Limited access to health care for vulnerable people
In the Northwest region of Cameroon where MSF activities were suspended by the authorities in December 2020, we were not granted permission to resume our medical activities and eventually had to remove most staff while maintaining a liaison office in Bamenda. This prolonged suspension left thousands of people deprived of lifesaving medical care. In addition, in the Anglophone South-west region of Cameroon, we continue to witness public attacks on MSF, harassment and detention of our teams, which drastically reduces medical and humanitarian access. Despite these challenges, we continue to support people through numerous medical interventions, from surgeries to responding to epidemics.
Response to outbreaks
To support the authorities’ response to a cholera outbreak in Ekondo Titi, Southwest region, we treated patients in Idenau, Bamusso and Kombo Itindi health areas. We administered vaccinations, and facilitated water and sanitation and awareness activities on treatment and prevention.
MSF supported the national COVID-19 response during the second and third waves in Buea, Maroua, Mora, and Yaoundé. Our response included constructing isolation units, treating patients, donating oxygen supplies, training healthcare staff, providing health promotion, and assisting in vaccinations in Yaoundé. We also undertook scientific studies on COVID-19 in Cameroon.
