Why we are needed
The indigenous Baka have lived for centuries according to their traditions as semi-nomadic hunters, fishermen and gatherers in the tropical rainforest. Due to deforestation, poaching and the extraction of natural resources, they have lost their habitat and settled in settlements - far away from the nearest health post or clean drinking water. As an ethnic minority, the oldest inhabitants of Cameroon have been discriminated against and oppressed for decades, even exploited like slaves. Often they do not even have a passport that legally proves their existence and are therefore without rights. As a result, they have no access to health services and usually give birth to their children without medical assistance. As a result, the health of mother and child is at risk and many Baka are affected by neglected tropical diseases such as leprosy, Buruli ulcer and yaws, which often remain untreated and lead to lifelong disabilities.
The Baka woman Anzou is committed to her community. Among other things, she imparts her knowledge of maternal and child health in mothers' groups... ...and has even founded her own Baka women's organization.
«I will banish the disease»
As is usual for FAIRMED, this project was also named by the local people and the name shows what they want most. Because “Maàgnike-ko” means “I will drive away the disease”.
How we work
FAIRMED is therefore committed to ensuring that around 55,000 affected people in Abong-Mbang have access to healthcare. Among other things, we enable local women to give birth safely and ensure that the health facilities are equipped with the necessary materials such as medicines and can also be reached by the Baka. We also train members of the Baka community in health issues so that they can pass this knowledge on to their community. With this and other measures, we support the Baka in exercising their rights, defending themselves against exploitation, sending their children to school and earning their own money.
Would you like to learn more about how we work?
Do you have questions on the project?
If so, Vanessa Konaté, our project manager for Cameroon and the Central African Republic, will be happy to help. You can reach her by e-mail at info@fairmed.ch.
Your donation helps
Every donation, regardless of its amount, is valuable and is used by us worldwide to improve the health of the poorest.
