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Cameroon Town Hallfor Healthcare Professionals
A laboratory technician recording results at Laquintinie Hospital, Douala

Archive

Session archive

Every documented Town Hall since 2021: recording, summary, minutes and policy brief. Looking for a document? Open the minutes and briefs library.

Oct 31, 2026 · Cancer · Health Systems & Policy

Pink October 2026 in Cameroon: From Breast Cancer Awareness to Action

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Sep 26, 2026 · Child Health · Mental Health

From Behavior to Biology: A Current Update on Autism Screening and Diagnosis

Dr. Lum Frundi

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Aug 1, 2026 · NCDs · Research & Innovation

A New Subtype of Diabetes in Young Cameroonians? Evidence from the YODA Study

Dr. Jean Claude Njabou Katte

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Jun 27, 2026 · Workforce & Training · Health Systems & Policy

Meet the Students Bringing Healthcare Closer to Communities in Cameroon (CAMESA)

Dr. Manaouda Malachie, Dr. Lamuela Chin

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

May 30, 2026 · Mental Health · Diaspora & Partnerships

Breaking the Silence: Creating Safe Spaces for Mental Health Conversations in Cameroonian Families and Communities

Dr. Bih Bikelle

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Apr 18, 2026 · Malaria · Infectious Disease

The Global Malaria Action Gap: Progress, Peril and the Playbook for Elimination

Dr. Bryan Tegomoh

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Mar 14, 2026 · Cancer · Diaspora & Partnerships

Giving Back: The ACPA 2026 Cancer Screening and Advanced Cancer Education Program in Buea

Dr. Luegenia Ndi, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma, Dr. Joshua Tambe

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Feb 21, 2026 · Health Systems & Policy · Research & Innovation

Science in a Political World: Careers, Funding and Africa's Place in the New Global Health Order

Dr. Luchuo Engelbert Bain

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Jan 24, 2026 · Cancer · Health Systems & Policy

Barriers to Optimal Cancer Care in Cameroon: Brainstorming Solutions

Dr. Ntumsi Tontu

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Dec 20, 2025 · Health Systems & Policy · Digital Health & AI

2025 in Review and Priorities for 2026: Health Financing, Public Health and Artificial Intelligence

Dr. Bryan Tegomoh

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Nov 22, 2025 · Surgery & Anesthesia · Cardiovascular

Building Sustainable Health Solutions for Cameroon: Capacity, Infrastructure and Innovation (the Heartbeat e.V. Cardiac Surgery Experience)

Prof. Clarence Pingpoh, Dr. Thierry Siemeni, Pierre Christian Takam

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.

MinutesPolicy brief

Mar 8, 2025 · Health Systems & Policy · HIV

Global Health at the Crossroads: How Cameroon is Confronting the Challenges (with the Minister of Public Health)

Dr. Manaouda Malachie

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Feb 8, 2025 · Health Systems & Policy · HIV

Global Health at a Crossroads: A Wake-up Call for Africa

Town Hall moderators and members

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

January 2025 · Workforce & Training · Diaspora & Partnerships

Healthcare Career Opportunities in the Diaspora: Becoming a Physician in the USA and Other Pathways

Dr. Chobufo Muchi Ditah, Internal medicine resident and incoming haematology and oncology fellow, Dr. Obadia Mfuh Kenji and others

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Dec 14, 2024 · HIV · Infectious Disease

World AIDS Day: Updates on HIV Prevention, Treatment and Vaccines

Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Nov 16, 2024 · Digital Health & AI · Health Systems & Policy

Special Edition: AI and the Future of Health Care

Town Hall moderators and members

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Nov 2, 2024 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

The Giveback Project: Cameroon Diaspora Supporting Health Initiatives in Cameroon

Elvis Ndansi, Prof. Theodore Ngatchu, Dr. Bryan Tegomoh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 27, 2024 · Cancer · Workforce & Training

Special Edition: Breast Cancer Educational Series for Health Professionals, Part 2: Systemic Treatment of Early and Metastatic Breast Cancer

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 26, 2024 · Cancer · Workforce & Training

Special Edition: Breast Cancer Educational Series for Health Professionals, Part 1: Prevention, Screening, Diagnosis and Local Management

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 19, 2024 · Cancer · Diagnostics & Imaging

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Cameroon: Efforts to Fight a Curable Disease

Sidney Tazeh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 5, 2024 · Cancer · NCDs

Looking Back on National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Prostate Cancer in Cameroon

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Sep 21, 2024 · Diagnostics & Imaging · Research & Innovation

Companion Diagnostics: Advancing Personalized Medicine

Dr. Obadia Mfuh Kenji

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Sep 7, 2024 · Cancer · Diagnostics & Imaging

Empowering Precision Oncology in Africa: The New Frontier in Cancer Care

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Aug 24, 2024 · Emergencies & Outbreaks · Infectious Disease

The State of the Mpox Outbreak in Africa: An Open Discussion

Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Jun 15, 2024 · NCDs · Maternal & Child Health

Beyond the Clinic Walls: A Whole Person Approach to Sickle Cell Disease

Dr. Marthe-Sandrine Mpollo

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Jun 1, 2024 · Cancer · Infectious Disease

Liver Cancer in Cameroon: An Urgent Call to Action

Dr. Marcel Nzoume

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

May 18, 2024 · Health Systems & Policy · Diaspora & Partnerships

Cameroon's Health Ecosystem through the WHO Framework for Health System Strengthening

Dr. Bryan Tegomoh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

May 4, 2024 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

100th Session: Reflections on 100 Sessions and the Future of the Cameroon Town Hall

Town Hall moderators and members

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Apr 20, 2024 · Health Systems & Policy · Cancer

Access to Novel Targeted Therapy in Cameroon: Unmet Needs and Opportunities

Dr. Alain Abeh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Mar 23, 2024 · NCDs · Health Systems & Policy

Chronic Kidney Disease in Cameroon: An Overview of Drivers, Opportunities and Challenges

Dr. Ronald Gobina

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Mar 9, 2024 · NCDs · Maternal & Child Health

Roadmap to Sickle Cell Disease Elimination in Cameroon by 2060: Strategies, Action and Policy Priorities

Dr. Yauba Saidu

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Feb 24, 2024 · Malaria · Infectious Disease

Malaria Vaccines in Cameroon: When Promise Meets Hesitancy

Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Feb 10, 2024 · Cancer · Health Systems & Policy

World Cancer Day: Bridging Cancer Care Disparities in Cameroon

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Jan 27, 2024 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

The Giveback Project: Presentation of the Concept Note and Discussion

Elvis Ndansi, Dr. Bryan Tegomoh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Dec 2, 2023 · HIV · Infectious Disease

The Future of HIV Treatment and the Hope for a Cure

Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Nov 18, 2023 · Cardiovascular · NCDs

The Silent Epidemic of Heart Disease in Cameroon: Alleviating Cameroon's Cardiovascular Burden

Dr. Clarence Pingpoh, Dr. Nchang Taka

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Nov 4, 2023 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

Decolonizing Global Health: The African Diaspora's Role in Advancing Global Health Equity

Prof. Yap Boum II

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 29, 2023 · Cancer · Workforce & Training

Breast Cancer Educational Series, Day 2: Metastatic Breast Cancer and Special Situations

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 28, 2023 · Cancer · Workforce & Training

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)

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 21, 2023 · Cancer · Health Systems & Policy

Breast Cancer in Cameroon: Challenges and Solutions

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Oct 7, 2023 · Mental Health · Health Systems & Policy

Breaking the Silence: Overcoming Stigma and Fostering Resilience in Mental Health, Trauma, Substance Use and Grief in Cameroon

Therese Shalo-Fuh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Sep 23, 2023 · Maternal & Child Health · Digital Health & AI

Using Social Media to Improve Maternal Health in Cameroon: Talk Pregnancy with Dr. Noella

Dr. Gwanyama Noella

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Sep 9, 2023 · COVID-19 · Infectious Disease

Latest Updates on COVID-19: Emerging Variants, Surveillance and Lessons for Cameroon

Dr. Bryan Tegomoh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Aug 26, 2023 · Cancer · Health Systems & Policy

Treating Cancer in Cameroon: The Mbingo Baptist Hospital Experience

Dr. Francine Kouya, Dr. Signang Alberic Ndonku, Brian Jato and others

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.

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Aug 12, 2023 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

Update on Cooperation Between the Ministry of Public Health and Cameroonian Diaspora Healthcare Professionals

Dr. Samuel Ndinjiakat, Prof. Theodore Ngatchu, Gladys Larissa Happi and others

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.

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Jul 29, 2023 · Infectious Disease · Malaria

Diagnostic Dilemmas: Fevers in the Tropics

Dr. Obadia Mfuh Kenji

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.

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Jul 15, 2023 · Health Systems & Policy

The Intrinsic Link between Health and Development: Social Determinants of Health in Cameroon

Dr. Yauba Saidu

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.

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July 2023 · HIV · Health Systems & Policy

Towards HIV Epidemic Control in Cameroon: The Past, the Present and the Future

Dr. Rogers Awoh Ajeh

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.

MinutesPolicy briefWatch

Jun 3, 2023 · NCDs · Diaspora & Partnerships

Promoting Chronic Kidney Disease Education, Early Detection and Organ Donation in Cameroon: The Work of the Iya Foundation

Iya Bekondo-Granatella

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.

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May 20, 2023 · Health Systems & Policy · Emergencies & Outbreaks

Health Care in Conflict Zones: The Experience of Bamenda Regional Hospital

Dr. Denis Nsame Nforniwe

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.

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May 6, 2023 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

Medical Missions to Cameroon: Building Grace Gardens Hospital Ndop from the Diaspora

Dr. Samuel K. Ndinjiakat, Mrs. Emelda Ndinjiakat

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.

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Apr 22, 2023 · Health Systems & Policy · Maternal & Child Health

Universal Health Coverage in Cameroon: From Promise to Reality (with the Minister of Public Health)

Dr. Manaouda Malachie

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.

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Apr 8, 2023 · Digital Health & AI · Maternal & Child Health

The Evolving Role of Social Media in Health Education in Cameroon

Dr. Patrick Ngou (Patrick Mfopou Ngou)

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.

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Mar 25, 2023 · Research & Innovation · Health Systems & Policy

Challenges and Opportunities in the Practice of Implementation Science in Cameroon

Dr. Ferdinand C. Mukumbang

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.

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Mar 11, 2023 · Research & Innovation · Workforce & Training

Enhancing the Quality of Medical Research in Cameroon: Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Guy Sadeu Wafeu

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.

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Feb 25, 2023 · Occupational Health · Health Systems & Policy

The State of Occupational Medicine in Cameroon: Are We Doing Enough to Protect the Health of Workers?

Dr. Ekiti E. Martin

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.

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Feb 11, 2023 · Cancer · Health Systems & Policy

Improving Cancer Care and Reducing Mortality in Cameroon: What Can Be Done Today

Sidney Tazeh

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.

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Jan 14, 2023 · Emergencies & Outbreaks · Infectious Disease

Responding to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern in Africa: Experiences from the Field, Challenges and the Way Forward

Dr. Nkengafac Villyen Motaze

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.

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Dec 17, 2022 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

Donation of Medical Supplies and Equipment to Cameroon: How to Navigate the Process and Build Partnerships

Roger Mforneh

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.

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Dec 3, 2022 · Diaspora & Partnerships · Health Systems & Policy

Leveraging the Diaspora to Optimise and Innovate Healthcare Services in Cameroon (with the Minister of Public Health)

Dr. Manaouda Malachie

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.

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Oct 22, 2022 · Infectious Disease · Health Systems & Policy

The State of WASH in Cameroon: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene in Health Facilities

Nkwan Jacob Gobte

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.

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Oct 8, 2022 · Cancer · Maternal & Child Health

Breast Cancer Prevention and Management in Cameroon

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma, Akwi Anjoh

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.

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Sep 24, 2022 · Diagnostics & Imaging · Health Systems & Policy

Ionizing Radiation Use in Medical Imaging in Cameroon: How Concerned Should We Be?

Dr. Joshua Tambe

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.

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Sep 10, 2022 · NCDs · Cardiovascular

Stroke Management in Cameroon: Current State, Successes, Challenges and Opportunities

Dr. Leonard Ngarka

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.

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Aug 27, 2022 · Maternal & Child Health · Health Systems & Policy

Family Planning in Cameroon: Making the Case

Dr. Samuel Akombeng Ojong

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.

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Aug 13, 2022 · Surgery & Anesthesia · Workforce & Training

The Practice of Anaesthesia in Cameroon: Challenges and Perspectives

Dr. Raymond Ndikontar Kwinji

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.

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Jul 16, 2022 · Cancer · NCDs

Let's Talk About Cancer: Prevention and Cancer Control in Cameroon

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

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Jun 18, 2022 · NCDs · Health Systems & Policy

Epilepsy in Cameroon: How Prepared Are We?

Dr. Samuel A. Angwafor

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.

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Jun 18, 2022 · NCDs · Health Systems & Policy

Increasing Access to Preventive Health in Cameroon

Dr. Agbor Ashu (Agbor Ashumanyi Ako)

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.

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Jun 4, 2022 · Emergencies & Outbreaks · Infectious Disease

Cholera Epidemic in Cameroon: Experiences and Lessons Learnt

Dr. Nicole Fouda Mbarga

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.

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May 21, 2022 · Emergencies & Outbreaks · COVID-19

Pandemic Preparedness: Experiences and Lessons Learnt

Dr. Bryan Tegomoh, Dr. Karl Gwei Njuwa Fai

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.

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Apr 23, 2022 · Digital Health & AI · Health Systems & Policy

Digital Health and Telemedicine in Cameroon: The Waspito Experience

Dr. Alexis Awungia Tazinya

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.

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Mar 26, 2022 · Maternal & Child Health · Health Systems & Policy

Safeguarding Children's Rights: The Cameroonian Context

Dr. Judwin Ndzo, Barrister Joyce Nyamboli

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.

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Mar 12, 2022 · Maternal & Child Health · Diaspora & Partnerships

Impacting Healthcare in Cameroon, You Can Be a Force for Change: Unite for Health Foundation, Reaching Out to Make Lives Better

Elvis Ndansi, Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma

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.

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Feb 12, 2022 · Health Systems & Policy · Maternal & Child Health

Healthcare Access in Underserved Communities in Cameroon: A Community Oriented Primary Care Approach

Dr. Sangwe Clovis Nchinjoh

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.

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Jan 29, 2022 · NCDs · Workforce & Training

Silent Blindness: Challenges Posed by Glaucoma in Cameroon

Dr. Eleanor Ngwe Nche

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.

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Jan 15, 2022 · COVID-19 · Workforce & Training

Home Health Care: The Way Forward for Health-Related Issues during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Ginyu Innocentia Kwalar

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.

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Nov 13, 2021 · NCDs · Health Systems & Policy

Diabetes Care in Cameroon

Dr. Katte Jean-Claude, Mr. Ferdinant M. Sonyuy

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.

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Oct 23, 2021 · Cardiovascular · NCDs

Let's Talk About Stroke: A Call to Action

Dr. Alain Lekoubou

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.

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Oct 9, 2021 · Health Systems & Policy · COVID-19

Access to Medical Oxygen in Cameroon: A Call to Action

Dr. Yauba Saidu

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.

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Sep 25, 2021 · Diagnostics & Imaging · Health Systems & Policy

Improving Access to Sustainable Diagnostic Radiology in Low Resource Settings

Dr. Kenedy A. Foryoung

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.

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Sep 11, 2021 · COVID-19 · Infectious Disease

A Light in the Darkness: Therapies Recently Granted Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma, Dr. Boghuma Kabisen Titanji

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.

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Aug 28, 2021 · Cancer · NCDs

What to Know About Colorectal Cancer Screening

Dr. Ivo Che Ditah

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.

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Aug 14, 2021 · COVID-19 · Infectious Disease

How Dangerous Is the COVID-19 Delta Variant?

Dr. Obadia Mfuh Kenji

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.

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Jul 31, 2021 · Surgery & Anesthesia · Cardiovascular

Sustainable Cardiac Surgery in Sub-Saharan Africa: Are We Getting There Any Time Soon?

Dr. Clarence Pienteu Pingpoh

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.

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Jul 17, 2021 · Maternal & Child Health · Surgery & Anesthesia

Pain Management During Labour and Delivery: What Every Adult Should Know

Dr. Edwin N. Aroke, Dr. Njodzeka Venatius Ngong

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.

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Jul 3, 2021 · Health Systems & Policy · Workforce & Training

Customer Care in Healthcare Facilities in Cameroon: Impact on Health-Seeking Behaviour

Town Hall moderators and members

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.

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Jun 19, 2021 · NCDs · Health Systems & Policy

Sickle Cell Disease in Cameroon: Science, Lived Experience and Care (World Sickle Cell Day)

Dr. Munoh Kenne Foma, Arrey Echi, Dr. Ferdinand Ndum

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.

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May 22, 2021 · Diaspora & Partnerships · COVID-19

First Anniversary of the Cameroon Town Hall: One Year in Review and the Way Forward

Town Hall moderators and members

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.

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