameroon: no screening policy, no cancer registry, weak pathology, unstaged surgery and too few trained nurses and internists. Participants, including the South West Regional Delegate of Public Health, agreed that screening, receptor testing and workforce training should come first, and proposed workshops, research cohorts and a press article.", "slug": "2023-10-21-breast-cancer-in-cameroon-challenges-and-solutions", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S85-2023-10-21-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S85-2023-10-21-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-10-21-breast-cancer-in-cameroon-challenges-and-solutions/"}, {"video_id": "9FKqu9e8_bI", "session_date": "2023-10-07", "session_number": null, "title": "Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Stigma and Fostering Resilience in Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use and Grief in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Mental Health", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Therese Shalo-Fuh, a Texas-based clinical therapist who runs a treatment centre in Limbe, described a growing and hidden crisis of substance use and mental illness in Cameroon, with heroin, cocaine and local mixtures now used by children as young as 8. Participants called for care beyond detox, training for clinicians and religious leaders, better data, and tighter regulation of alcohol and trafficking.", "slug": "2023-10-07-breaking-the-silence-overcoming-stigma-and-fostering-resilience-in-men", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-10-07-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-10-07-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-10-07-breaking-the-silence-overcoming-stigma-and-fostering-resilience-in-men/"}, {"video_id": "BGxLIdONWOM", "session_date": "2023-09-23", "session_number": null, "title": "Using Social Media to Improve Maternal Health in Cameroon: Talk Pregnancy with Dr. Noella", "theme_tags": ["Maternal & Child Health", "Digital Health & AI"], "summary": "Dr. Gwanyama Noella, a doctor at Bamenda Regional Hospital and 2023 Mandela Washington Fellow, described how a pregnancy complication of her own led her to start Talk Pregnancy with Dr. Noella on YouTube, Facebook and TikTok. She shared maternal mortality data for Cameroon and the North West, her outreach to displaced women and adolescents, and calls for free antenatal care, while participants discussed faith leaders, data and lessons from Nigeria.", "slug": "2023-09-23-using-social-media-to-improve-maternal-health-in-cameroon-talk-pregnan", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-09-23-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-09-23-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-09-23-using-social-media-to-improve-maternal-health-in-cameroon-talk-pregnan/"}, {"video_id": "Lyr92v39Ck4", "session_date": "2023-09-09", "session_number": null, "title": "Latest Updates on COVID-19: Emerging Variants, Surveillance and Lessons for Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["COVID-19", "Infectious Disease", "Emergencies & Outbreaks"], "summary": "Co-moderator Dr. Bryan Tegomoh gave an update on COVID-19 in September 2023: the end of the emergency phase, rising cases from EG.5 and the new BA.2.86 variant, wastewater surveillance, falling genomic data, long COVID and current treatments. The discussion turned to what Cameroon and Africa can do about surveillance, vaccine pricing and local manufacturing.", "slug": "2023-09-09-latest-updates-on-covid-19-emerging-variants-surveillance-and-lessons", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-09-09-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-09-09-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-09-09-latest-updates-on-covid-19-emerging-variants-surveillance-and-lessons/"}, {"video_id": "lYnN4wCeVxo", "session_date": "2023-08-26", "session_number": null, "title": "Treating Cancer in Cameroon: The Mbingo Baptist Hospital Experience", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Health Systems & Policy", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "Dr. Francine Kouya and the Mbingo Baptist Hospital team presented how they treat children and adults with cancer in the North West with limited resources, through teamwork, family support, palliative care, survivorship follow-up and a hospital-based registry. Participants called for public financing of cancer care, completion of the radiotherapy bunker under construction and a focus on sustainability.", "slug": "2023-08-26-treating-cancer-in-cameroon-the-mbingo-baptist-hospital-experience", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-08-26-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-08-26-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-08-26-treating-cancer-in-cameroon-the-mbingo-baptist-hospital-experience/"}, {"video_id": "VUPVJLYk9LY", "session_date": "2023-08-12", "session_number": 81, "title": "Update on Cooperation Between the Ministry of Public Health and Cameroonian Diaspora Healthcare Professionals", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Diaspora members of the Ministry of Public Health's new working group reported on its first meeting of July 27, 2023, and on the planned Diaspora Santé Cameroun platform, with vetting and an electronic diaspora health card. Participants asked the Ministry to name its priority needs, clarify temporary practice registration, and agree measurable targets.", "slug": "2023-08-12-update-on-cooperation-between-the-ministry-of-public-health-and-camero", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S81-2023-08-12-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S81-2023-08-12-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-08-12-update-on-cooperation-between-the-ministry-of-public-health-and-camero/"}, {"video_id": "hupG8bEPlM8", "session_date": "2023-07-29", "session_number": 80, "title": "Diagnostic Dilemmas: Fevers in the Tropics", "theme_tags": ["Infectious Disease", "Malaria", "Diagnostics & Imaging"], "summary": "Dr. Obadia Mfuh Kenji presented evidence that many febrile patients in Cameroon are treated for malaria they do not have: in his four-city study, 92% were clinically diagnosed with malaria but PCR confirmed 54%. He made the case for trusting negative tests, syndromic multiplex testing and point of care diagnostics, and participants called for fever and sepsis protocols and antibiotic stewardship.", "slug": "2023-07-29-diagnostic-dilemmas-fevers-in-the-tropics", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S80-2023-07-29-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S80-2023-07-29-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-07-29-diagnostic-dilemmas-fevers-in-the-tropics/"}, {"video_id": "v2UUW9pSRFg", "session_date": "2023-07-15", "session_number": null, "title": "The Intrinsic Link between Health and Development: Social Determinants of Health in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Yauba Saidu, Country Director of CHAI Cameroon, opened a town hall series on the social determinants of health, showing how roads, water, sanitation, electricity, poverty and education limit the impact of new health facilities. Participants called for ministries to plan together, more domestic health financing, and evidence turned into policy briefs.", "slug": "2023-07-15-the-intrinsic-link-between-health-and-development-social-determinants", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-07-15-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-07-15-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-07-15-the-intrinsic-link-between-health-and-development-social-determinants/"}, {"video_id": "puSUY1A5pjM", "session_date": "2023-07", "session_number": null, "title": "Towards HIV Epidemic Control in Cameroon: The Past, the Present and the Future", "theme_tags": ["HIV", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Rogers Ajeh of the National AIDS Control Committee reviewed four decades of Cameroon's HIV response and its 2024 to 2030 plan: adults are near the 95-95-95 targets, but children, adolescents and key populations lag and most funding is external. Discussion covered PrEP, long-acting drugs, concerns about dolutegravir side effects, and the need to sustain the response with domestic resources.", "slug": "2023-07-towards-hiv-epidemic-control-in-cameroon-the-past-the-present-and-the", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-07-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-07-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-07-towards-hiv-epidemic-control-in-cameroon-the-past-the-present-and-the/"}, {"video_id": "Kvhu1l9N24I", "session_date": "2023-06-03", "session_number": 76, "title": "Promoting Chronic Kidney Disease Education, Early Detection and Organ Donation in Cameroon: The Work of the Iya Foundation", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Kidney transplant recipient and advocate Iya Bekondo-Granatella presented the Iya Foundation's work in Cameroon: the March Green Campaign screenings, food support, a dialysis fund, mental health support for patients in Buea, and plans for safe blood and emergency housing. The discussion covered transplant capacity, blood storage, point-of-care testing and the need for stronger links with the Ministry of Public Health.", "slug": "2023-06-03-promoting-chronic-kidney-disease-education-early-detection-and-organ-d", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S76-2023-06-03-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S76-2023-06-03-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-06-03-promoting-chronic-kidney-disease-education-early-detection-and-organ-d/"}, {"video_id": "VbWHiXQsJx4", "session_date": "2023-05-20", "session_number": null, "title": "Health Care in Conflict Zones: The Experience of Bamenda Regional Hospital", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Emergencies & Outbreaks", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "Dr. Denis Nsame Nforniwe, Director of Bamenda Regional Hospital, spoke on National Day 2023 about running the North West's referral hospital through the armed conflict and COVID-19. He shared detailed figures on activity, gunshot injuries, mental health and GBV, unpaid bills and staffing, and listed costed projects for diaspora and partner support.", "slug": "2023-05-20-health-care-in-conflict-zones-the-experience-of-bamenda-regional-hospi", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-05-20-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-05-20-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-05-20-health-care-in-conflict-zones-the-experience-of-bamenda-regional-hospi/"}, {"video_id": "mVvn52bSRfA", "session_date": "2023-05-06", "session_number": null, "title": "Medical Missions to Cameroon: Building Grace Gardens Hospital Ndop from the Diaspora", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy", "Cancer"], "summary": "Dr. Samuel Ndinjiakat and Mrs. Emelda Ndinjiakat described how they built Grace Gardens Hospital Ndop in the North West Region from the diaspora, from medical missions in 2014 to a hospital that opened in 2019 during the crisis. They covered the authorisation process, cervical cancer screening, a motorcycle emergency response team, and a women's and widows' association, and gave practical advice for diaspora professionals.", "slug": "2023-05-06-medical-missions-to-cameroon-building-grace-gardens-hospital-ndop-from", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-05-06-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-05-06-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-05-06-medical-missions-to-cameroon-building-grace-gardens-hospital-ndop-from/"}, {"video_id": "gBCVh07J_Go", "session_date": "2023-04-22", "session_number": null, "title": "Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon: From Promise to Reality (with the Minister of Public Health)", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Maternal & Child Health", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "Ten days after the launch of Phase 1 of Universal Health Coverage, Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, presented its basket of care, the 6,000 FCFA maternal package and 15,000 FCFA dialysis card, and its 95.9 billion FCFA budget shared between the State and partners. He answered members on staffing, the private sector, the National Order of Physicians, medicines, the UHC bill and the diaspora working group.", "slug": "2023-04-22-universal-health-coverage-in-cameroon-from-promise-to-reality-with-the", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-04-22-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-04-22-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-04-22-universal-health-coverage-in-cameroon-from-promise-to-reality-with-the/"}, {"video_id": "R05VfEVt9BE", "session_date": "2023-04-08", "session_number": 71, "title": "The Evolving Role of Social Media in Health Education in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Digital Health & AI", "Maternal & Child Health", "Malaria"], "summary": "Paediatrician Dr. Patrick Ngou of Kribi District Hospital explained how children's deaths from severe malarial anaemia and self-medication led him to health education on Facebook, where he now reaches hundreds of thousands of mothers. Participants discussed misinformation, training doctors in communication, working with influencers, and support for this work.", "slug": "2023-04-08-the-evolving-role-of-social-media-in-health-education-in-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S71-2023-04-08-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S71-2023-04-08-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-04-08-the-evolving-role-of-social-media-in-health-education-in-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "QjUz82BHdEI", "session_date": "2023-03-25", "session_number": null, "title": "Challenges and Opportunities in the Practice of Implementation Science in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Research & Innovation", "Health Systems & Policy", "HIV"], "summary": "Dr. Ferdinand C. Mukumbang explained why implementation science matters (17 years from discovery to practice, 80 percent of research spending without public impact) and why Cameroon lags. Participants debated funding, ethics delays, research quality and Cameroon's own contributions, and heard about plans to digitise ethics review.", "slug": "2023-03-25-challenges-and-opportunities-in-the-practice-of-implementation-science", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-03-25-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-03-25-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-03-25-challenges-and-opportunities-in-the-practice-of-implementation-science/"}, {"video_id": "JC3ffjLEihw", "session_date": "2023-03-11", "session_number": null, "title": "Enhancing the Quality of Medical Research in Cameroon: Challenges and Opportunities", "theme_tags": ["Research & Innovation", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Dr. Guy Sadeu Wafeu, who mentors medical students through Building Medical Research in Africa, discussed why research quality in Cameroon is low: weak training and supervision, little biostatistics capacity, slow ethics review and external funding. Participants proposed online training, thesis reforms and shared opportunities.", "slug": "2023-03-11-enhancing-the-quality-of-medical-research-in-cameroon-challenges-and-o", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-03-11-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-03-11-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-03-11-enhancing-the-quality-of-medical-research-in-cameroon-challenges-and-o/"}, {"video_id": "6zVj-8sXu3s", "session_date": "2023-02-25", "session_number": null, "title": "The State of Occupational Medicine in Cameroon: Are We Doing Enough to Protect the Health of Workers?", "theme_tags": ["Occupational Health", "Health Systems & Policy", "Cancer"], "summary": "Dr. Ekiti E. Martin, former head of occupational health at SONARA, explained occupational medicine in Cameroon and argued that work-related diseases, back pain and mental health are neglected next to injuries. His sugarcane plantation study showed how water and early hours may prevent kidney disease. Participants called for protecting public sector and health workers.", "slug": "2023-02-25-the-state-of-occupational-medicine-in-cameroon-are-we-doing-enough-to", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-02-25-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-02-25-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-02-25-the-state-of-occupational-medicine-in-cameroon-are-we-doing-enough-to/"}, {"video_id": "69Cd_i0HHOE", "session_date": "2023-02-11", "session_number": null, "title": "Improving Cancer Care and Reducing Mortality in Cameroon: What Can Be Done Today", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "For World Cancer Day, medical physicist Sidney Tazeh set out practical steps to reduce cancer deaths in Cameroon: smoking cessation, clinical breast exams, risk tools like the Mayo Clinic nodule calculator, breast-conserving surgery with intraoperative radiotherapy, and mentoring. CHAI described its work on cancer medicines and a planned National Cancer Institute.", "slug": "2023-02-11-improving-cancer-care-and-reducing-mortality-in-cameroon-what-can-be-d", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-02-11-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-02-11-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-02-11-improving-cancer-care-and-reducing-mortality-in-cameroon-what-can-be-d/"}, {"video_id": "kp5eKivYDHY", "session_date": "2023-01-14", "session_number": null, "title": "Responding to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern in Africa: Experiences from the Field, Challenges and the Way Forward", "theme_tags": ["Emergencies & Outbreaks", "Infectious Disease", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Nkengafac Villyen Motaze, who led the field response to South Africa's first COVID-19 case, discussed how Africa responds to public health emergencies of international concern. Experts including Prof. Charles Shey Wiysonge and Prof. George Alemnji called for year-round surveillance, an independent public health institute, secure supply chains and continental coordination.", "slug": "2023-01-14-responding-to-public-health-emergencies-of-international-concern-in-af", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-01-14-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2023-01-14-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2023-01-14-responding-to-public-health-emergencies-of-international-concern-in-af/"}, {"video_id": "2bSNKJNL0FE", "session_date": "2022-12-17", "session_number": 65, "title": "Donation of Medical Supplies and Equipment to Cameroon: How to Navigate the Process and Build Partnerships", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy", "Diagnostics & Imaging"], "summary": "Roger Mforneh of MedShare International explained how to send donated medical supplies and equipment to Cameroon: pre-approval for medicines, consignment to government or faith-based hospitals for full tax exoneration, needs assessment, voltage conversion and training. CHAI's Dr. Yauba Saidu called for a national needs assessment so donations reach underserved regions.", "slug": "2022-12-17-donation-of-medical-supplies-and-equipment-to-cameroon-how-to-navigate", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S65-2022-12-17-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S65-2022-12-17-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-12-17-donation-of-medical-supplies-and-equipment-to-cameroon-how-to-navigate/"}, {"video_id": "ehyyjP21Dv0", "session_date": "2022-12-03", "session_number": null, "title": "Leveraging the Diaspora to Optimise and Innovate Healthcare Services in Cameroon (with the Minister of Public Health)", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Cameroon's Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, presented the upgrades to the country's hospitals and the National Medical Conference of December 13 to 16, 2022, and set out four ways for diaspora health professionals to contribute. In response to members, he committed to a diaspora working group with MINREX, MINFI and diaspora focal points after the conference, and a digital platform as their single entry point.", "slug": "2022-12-03-leveraging-the-diaspora-to-optimise-and-innovate-healthcare-services-i", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-12-03-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-12-03-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-12-03-leveraging-the-diaspora-to-optimise-and-innovate-healthcare-services-i/"}, {"video_id": "BqXk5kyMRIQ", "session_date": "2022-10-22", "session_number": null, "title": "The State of WASH in Cameroon: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Health Facilities", "theme_tags": ["Infectious Disease", "Health Systems & Policy", "Emergencies & Outbreaks"], "summary": "IPC/WASH nurse Nkwan Jacob Gobte presented a 2020 survey of 103 Cameroonian health facilities showing that only 61 percent had water on site and 35 percent basic sanitation, with health posts worst served. The South West Regional Delegate of Public Health and participants called for national data by facility category and joint action with the water and urban planning sectors.", "slug": "2022-10-22-the-state-of-wash-in-cameroon-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-health-f", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-10-22-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-10-22-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-10-22-the-state-of-wash-in-cameroon-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-in-health-f/"}, {"video_id": "-Q29IYKXZoI", "session_date": "2022-10-08", "session_number": null, "title": "Breast Cancer Prevention and Management in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "Maternal & Child Health", "NCDs"], "summary": "Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma reviewed breast cancer risk, screening, diagnosis and treatment, stressing that Cameroon has no screening guideline, that receptor testing must guide treatment and that radiotherapy and safe chemotherapy are scarce. Survivor Akwi Anjoh shared her stage 3 triple negative cancer journey and her foundation's work supporting Cameroonian women, many diagnosed young and late and unable to pay for care.", "slug": "2022-10-08-breast-cancer-prevention-and-management-in-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-10-08-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-10-08-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-10-08-breast-cancer-prevention-and-management-in-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "MRR0_XCTc2Q", "session_date": "2022-09-24", "session_number": 59, "title": "Ionizing Radiation Use in Medical Imaging in Cameroon: How Concerned Should We Be?", "theme_tags": ["Diagnostics & Imaging", "Health Systems & Policy", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Radiologist Dr. Joshua Tambe explained ionizing radiation, its biological effects and the principles of justification, optimisation and dose limits, and described Cameroon's challenges: unvetted requests, second hand equipment, unshielded rooms, staff without dosimeters and a regulator with limited reach. Radiologists and hospital managers in the discussion shared their own struggles with dosimetry and inappropriate requests.", "slug": "2022-09-24-ionizing-radiation-use-in-medical-imaging-in-cameroon-how-concerned-sh", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S59-2022-09-24-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S59-2022-09-24-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-09-24-ionizing-radiation-use-in-medical-imaging-in-cameroon-how-concerned-sh/"}, {"video_id": "qWoWn7Nk2yg", "session_date": "2022-09-10", "session_number": null, "title": "Stroke Management in Cameroon: Current State, Successes, Challenges and Opportunities", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Cardiovascular", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Neurologist Dr. Leonard Ngarka described stroke in Cameroon: a growing burden including in young adults, care costing several times the minimum wage, neurologists in only about five regions, and recent progress such as the first published thrombolysis case. Prof. Alfred Njamnshi and Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji joined a discussion focused on hypertension control, surveillance, infectious causes and rehabilitation.", "slug": "2022-09-10-stroke-management-in-cameroon-current-state-successes-challenges-and-o", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-09-10-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-09-10-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-09-10-stroke-management-in-cameroon-current-state-successes-challenges-and-o/"}, {"video_id": "mpdIiIyUuks", "session_date": "2022-08-27", "session_number": 57, "title": "Family Planning in Cameroon: Making the Case", "theme_tags": ["Maternal & Child Health", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Samuel Akombeng Ojong, Cameroon's Family Planning National Focal Point, made the case for family planning: modern method use has grown, but state funding is about 1 percent, coordination and logistics are weak, few facilities offer implants or IUDs, and use is very unequal across regions. Participants including the South West Regional Delegate and UNFPA and IPPF colleagues discussed integration, adolescent services and demand creation.", "slug": "2022-08-27-family-planning-in-cameroon-making-the-case", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S57-2022-08-27-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S57-2022-08-27-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-08-27-family-planning-in-cameroon-making-the-case/"}, {"video_id": "FogKs0PIGNY", "session_date": "2022-08-13", "session_number": null, "title": "The Practice of Anaesthesia in Cameroon: Challenges and Perspectives", "theme_tags": ["Surgery & Anesthesia", "Workforce & Training", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Paediatric anaesthesiologist Dr. Raymond Ndikontar described anaesthesia in Cameroon: about 70 physician anaesthesiologists, mostly in Yaounde and Douala, about 400 nurse anaesthetists carrying most of the work, and widespread gaps in equipment, oxygen, medical air and blood. Participants including the ACNA president discussed training, retention, local standards and diaspora support.", "slug": "2022-08-13-the-practice-of-anaesthesia-in-cameroon-challenges-and-perspectives", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-08-13-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-08-13-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-08-13-the-practice-of-anaesthesia-in-cameroon-challenges-and-perspectives/"}, {"video_id": "Sahj5FOquQI", "session_date": "2022-07-16", "session_number": 54, "title": "Let's Talk About Cancer: Prevention and Cancer Control in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma, hematology and oncology fellow and chair of the town hall, made the case for prevention as Cameroon's best cancer strategy while its treatment system is built. He covered HPV vaccination, screening for breast, cervical, prostate and colorectal cancer, the need for pathology and staging before treatment, and multidisciplinary tumour boards, and the South West Regional Delegate called for training new doctors in cervical screening.", "slug": "2022-07-16-let-s-talk-about-cancer-prevention-and-cancer-control-in-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S54-2022-07-16-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S54-2022-07-16-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-07-16-let-s-talk-about-cancer-prevention-and-cancer-control-in-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "1vJ2GkwTkk8", "session_date": "2022-06-18", "session_number": null, "title": "Epilepsy in Cameroon: How Prepared Are We?", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy", "Infectious Disease"], "summary": "Neurologist Dr. Samuel A. Angwafor showed that nurse-led rural clinics using phenobarbital control seizures in about two thirds of people with epilepsy, and called for affordable medicines, integration with onchocerciasis control and better data on the burden of epilepsy in Cameroon. Guests including Dr. Alain Lekoubou and Prof. Mathias Fobi discussed the changing causes of epilepsy and how the diaspora can support work led from Cameroon.", "slug": "2022-06-18-epilepsy-in-cameroon-how-prepared-are-we", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-06-18-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-06-18-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-06-18-epilepsy-in-cameroon-how-prepared-are-we/"}, {"video_id": "rFVvpJUH3Mk", "session_date": "2022-06-18", "session_number": 53, "title": "Increasing Access to Preventive Health in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy", "Digital Health & AI"], "summary": "Dr. Agbor Ashu, co-founder of Healthlane, explained the levels of prevention, the gaps that keep Cameroon's health system focused on curing rather than preventing, and how Healthlane uses risk profiling, rapid testing and coaching to prevent NCDs. Participants discussed insurance, cancer screening, rural access and sickle cell screening.", "slug": "2022-06-18-increasing-access-to-preventive-health-in-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S53-2022-06-18-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S53-2022-06-18-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-06-18-increasing-access-to-preventive-health-in-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "xzLpLmK0VuY", "session_date": "2022-06-04", "session_number": 51, "title": "Cholera Epidemic in Cameroon: Experiences and Lessons Learnt", "theme_tags": ["Emergencies & Outbreaks", "Infectious Disease", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "WHO cholera focal point Dr. Nicole Fouda Mbarga reviewed Cameroon's 2021 to 2022 cholera outbreak (8,135 suspected cases and 151 deaths in seven regions). South West delegate Dr. Eko Eko Filbert described the Limbe response, and participants agreed that elimination depends on sectors beyond health. The town hall pledged support for frontline staff.", "slug": "2022-06-04-cholera-epidemic-in-cameroon-experiences-and-lessons-learnt", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S51-2022-06-04-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S51-2022-06-04-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-06-04-cholera-epidemic-in-cameroon-experiences-and-lessons-learnt/"}, {"video_id": "epizjr9-gmg", "session_date": "2022-05-21", "session_number": null, "title": "Pandemic Preparedness: Experiences and Lessons Learnt", "theme_tags": ["Emergencies & Outbreaks", "COVID-19", "Research & Innovation"], "summary": "Dr. Bryan Tegomoh and Epicentre's Dr. Karl Gwei Njuwa Fai drew lessons from COVID-19 as monkeypox emerged worldwide. They covered genomic surveillance with Africa CDC, serosurveys showing far more infection than reported, and vaccine hesitancy, and Prof. Yap Boum II described how Cameroon grew from one PCR laboratory to 45.", "slug": "2022-05-21-pandemic-preparedness-experiences-and-lessons-learnt", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-05-21-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-05-21-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-05-21-pandemic-preparedness-experiences-and-lessons-learnt/"}, {"video_id": "6IsDNqwf_Ww", "session_date": "2022-04-23", "session_number": null, "title": "Digital Health and Telemedicine in Cameroon: The Waspito Experience", "theme_tags": ["Digital Health & AI", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Alexis Awungia Tazinya, Chief Health Officer of Waspito, presented the Cameroonian telemedicine platform, which offers instant video consultations for 3,000 FCFA with verified doctors, and reviewed the state of digital health policy in Cameroon. He said telemedicine is not prohibited but still lacks a legal framework, and connectivity remains the main barrier.", "slug": "2022-04-23-digital-health-and-telemedicine-in-cameroon-the-waspito-experience", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-04-23-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-04-23-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-04-23-digital-health-and-telemedicine-in-cameroon-the-waspito-experience/"}, {"video_id": "u0NaztKC4Rk", "session_date": "2022-04-09", "session_number": null, "title": "Reversing Type 2 Diabetes: Lessons from a Physician's Own Journey", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Cardiovascular"], "summary": "Dr. Eugene Kongnyuy, an obstetrician gynaecologist and UNFPA representative, described how he reversed his own type 2 diabetes by skipping lunch, losing 10 kg and bringing his BMI below 23. Participants discussed medication safety, low carbohydrate eating with Cameroonian foods and the social pressure to gain weight.", "slug": "2022-04-09-reversing-type-2-diabetes-lessons-from-a-physician-s-own-journey", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-04-09-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-04-09-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-04-09-reversing-type-2-diabetes-lessons-from-a-physician-s-own-journey/"}, {"video_id": "69IpfOw1i0w", "session_date": "2022-03-26", "session_number": null, "title": "Safeguarding Children's Rights: The Cameroonian Context", "theme_tags": ["Maternal & Child Health", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Paediatrician Dr. Judwin Ndzo and human rights lawyer Barrister Joyce Nyamboli examined child abuse and safeguarding in Cameroon. They described neglect, child labour, early marriage and harsh punishment, the treaties and laws that apply, and why prevention is almost absent, and called for training, records, places of safety and multi-agency work.", "slug": "2022-03-26-safeguarding-children-s-rights-the-cameroonian-context", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-03-26-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-03-26-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-03-26-safeguarding-children-s-rights-the-cameroonian-context/"}, {"video_id": "tPnpEm83e68", "session_date": "2022-03-12", "session_number": 45, "title": "Impacting Healthcare in Cameroon, You Can Be a Force for Change: Unite for Health Foundation, Reaching Out to Make Lives Better", "theme_tags": ["Maternal & Child Health", "Diaspora & Partnerships", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "The 45th town hall showcased Cameroonians already changing health care. The Chair reviewed the work of members and past speakers, and Elvis Ndansi presented 15 years of Unite for Health Foundation's micro clinics, which reported over 500 deliveries without a maternal death, and discussed the financial and system barriers that drive maternal mortality.", "slug": "2022-03-12-impacting-healthcare-in-cameroon-you-can-be-a-force-for-change-unite-f", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S45-2022-03-12-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S45-2022-03-12-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-03-12-impacting-healthcare-in-cameroon-you-can-be-a-force-for-change-unite-f/"}, {"video_id": "Gu-vwKRsAn8", "session_date": "2022-02-12", "session_number": null, "title": "Healthcare Access in Underserved Communities in Cameroon: A Community Oriented Primary Care Approach", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Maternal & Child Health", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Dr. Sangwe Clovis Nchinjoh, founder of Rural Doctors, described care in the 47-island Manoka Health District, including a caesarean section done without electricity, and presented the community oriented primary care model. Participants discussed linking such work to the district health system, paying community health workers and keeping doctors in rural posts.", "slug": "2022-02-12-healthcare-access-in-underserved-communities-in-cameroon-a-community-o", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-02-12-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-02-12-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-02-12-healthcare-access-in-underserved-communities-in-cameroon-a-community-o/"}, {"video_id": "pHgogvanGWY", "session_date": "2022-01-29", "session_number": 42, "title": "Silent Blindness: Challenges Posed by Glaucoma in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Workforce & Training", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Ophthalmologist Dr. Eleanor Ngwe Nche explained why glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, is found late in Cameroon, where there were about three ophthalmologists per million people. Participants discussed conflicting diagnoses, driver and school vision screening, cannabis myths and teleophthalmology.", "slug": "2022-01-29-silent-blindness-challenges-posed-by-glaucoma-in-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S42-2022-01-29-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S42-2022-01-29-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-01-29-silent-blindness-challenges-posed-by-glaucoma-in-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "gWKDC_es8Io", "session_date": "2022-01-15", "session_number": null, "title": "Home Health Care: The Way Forward for Health-Related Issues during the COVID-19 Pandemic", "theme_tags": ["COVID-19", "Workforce & Training", "Digital Health & AI"], "summary": "Nurse and entrepreneur Ginyu Innocentia Kwalar presented home health care as a way to keep patients with chronic illness in care during COVID-19, describing her platform Klarah, which matches qualified nurses with patients and reports to families abroad. Participants debated cost, equity, nurse safety in the conflict regions and standards for home nursing in Cameroon.", "slug": "2022-01-15-home-health-care-the-way-forward-for-health-related-issues-during-the", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-01-15-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2022-01-15-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2022-01-15-home-health-care-the-way-forward-for-health-related-issues-during-the/"}, {"video_id": "OMxYtEcLpxQ", "session_date": "2021-11-13", "session_number": 38, "title": "Diabetes Care in Cameroon", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy", "Diaspora & Partnerships"], "summary": "Dr. Katte Jean-Claude described the rising burden of diabetes in Cameroon, its complications and national programmes, and how he built a diabetes unit at Bafoussam Regional Hospital. Mr. Ferdinant M. Sonyuy of RADA presented the Global Charter on Meaningful Involvement of People Living with NCDs, and participants debated funding, screening and prevention.", "slug": "2021-11-13-diabetes-care-in-cameroon", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S38-2021-11-13-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S38-2021-11-13-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-11-13-diabetes-care-in-cameroon/"}, {"video_id": "_W8vHARetjg", "session_date": "2021-10-23", "session_number": null, "title": "Let's Talk About Stroke: A Call to Action", "theme_tags": ["Cardiovascular", "NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Alain Lekoubou, a neurologist at Penn State, showed that stroke is rising in Cameroon, driven by uncontrolled hypertension and inactivity, and called for prevention, stroke units in teaching hospitals, and care for survivors. Participants discussed how to manage stroke without CT, the cost of tPA, screening and the shared responsibility of individuals and government.", "slug": "2021-10-23-let-s-talk-about-stroke-a-call-to-action", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-10-23-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-10-23-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-10-23-let-s-talk-about-stroke-a-call-to-action/"}, {"video_id": "sEnw8Zf7XOI", "session_date": "2021-10-09", "session_number": null, "title": "Access to Medical Oxygen in Cameroon: A Call to Action", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "COVID-19", "Emergencies & Outbreaks"], "summary": "Dr. Yauba Saidu of the Clinton Health Access Initiative presented the findings of Cameroon's national oxygen situational analysis and the new five-year strategy to expand access to medical oxygen. Diaspora and in-country intensivists discussed the devices, training and data needed so that oxygen actually reaches patients.", "slug": "2021-10-09-access-to-medical-oxygen-in-cameroon-a-call-to-action", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-10-09-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-10-09-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-10-09-access-to-medical-oxygen-in-cameroon-a-call-to-action/"}, {"video_id": "h-NF2sHEaWQ", "session_date": "2021-09-25", "session_number": null, "title": "Improving Access to Sustainable Diagnostic Radiology in Low Resource Settings", "theme_tags": ["Diagnostics & Imaging", "Health Systems & Policy", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Dr. Kenedy Foryoung, a Yale-trained neuroradiologist with RAD-AID, described the state of diagnostic radiology in Cameroon, from equipment that breaks down and stays idle to a shortage of trained staff. He shared the Mbingo Baptist Hospital CT project and Tanzania's interventional radiology training model, and participants discussed costs, power, teleradiology and quality control.", "slug": "2021-09-25-improving-access-to-sustainable-diagnostic-radiology-in-low-resource-s", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-09-25-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-09-25-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-09-25-improving-access-to-sustainable-diagnostic-radiology-in-low-resource-s/"}, {"video_id": "JgE2vpSnx-0", "session_date": "2021-09-11", "session_number": null, "title": "A Light in the Darkness: Therapies Recently Granted Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19", "theme_tags": ["COVID-19", "Infectious Disease", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma reviewed the COVID-19 therapies granted emergency use authorization, from monoclonal antibodies to dexamethasone, baricitinib and tocilizumab, and what is available in Cameroon. Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji outlined a treatment pathway adapted to Cameroonian hospitals and addressed ivermectin, generic baricitinib and low vaccine uptake.", "slug": "2021-09-11-a-light-in-the-darkness-therapies-recently-granted-emergency-use-autho", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-09-11-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-09-11-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-09-11-a-light-in-the-darkness-therapies-recently-granted-emergency-use-autho/"}, {"video_id": "pKE9BVfoGu0", "session_date": "2021-08-28", "session_number": null, "title": "What to Know About Colorectal Cancer Screening", "theme_tags": ["Cancer", "NCDs", "Diagnostics & Imaging"], "summary": "Gastroenterologist Dr. Ivo Che Ditah explained who should be screened for colorectal cancer, from what age and with which tests, and how screening could be adapted to Cameroon's limited resources. Clinicians in Yaounde described late presentation, young patients, high costs and few endoscopy services.", "slug": "2021-08-28-what-to-know-about-colorectal-cancer-screening", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-08-28-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-08-28-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-08-28-what-to-know-about-colorectal-cancer-screening/"}, {"video_id": "6K7IYWPruLg", "session_date": "2021-08-14", "session_number": null, "title": "How Dangerous Is the COVID-19 Delta Variant?", "theme_tags": ["COVID-19", "Infectious Disease", "Vaccines & Immunisation"], "summary": "Dr. Obadia Mfuh Kenji explained why the Delta variant spreads faster and may cause more severe disease, and showed that vaccines still prevent most severe illness and death. The Chair and participants answered questions on clotting, allergies, boosters, mixing vaccines and misinformation.", "slug": "2021-08-14-how-dangerous-is-the-covid-19-delta-variant", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-08-14-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-08-14-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-08-14-how-dangerous-is-the-covid-19-delta-variant/"}, {"video_id": "utrcTcUXUJo", "session_date": "2021-07-31", "session_number": 30, "title": "Sustainable Cardiac Surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa: Are We Getting There Any Time Soon?", "theme_tags": ["Surgery & Anesthesia", "Cardiovascular", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "Cardiac surgeon Dr. Clarence Pingpoh explained what a sustainable cardiac surgery programme needs in Sub-Saharan Africa, compared the Ghana, medical tourism, humanitarian and Shisong models, and argued that political will is the missing piece. Diaspora cardiologists added that diagnosis, referral, insurance and retention must come with any new centre.", "slug": "2021-07-31-sustainable-cardiac-surgery-in-sub-saharan-africa-are-we-getting-there", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S30-2021-07-31-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S30-2021-07-31-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-07-31-sustainable-cardiac-surgery-in-sub-saharan-africa-are-we-getting-there/"}, {"video_id": "aujKhUFeVBs", "session_date": "2021-07-17", "session_number": 29, "title": "Pain Management During Labour and Delivery: What Every Adult Should Know", "theme_tags": ["Maternal & Child Health", "Surgery & Anesthesia", "Workforce & Training"], "summary": "Nurse anaesthetists Dr. Edwin Aroke and Dr. Njodzeka Venatius Ngong explained why labour pain matters and how it can be relieved, from free measures to epidurals. Cameroonian anaesthesiologist Dr. Raymond Ndikontar and a Cameroonian obstetrician-gynaecologist described the reality at home: about 40 active anaesthesiologists, costs out of reach for many women, and cultural barriers.", "slug": "2021-07-17-pain-management-during-labour-and-delivery-what-every-adult-should-kno", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S29-2021-07-17-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S29-2021-07-17-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-07-17-pain-management-during-labour-and-delivery-what-every-adult-should-kno/"}, {"video_id": "-sJRp-69EfI", "session_date": "2021-07-03", "session_number": 28, "title": "Customer Care in Healthcare Facilities in Cameroon: Impact on Health-Seeking Behaviour", "theme_tags": ["Health Systems & Policy", "Workforce & Training", "Maternal & Child Health"], "summary": "A moderator-led session on how the way patients are treated in Cameroonian health facilities shapes whether they seek care. Participants shared experiences from maternity, HIV and general care, and proposed exit audits, a patients' charter, ethics training, better pay and stronger accountability.", "slug": "2021-07-03-customer-care-in-healthcare-facilities-in-cameroon-impact-on-health-se", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S28-2021-07-03-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-S28-2021-07-03-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-07-03-customer-care-in-healthcare-facilities-in-cameroon-impact-on-health-se/"}, {"video_id": "cMDZNw0lbes", "session_date": "2021-06-19", "session_number": null, "title": "Sickle Cell Disease in Cameroon: Science, Lived Experience and Care (World Sickle Cell Day)", "theme_tags": ["NCDs", "Health Systems & Policy", "Maternal & Child Health"], "summary": "On World Sickle Cell Day, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma explained the genetics, complications and treatments of sickle cell disease, and advocate Arrey Echi and Dr. Ferdinand Ndum described living with it in Cameroon. Participants called for screening, affordable hydroxyurea, treatment protocols and specialised clinics.", "slug": "2021-06-19-sickle-cell-disease-in-cameroon-science-lived-experience-and-care-worl", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-06-19-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-06-19-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-06-19-sickle-cell-disease-in-cameroon-science-lived-experience-and-care-worl/"}, {"video_id": "r4qcZjrn0S0", "session_date": "2021-06-05", "session_number": null, "title": "Heart Attack: The Hidden Pandemic in Cameroon and Africa", "theme_tags": ["Cardiovascular", "NCDs", "Diagnostics & Imaging"], "summary": "Interventional cardiologist Dr. Nchang Taka argued that heart attacks in Cameroon are under-diagnosed rather than rare, and showed that an ECG, aspirin, thrombolysis and clear protocols can save lives without a catheterisation lab. Participants discussed missing data, ECG access, costs and training.", "slug": "2021-06-05-heart-attack-the-hidden-pandemic-in-cameroon-and-africa", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-06-05-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-06-05-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-06-05-heart-attack-the-hidden-pandemic-in-cameroon-and-africa/"}, {"video_id": "qZd2jh28tOg", "session_date": "2021-05-22", "session_number": null, "title": "First Anniversary of the Cameroon Town Hall: One Year in Review and the Way Forward", "theme_tags": ["Diaspora & Partnerships", "COVID-19", "Health Systems & Policy"], "summary": "The Town Hall's first anniversary session reviewed twelve months of fortnightly sessions, heard a COVID-19 update and a presentation by a co-moderator and epidemiologist on what works against vaccine hesitancy, and gathered members' reflections. Suggestions included research collaborations, mentorship, CME credits and French-language sessions.", "slug": "2021-05-22-first-anniversary-of-the-cameroon-town-hall-one-year-in-review-and-the", "minutes_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-05-22-Minutes.pdf", "brief_pdf": "https://cameroontownhall.org/files/CTH-2021-05-22-Policy-Brief.pdf", "url": "https://cameroontownhall.org/sessions/2021-05-22-first-anniversary-of-the-cameroon-town-hall-one-year-in-review-and-the/"}]