COVID-19: 391,200 doses of ASTRA-ZENECA arrive Cameroon, who benefits from the vaccine?

By Pedmia Shatu

       Communiqué signed by Cameroon's                           Public Health Minister, 

                     Manaouda Malachie

The Minister of Public health has in a communiqué dated April 26th indicated that following the reception and distribution of 391,200 doses of Astra Zeneca, some target groups will benefit from the vaccination exercise; 

1) Health personel 18years and above

2) Persons with comorbidities 18yrs+

3) People 50yrs + 

This comes to add to the 200,000 SINOPHARM doses which came in over a week ago.

He equally indicates that there shall be a mass vaccination campaign in all 243 fixed and mobile vaccination posts from April 28th - May 02nd.

NWADO engages citizen journalists and bloggers in the protection of civilian rights in conflict situations

By Amambo Carrey-Pride

Group picture

Citizen Journalists and Bloggers

Some 30 citizen journalists and social media activist in Bamenda have been drilled on professional reporting in armed conflict situations and advocacy in protection of civilian rights in armed conflict zones. The training was organised recently in Bamenda  by the Northwest Association of Development Organizations NWADO on aimed at reshaping the reporting skills of journalists in a way that the rights of civilians are protected in conflict situations .

Speaking during the workshop was the coordinator for NWADO Tombir Stanley who called on the journalists to always act as the voice of civilians in conflict situations. " People think war is lawless " says Tombir Stanley and that is why NWADO seeks to involve the journalists in the use of the Geneva convention as a guiding principle and a tool for reporting in conflict situations he added that, " civilians, women and children, health workers, humanitarian workers ,journalists have suffered alot as a result of this conflict so we thought that to raise our voices, we need to mediatize the Geneva convention ,that is the international humanitarian law that stipulates clearly the conduct of war".  He furthered that NWADO's aim is for the voices of citizens to be heard and how the waring parties can ensure that civilians are protected. 

Tombir Stanley

NWADO Coordinator

Mr. Tombir reiterated that " I expect citizen journalist to report in an unbiased manner that doesn't radicalize people, doesn't create fear and in an objective manner ". 

Also during the workshop, participants were equally advised to always be balance in their reporting and to avoid reporting with emotions which could lead to a bias report they were equally called opon to be cautious of their sources and to never risk their lives for news. 

The main facilitator of the workshop Mr Charles Nji engaged the participants in a group work session where the groups discussed on some do's an don'ts when reporting on persons with disabilities, Do's and Don't when  reporting  in conflict  zone as a journalist, the Do's and Don't  when  meeting with  non state fighters  on the field and on the responsibility  of health  workers  on the field. 

Open shot of participants at the workshop

It is worth mentioning that the Geneva Convention was a series of international diplomatic meetings that produced a number of agreements, and in particular the Humanitarian Law of Armed Conflicts, a group of international laws for the humane treatment of wounded or captured military personnel, medical personnel and non-military civilians during war or armed conflicts. The agreements originated in 1864 and were significantly updated in 1949 after World War II.

Health personnel prioritized as COVID 19 vaccines arrive the Northwest Region

By Amambo Carrey Pride

          consignment of Sinopharm vaccine

The North West Region like every other regions in the country is witnessing a second wave and a rise in COVID-19 cases. The launching of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the North  West Region took place early morning April 14th, at the multipurpose hall of the Bamenda Regional Hospital.

According to the Regional Delegate for Public Health, the vaccination will be in two phases and for this first phase, a total of 11,400 doses were sent and priority will be given to health personnel who are frontliners in the fight against #COVID.

Dr. Kingsley Che Soh

Regional Delegate Public Health for the NW being vaccinated

The consignment of 11,400 doses was received at the North West Delegation of Public Health by the Secretary General at the North West Governor's office, Viang Mekala, and handed to Dr. Kingsley Che Soh, North West Regional Delegate of Public Health.

Dr. Nsame Denis Nforniwe

Director Regional Hospital Bamenda

During the Launch, it was revealed that there are insufficient Covid19 test kits available to carry out mass testing so, the Regional Hospital Bamenda reserves the limited quantity available for those who actually present with symptoms or for cases requested by the doctors upon consultation. Presenting a cummulative data of the region, 

Dr. Kingsley Che Soh indicated that as of April 10th, the region has recorded over 4580 positive cases, 3774 recoveries, 633 active cases and 173 deaths. 435 health personel were infected, with 5 deaths; 41  pregnant women were infected,  with 2 deaths. This surge in positive cases and deaths related to COVID-19  pushed  the government to reinforce the strict respect of barrier measures. 

Group picture with authorities and staff

The Governor's representative, Viang Mekala, cautioned  the population to use the social media wisely and avoid adhering to rumors and propaganda with regards to the vaccine and any other information that can destabilize the community. After receiving the first dose of the vaccine, Viang Mekala expressed gratitude to the Head of state, President Paul Biya, for all the actions taken to improve on the health of the population against the COVID19 pandemic. He urged the population to continue respecting barrier measures, despite the launch of the vaccine.

Viang Mekala

SG at the Northwest Governors office

It should be noted that health workers in all the health districts and 7 divisions in the region will benefit from 2 doses at an interval of 3 weeks.

VAHA reveals findings on perceptions, attitudes and beliefs of Africans about COVID-19, urges scientific Community to chat a way forward.

Novel Corona virus

By Pedmia Shatu

The COVID-19 Pandemic has greatly affected the world economy and has resulted to untold damage to lives and communities. With over 100 million COVID-19 cases worldwide and over 2 million deaths and a continuous wide spread and resurgence in many countries, the battle against this virus is far from being over. The resurgence of COVID-19 in many countries have been linked to the non- respect for barrier measures by individuals largely fueled by the misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccine.

Corona virus vaccine

The entire world received a sigh of relieve after significant milestones of vaccine development was announced by the World Health Organization. However instead of this great scientific progress being celebrated, the speed of vaccine development has further strengthen certain conspiracy theories thereby increasing hesitancy to the vaccine by most people. With misinformation about COVID-19 vaccine trending all over social media and the drama surrounding the origin of the virus, most public health experts have warned of a stiff vaccine resistance especially among African states.

It is on this premise that Value Health Africa, organized a two-day online international conference on the theme, “vaccine hesitancy, conspiracy theories and the way forward recently to help build healthy communities.

Throughout 2020, Value Health Africa carried out series of research on” perceptions, attitudes and believes of Africans on COVID-19 and a possible COVID-19 vaccine in 4 African countries. Analysis of the research showed that only 5% of respondents had moderate knowledge of COVID-19. 33% of respondents did not even believe in the existence of the virus while a large 76% believed COVID-19 is not of natural origin.

Among the respondents, only 7% agree of taken a covid-19 vaccine if it is being developed. According to Mercy Kyeng  of Value Health Africa, the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine in some African countries was received with mixed feelings increasing tensions and assault on health care workers. Parents have boycotted their children from school and women have stopped routine vaccination of their children for fear of them being injected with the COVID-19 Vaccine. Health care workers have been objects of assault as they are accused to siding with the government to administer COVID-19 vaccine to people without their knowledge.

                              Kyeng Mercy

There is therefore a need to for the scientific community to put ideas together, share ideas and design the way forward. The conference therefore provided a platform to bridge the barriers leading to vaccine reluctance and resistance with focus on providing credible information about Covid-19 vaccine, to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories surrounding covid-19 vaccine and to design the way forward for information management for pandemics and to foster individual and community acceptance of covid-19 vaccine.

With national and internal experts  from the  public health, WHO,GAVI, Africa CDC, Ministries of Health and CSO representatives who took turns to educate the over 50 participants on how to manage misinformation about the Covid-19 pandemic and vaccine hesitancy, a number of recommendations were taken that can help key stakeholders in managing the challenges that come with the pandemic and conspiracy theories around the vaccine. 

                        Mbianke Livancliff

           VAHA Immunization focal point 

Some of the key take home include  action to be taken by All important sectors within the community such as media houses, religious leaders,opinion leaders, Civil societies, humanitarian organizations and government institutions to work in synergy in the spirit of honesty and transparency to chat a strategic plan to address the vaccine scenario.

Also, that there should be extensive review of papers, surveys and research on COVID-19 to get the real picture of what is happening within the communities as well as frequent press briefings by all health structures and health state personnel to constantly update citizens on the developments.

The participants and speakers also saw the need for an African regulatory board to regulate vaccines within the African continent, so that only vaccines thoroughly scrutinized and verified by African scientists should be accepted. This should include getting all Heads of State together to ensure this takes effect.

Regional Hospital Bamenda benefits a 200KVA Generator from the Bamenda City Council.

By Pedmia Shatu 

              Acquired 200KVA generator

The generator was handed over today 2nd April, 2021 by the Mayor to the Bamenda City Council Mayor Achobong Paul who doubles as the Chairman of the hospital Management Board to the Director of the hospital and his administration. To the Mayor, this donation comes at a time when it is most needed to save humanity, coupled with the epileptic electricity supply the city has been plagued with for long. Mayor Achobong in his address indicated that whenever a need is expressed, there is always a way. He congratulated the efforts of the hospital Management  Board, where he is Board Chair, for placing a constructive demand for an equipment that will serve the needs of the population. To the Mayor, the Council's prompt action is a clear indication that the wellbeing of the population is pivotal in its developmental efforts.

 He saluted the efforts of all the health personnel at the Regional Hospital Bamenda despite the challenges and urged them to continue with their level of professionalism in caring for patients and maintaining the high level of sanitation that  obtains in the facility. The 200KVA generator, it should be noted, comes with an automatic change-over switch so that "as soon as electricity misbehaves, the generator behaves," Mr. Achobong Paul said. 

Achobong Paul

Mayor Bamenda City Council

Taking place in the context of the #COVID-19 pandemic, the City Council also thought it wise that another donation of facemasks and sanitizers be made to the hospital to help contain the spread of the virus. This comes to add to previous donations the council has made towards the fight against the spread of the virus.

From Left to right; Simon Emily Moon(SDO Mezam), Dr. Nsame Denis ( Director RHB) and Achobong Paul (City Mayor) 

Upon reception of the generator, the hospital's Director, Dr. Denis Nsame  Nforniwe, in a brief note expressed gratitude for the hospital has in the past suffered the effects of power disruptions and has constantly been on a lone generator which sometimes cannot serve its multifaceted needs. The lone generator used to work between 7 to 15 hours daily because most of the machines in the units such as the Haemodialysis Centre, Imaging Centre and the laboratory could not function due to low voltage

Dr. Nsame Denise Nforniwe, Director Regional Hospital Bamenda

 " ..... We have ENEO certainly but because of the low voltage, most machines cannot work right down to our photocopy  machines. So you find out that services like the Imaging Centre, Haemodialysis Centre and the Laboratory cannot run if the voltage is not up to capacity. In the past, we have had machines in the Haemodialysis Centre break down because of low voltage. We have been living in fear with just this one generator because if it breaks down and has to go on repairs then we might loose some patients. We are most grateful today for this donation we are receiving. We sincerely thank the Management Board who thought it wise that our plea was worth the salt and channeled it to the right quarters. When one works in the night, the other will work during the day." The Director on behalf of his team, pledged that they will do all in their powers to judiciously put the equipment to use. 

Regional Hospital Staff

While appreciating the efforts of the City Mayor and his team, the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh described the Mayor as a man with great vision for the city of Bamenda and that he believes that with the collaboration of the population, Bamenda in the years ahead will be likened to Abu-Dhabi. Mr. Simon Emile appealed to the beneficiary, the Regional Hospital Bamenda to use their technical know-how and professionalism in handling the equipment. He also congratulated the efforts of the City Council in helping to contain the spread of the novel virus by providing some COVID-19 kits to the hospital. He used the opportunity to call on health personnel to sensitize the population on the need to respect all barrier measures for a COVID-FREE Bamenda in particular and the Northwest Region in general.

Simon Emile Moon, Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam

The brief ceremony took place at the power house of the Regional Hospital Bamenda. Also present at the ceremony were the DO for Bamenda II, the Mayor for Bamenda II, hospital administration and staff.

Authorities present at the event

NW Women Peacebuilders Fortify Skills In Peacebuilding

By Pedmia Shatu

   Women Peace builders in a group photo

Mediation Women Peace builders within the North West Region have  strengthened their capacity in Meditation and Peace Building in amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic and crisis rocking the region. This was the outcome of a two day workshop on advancing women’s rights in response to community mediation and peacebuilding processes  with the hope of shifting the advocacy of women mediators in communities. 

The Workshop was organized by Mother of Hope Cameroon MOHCAM with support from Women Mediators Across the CommonWealth for members of the Women Peacebuilders’ Network WOPEN NW. 

In November 2020 MOHCAM executed a project on strengthening the capacities of members of the  Women Peacebuilders Network-WOPEN to Effectively Engage in Mediation and peacebuilding in  response to crises in the North West Regions. Through this activity, over twenty-six (26) women leaders from  the grassroots and community organizations were trained with support funding from the Women  Mediators across the Commonwealth.

During this workshop  an action plan for the network was developed for one year and it’s against this backdrop that this project seeks bridge the skill gaps of network  members in the domain of human rights, lobbying and advocacy, the use of the social media handles and  online tools for effective communication to enhance their effective participation in community mediators and peacebuilders.

Reacting, Adah Mbah Executive Director of MOHCAM highlighting aspects of the activity enhance the capacity of women to serve as mediators for peace, increasing women participation in lobbying and advocacy in peacebuilding while encouraging the women peace leaders to increase their visibility and results in the field with the effective use of the social media to enhance their peacebuilding actions.

                    Mme Adah Mbah

           Executive Director of MOHCAM 

During the two day session, the participants we educated on the the Role of the National Commission in defending the rights of women rights defenders and CSOs. Barrister Agbor Nkeng noted that women are great peacebuilders and help to consolidate peace as such are helping the government to realize her objectiveWith the crisis that has gone on for over 5 years no especially as women continue to bear the brunt, there was the need to engage them in a self care session particularly through a  trauma healing session to help them  develop coping mechanisms with loss,grief and bereavement. Mme. Mah Fundo advised them to quickly talk to a specialist, find a support system, try to maintain your hobbies, draw your comfort from your faith  and take care of self so as to get out of any of such situation. 

To further intensify the healing process and wounds of the women peacebuilders, practical sessions, outdoor activities  and spiritual sessions were upheld as many participants at the end of the two days expressed satisfaction and testified of going back well equipped and light hearted to give back to the community. 

                  Barrister Agbor Nkeng

                           Legal expert

       

In order to amplify women’s voices in human rights and community meditation, Barrister Blessing Chia also member of the network, urged the women peacebuilders to uphold the qualities and skills of a good mediator, so that they can be able to, help both parties maintain a healthy relationship even after the conflict, ensure peace and calm between the parties as well as instill trust in both parties for sustainable peace. “We can amplify women’s voices by, empowering women, building relevant networks that bring women together and carrying out advocacy campaigns.

 

In order to intensify their actions and create greater impact on a wider scale, the women gained skills in advocacy and lobbying in peacebuilding and also how  to use the  Social Media for effective communication. “A lot can be done to shift the mindset of the online community if social media users who are peacebuilders, can use it positively. However, the dangers abound if you use it poorly. I will suggest that we do not share just for sharing sake or join the band wagon of those who propagate hatespeech, misinformation and disinformation. Our social media handles should be used to build peace and encourage non violent actions,” Rosaline Obah, communication expert indicated.

Rosaline Obah Akan, Communication expert

With the crisis that has gone on for over 5 years no especially as women continue to bear the brunt, there was the need to engage them in a self care session particularly through a  trauma healing session to help them  develop coping mechanisms with loss,grief and bereavement. Mme. Mah Fundo advised them to quickly talk to a specialist, find a support system, try to maintain your hobbies, draw your comfort from your faith  and take care of self so as to get out of any of such situation.

To further intensify the healing process and wounds of the women peacebuilders, practical sessions, outdoor activities  and spiritual sessions were upheld as many participants at the end of the two days expressed satisfaction and testified of going back well equipped and light hearted to give back to the community. 

Violence Against women and girls a neglected reality; SOPISDEW exploits ways of prevention and management in crisis hit NW and SW Regions.

By Pedmia Shatu 

Violence against women and girls is a hidden global crisis which knows no boundaries of geography or culture. The limited evidence on the extent and nature of VAWG in conflict and humanitarian contexts has been a key barrier to investment in VAWG programming in emergencies and building the evidence base is a priority for SOPISDEW and partners. However, there is existing evidence which indicates that VAWG in emergencies is more prevalent than currently acknowledged, and has a life-threatening impact on women and girls.

There is growing evidence on what works to prevent violence against women, based on well-designed evaluations. In 2019, WHO and UN Women with endorsement from 12 other UN and bilateral agencies published RESPECT women – a framework for preventing violence against women. The key concepts include Relationship skills strengthening; Empowerment of women; Services ensured; Poverty reduced; Enabling environments (schools, work places, public spaces) created; Child and adolescent abuse prevented; and Transformed attitudes, beliefs and norms. 

Physical and sexual violence against women and girls has risen in the North West and South West region of Cameroon due to an on-going crisis. COVID-19 is adding to the existing situation with the number of cases of domestic violence steadily on the rise. Formal structures intervening on the prevention and management of domestic violence against women and girls have been disrupted and the situation is worsened by physical restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 emergency. Community Based Organizations like The Society for the Promotion of Initiatives in Sustainable Development and Welfare (SOPISDEW) have shifted their interventions to a community based approach which is dependent on very limited resources and often involves the management of complex situations.

SOPISDEW is currently supporting vulnerable women and girls through both preventive and community based case management services targeting physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and economic abuse while serving as part of the referral pathway including feedback and complaints mechanisms put in place by the Protection Cluster led by UN OCHA. Key interventions include preventive activities involving the development and dissemination of outreach and communication materials on domestic violence through Community Radio and other local organizations of the GBV network.

SOPISDEW staff at a strategic meeting on prevention and management of GBV 

According to Kemey Daniel Mbuntum, head of the Social Works Program, SOPISDEW’s community based case management system involves the use of community social workers and peer educators to offer Emergency Psychosocial First Aid to victims and referring them for appropriate action. He further reiterates that community peer educators who are mostly former victims and survivors are best placed to assist in interventions. The program has reached out directly to over 200 cases in Mezam and Bui Divisions of the North West Region of Cameroon and is presently scaling up to many other conflict-affected communities.

Talking to the Executive Director of SOPISDEW, Mr Tah Kennette Konsum about future plans to adapt the prevention and management of domestic violence interventions against women and girls, he reiterated that they are capitalizing on new community based mechanisms identified such as benefitting from traditional laws, media and technology. This will be realised through the development and expansion of community capacity and local best practises for local context specific interventions; a system based on lessons learnt due to the present humanitarian context in various communities. 

                Mr Tah Kennette Konsum, 

          Executive Director of SOPISDEW

A Senior Legal/Protection Officer with SOPISDEW, Mrs Tata Charity Yenlan further raised arguments about the very central need to counter domestic violence against women and girls. According to her ‘’when domestic violence prevails in a home, children suffer greatly, and this is one of the reasons we have children living in the streets’’. The programme is also intended to address one of the root causes of child streetism through advocacy and collaboration.

SOPISDEW’s Programs Manager Ms Sakghe Mildred elaborated on the key activities which have been previewed to achieve greater impact. They include working with couples to improve communication and relationship skills; community mobilization interventions to change unequal gender norms; school clubs that challenge gender stereotypes and promote relationships based on equality and consent; and group-based participatory education with women and men to generate critical reflections about unequal gender power relationships. 

Sakghe Mildred, 

SOPISDEW’s Programs Manager

On the use of local networks, SOPISDEW plans to expand a grassroots prevention system involving the use of community social workers and peer educators (mostly survivors and former victims). The peer educators and social workers will mostly intervene through community education at informal women’s meetings, churches, mosques, schools, hospitals. SOPISDEW will liaise with these communities to expand temporal safe spaces for women and girls where they can share their experiences in preventing domestic violence. Direct beneficiaries will include 12 conflict-affected urban and rural communities in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon. The wider community will indirectly benefit through production and dissemination of audio-visual contents through the Cameroon Community Media Network (CCMN); a network of over 25 community radios and TV stations in both regions, including other regions. The needs of vulnerable groups (IDPs, specifically women and girls, people with disabilities and indigenous minority groups such as the Fulani Mbororo) will also be met.

SOPISDEW team members exploiting ways to prevent VAWG

Founded as a volunteering organization, SOPISDEW’s mission is to work with local people by leveraging on their knowledge and skills so they can achieve a sustainable lifestyle for peace and posterity. SOPISDEW has a combined experience of over 8 years working with vulnerable communities by leveraging on good community practises.