By Boris Esono Nwenfor
FONTEM, PAV – More than 1,300 patients have benefited from the ongoing free health campaign organised by the Lebang Cultural and Development Organisation (LECUDO-USA) in collaboration with the Mary Health of Africa Hospital and partners, at the close of day two of the outreach on Thursday, March 12.
The annual medical campaign, now in its fifth year, aims to address persistent healthcare gaps in Lebialem Division, where many inhabitants face difficulties accessing specialised medical services. Limited medical infrastructure and the long distances to major urban hospitals often prevent inhabitants from receiving timely care for conditions affecting eyesight, dental health and mental well-being.
The Chief Executive Officer of LECUDO-USA, Ben Fuaminka, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation recorded so far. “Really, really satisfied, because for the past five years that we have been running this campaign, we have never hit 1,000 and on day two,” Fuaminka said.
He noted that the growing numbers show that inhabitants increasingly recognise the importance of regular medical check-ups and health screening. “This shows that our people really know the benefit of coming for check-ups and screening. Screening is part of life because if you’re not healthy, you cannot have a good life,” he added.
Surge in Consultations as Surgical Unit Nears Historic Milestone
Statistics presented at the end of the second day revealed a significant increase in the number of patients attended to compared to the opening day of the campaign. Medical personnel reported that over 295 consultations were carried out, while 17 patients received dental care. At the laboratory level, 150 patients underwent general laboratory tests, and 18 women were screened for cervical cancer.
Mental health services also recorded a notable turnout, with about 140 patients screened for conditions such as anxiety, insomnia, depression and psychosis. The growing interest in mental health services reflects the psychological impact of the Anglophone crisis experienced by communities in the area.
The surgical department was also busy during the second day of the outreach. A total of 13 operations were successfully carried out, including surgery for appendicitis.
Medical teams indicated that nine additional surgeries had already been scheduled for day three, raising hopes that the campaign could record the highest number of surgical procedures in its five-year history. Diagnostic services equally played an important role during the campaign, with 28 echography examinations conducted alongside five X-rays.
Volunteers Key to Campaign Success
Ben Fuaminka also highlighted the critical role played by volunteers in ensuring the success of the initiative. According to him, volunteers are central to translating donations of medication and financial support into actual medical services delivered to patients.
“Sincerely, you don’t know how we cherish our volunteers,” he said. “Our donors provide the resources, but if the services are not practically delivered to patients, the results will not be fruitful.”
He noted that volunteers have travelled from various parts of Cameroon, including Yaoundé, Douala, Bafoussam, Buea and Bamenda, to support the outreach. Staff of the Mary Health of Africa Hospital also played a major role, with more than 13 hospital personnel participating in the campaign.
Although the three-day campaign is scheduled to conclude on Friday, medical assistance is expected to continue beyond the main event. Fuaminka explained that a 90-day follow-up program will be implemented to monitor patients and provide continued treatment for chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension and mental health challenges, as well as post-surgical care.
He added that the rise in mental health cases observed during the campaign could be linked to the effects of the socio-political crisis in the region. “For the history of this village, we have never registered as many mental health patients as we are seeing now. Some people have lost loved ones or even their homes during the crisis,” he noted.
The follow-up program will ensure that patients continue to receive care even after the campaign officially ends. The free health campaign has been hailed by inhabitants as a vital intervention in improving healthcare access for communities in Lebialem, with the number of beneficiaries already approaching the 1,500 target set for the three-day outreach.
