Text: Cora Portais; Photographs: Daniel Beloumou/ALIMA
First published February 10, 2025 by ALIMA

In the North-West region of Cameroon, an ongoing humanitarian crisis is jeopardizing access to social services for thousands of pregnant women and children. Thanks to a project led by ALIMA and funded by the European Union, vulnerable populations are receiving free healthcare. This initiative brings hope and dignity back to these affected communities.

Since 2017 in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions, armed conflict between separatist groups and government forces has forced more than 670,000 people to flee their homes and 596,000 children are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance*. These populations face harsh living conditions, with limited access to healthcare.

To address this crisis, ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action) launched a project in the Bamenda area, North-West region. Funded by the European Union, this program aims to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality, by providing free healthcare to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children. In addition to medical consultations, the initiative offers comprehensive care to host and displaced populations: health, nutrition, hygiene, psychological care, awareness campaigns, and rapid response in the event of an emergency.

Enabling Women to Give Birth Safely

Promise, who is 6 months pregnant, has been visiting the Awing Health Center for several years. She gave birth to her first child there and emphasizes the importance of access to healthcare:

“My pregnancy was complicated, but thanks to the doctors and the support from ALIMA, everything went well. After my operation, I thought I would have to pay but everything was covered. It was such a relief! Since then, I have been coming back for my prenatal visits and encouraging other women to do the same.”

— Promise

Violet, 34, five months pregnant, went to the Akum Health Center with her sister and two-year-old son for a prenatal consultation. Married to a pastor, she is a farmer and currently training to become a seamstress.

“After losing my baby last year, this pregnancy gives me hope. The doctors’ advice reassures me greatly. I am going to give birth here and continue my postnatal consultations. Many women travel long distances to benefit from this care.”

— Violet

Mirien, 29, a seamstress and eight months pregnant, was brought to the Akum Health Center by her husband for her third prenatal visit.

“There are private clinics closer to my home, but they charge for care. The free care here is vital for families like mine. After four miscarriages, this pregnancy feels like an unexpected blessing.”

— Mirien

Teams Dedicated to Supporting the Population

Behind the delivery of this care are healthcare teams working tirelessly to ensure the continuity of services, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.

Wasso Anchimbom, 33, a supervisor at the ALIMA pharmacy in Bamenda, witnesses the direct impact of their work every day.

“I am from this region. In just a few months, I’ve seen how our presence makes a difference for the people. Members of the community often stop to thank us for being here for them.”

— Wasso Anchimbom

John Joseph Ocheibi is a Nigerian and Project Coordinator at the ALIMA’s Bamenda office.

“The way communities accept ALIMA is remarkable. During the wet season, our vehicle got stuck in the mud. We couldn’t do anything. Within minutes, locals came to push the car, expecting nothing in return, and we were able to continue.”

— John Joseph Ocheibi

A Project by and for the Community

The success of the ALIMA project is also due to the commitment of local actors. Céline, 46, is a farmer and mother of five, who also serves as a community worker.

“I raise awareness in my community about available health services. ALIMA doesn’t exclude anyone. Pregnant women and children under five are given priority, but I also answer questions from men and young people. Recently, my own sick son received treatment and was able to return to school.”

— Céline

Last but not least, Flavine Agbor, 28, the project’s medical supervisor, highlights the importance of her role.

“I’m from Mamfé, a town near Bamenda, and feel directly affected by the crisis in my region. Despite the insecurity, I didn’t hesitate to stay and work on this project. You have to be passionate to do this job.”

— Flavine Agbor

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*According to The Humanitarian Needs Overview 2024

In Cameroon, ALIMA works closely with the local NGO DEMTOU Humanitaire, allowing for interventions tailored to the specific needs of populations affected by humanitarian crises, particularly in the Far North and the Anglophone regions.