Project of the Month of January: health care in Cameroon
High maternal and infant mortality, low vaccination rates, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and disabilities by leprosy or Buruli are major concerns for people’s health in Bankim, northwest Cameroon.
In the Bankim district, the number of health centers is actually fairly high but available health services are rarely used because of inadequate equipment and insufficiently trained staff. Also, the general public has no awareness of opportunities to get involved. FAIRMED helps the communities to build their own health committees in order to negotiate with the government health structures so that these look after are the real needs of the general public.
Furthermore, FAIRMED is supporting the training of medical staff, building a new emergency department at the reference hospital in Bankim and develops public awareness of health problems through presentation in schools and associations.
One of the project’s focal points is the tropical disease Buruli ulcer. In cooperation with the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, FAIRMED investigates the spread of the Buruli ulcer and develops new treatments. Without timely treatment, this disease results in severe disabilities. Children are especially at risk: 70% of the affected are under 15 years old.
In this project, the general public, community volunteers and health committees collaborate with state health authorities and researchers from Switzerland and Cameroon under FAIRMED’s coordination. This way, an optimised use of resources can be guaranteed and the improvement of the health care of Bankim’s population can be ensured in the long run. 
More information about the project in German or French.
Read more about Buruli ulcer.
With 40 Francs you provide the transport of two children to Ayos where they can be operated. With 90 Francs you enable a village visit of our mobile health teams. With 410 Francs you provide the resources for the professional training in the care of Buruli patients of a nurse in Cameroon.
A little girl rests in her hospital bed after the operation
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