By Boris Esono Nwenfor
For three days in March, Fontem came alive with an unusual rhythm of activity. Patients arrived from villages near and far, some trekking long distances, others travelling from neighbouring subdivisions, all united by a common hope of accessing quality healthcare. Healthcare that battered by the ravages of the crisis in the North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.
At the centre of this life-changing initiative was Ben Fominka, the Chief Executive Officer of Lebang Cultural and Development Organisation USA, whose leadership helped steer the organisation’s 2026 free medical outreach into what he describes simply as an “excellent and successful campaign.”
Held from March 11 to 13 at Mary Health of Africa Hospital, Fontem, the campaign brought together doctors, volunteers, and partner organisations to deliver critical health services to communities across Lebialem Division in the South West Region of Cameroon.
Reflecting on the three-day outreach with Pan African Visions, Fominka does not hesitate to describe the outcome in glowing terms. “If we can use one word to qualify this 2026 March health campaign for LECUDO-USA, we would say it has been a successful and excellent campaign,” he said. “From the statistics, nobody would deny the fact.”
The outreach featured multiple medical departments offering a wide range of services, including ultrasound imaging, X-ray diagnostics, eye care, dental care, mental health screening, surgical procedures, and general medical consultations.
For Fominka, the campaign’s goal was clear from the outset – that of bringing comprehensive healthcare closer to communities that often struggle to access it. “Our objective was to screen as many people as possible, address their concerns, provide the education they need, and treat the complications that they had,” he explained. “Even though there were some challenges, overall we were able to address their concerns.”
This three-day free health campaign at Mary Health of Africa Hospital ran from March 11 to 13. How would you assess the overall outcome of this year’s campaign?
Ben Fominka: Excellent. If I had to describe the 2026 March health campaign organised by LECUDO- USA in one word, I would say it has been both successful and impactful. The statistics speak for themselves, and I believe no one can deny the positive outcome of this year’s campaign.
What were the main objectives of this outreach when planning began, and do you think those goals were achieved?
Ben Fominka: Our main objectives were to screen as many people as possible, address their health concerns, provide the necessary health education, and treat the medical complications that patients presented with.
Although we encountered some challenges along the way, we did our best to meet those goals. Overall, we were able to attend to many patients, offer treatment, and provide important health education. At this point, we can confidently say that the mission was accomplished.
From your observations, what do the turnout and the types of cases treated say about the healthcare needs in Fontem and the wider Lebialem Division?
Ben Fominka: The turnout clearly demonstrates the healthcare needs within Lebialem Division. This year alone, more than 1,500 patients were registered and attended to during the campaign.
We had multiple departments operating simultaneously, including ultrasound, X-ray, eye care, dental services, mental health, surgery, and general medicine. The number of people who came for screening, treatment, and medical advice shows how important such initiatives are for the community.
The campaign was carried out in partnership with several organisations and medical professionals. How important have these partnerships been to the success of the campaign?
Ben Fominka: Over the past five years, we have learned that LECUDO-USA cannot carry out this campaign alone. Partnerships are essential. For example, the Cameroon Oncology Centre provides specialised cancer screening services. We also work closely with laboratory teams, surgical specialists, and other medical professionals.
This year, we recorded about 40 surgical procedures, which is an increase compared to last year. We also included mental health services, which are very important given the impact of the crisis on our communities. In addition, departments such as maternity, gynaecology, X-ray services, and laboratory testing were all operational.
Our partners, including Healing Beyond the Horizon, Life-Bridge International, Ntecka Lab, the Focolare Movement, and Mary Health of Africa Hospital, played an indispensable role. With their support and collaboration, we were able to provide a broad range of medical services to the population.
LECUDO-USA also has individual sponsors supporting its work. How significant has their contribution been?
Ben Fominka: Their contribution is extremely important. This health campaign is one of the flagship programs of LECUDO-USA. In addition to this major campaign, we also organise smaller health outreaches throughout the year.
However, such programs cannot succeed without the support of our partners and individual sponsors. Their contributions enable us to reach vulnerable communities and provide critical healthcare services.
You have an executive bureau supporting your work. What message are you taking back to them?
Ben Fominka: The message is simple: their efforts and resources have been used responsibly and effectively. The ideas they put forward were implemented successfully, and together we achieved meaningful results.
Each year brings new lessons, and from last year to this year, we have improved significantly. We are moving in the right direction.
This is your second year leading the campaign since becoming CEO of LECUDO-USA. What lessons from last year helped improve this year’s edition?
Ben Fominka: Last year was a learning experience for me because I had only taken office in July, and the campaign was scheduled for March. I had to learn a lot from the previous leadership and from our experienced healthcare team.
One key lesson was the importance of organisation and preparation. When planning and community sensitisation are done well, the outcome will be excellent.
This year required a lot of dedication and many sleepless nights, but the success of the campaign shows that the effort was worthwhile.
On a personal level, what does leading this initiative mean to you?
Ben Fominka: As a healthcare professional, I understand the importance of good health. Without health, none of us could even sit here and have this conversation.
When you help someone regain their health, you are allowing them to live longer and live better. That is what motivates me—to listen to patients, understand their concerns, and do everything possible to address them.
What feedback have you received from patients and the wider community?
Ben Fominka: The response has been very emotional and encouraging. Many patients have expressed deep appreciation for the services provided.
Some of the cases we encountered were critical, and timely medical intervention was necessary. These are life-saving programs.
For patients with chronic conditions, we have placed them under a 90-day follow-up program. We are encouraging them to adhere strictly to the treatment and medical advice given by healthcare professionals.
How do you see this health campaign evolving in the coming years?
Ben Fominka: I believe this program will continue to grow and remain very important for our communities. People came from several areas, including Fonjumetoh, Benso, Lower Foto, Lewoh, and even parts of Wabane, to benefit from the services. Many of them cannot easily travel to larger cities like Dschang for medical care.
Bringing healthcare closer to the community is essential, and we hope our partners will continue supporting this initiative.
What were some of the major challenges faced during the campaign?
Ben Fominka: Funding remains one of the biggest challenges. We had to work very hard to raise the additional funds needed to complement the resources allocated by LECUDO-USA.
Fortunately, through personal networks and partnerships, many friends and organisations stepped forward to provide financial support and medical equipment. Another challenge was community sensitisation. Due to restrictions on large gatherings, we relied on churches and community announcements to spread information about the campaign. Despite these challenges, the turnout shows that the effort was successful.
Volunteers are often the unsung heroes of such initiatives. What message do you have for them?
Ben Fominka: Volunteers are essential. Without them, we would not be able to deliver these services. They dedicate their time and energy selflessly. We hold them in the highest esteem and hope they will continue spreading the message so that even more volunteers can join future campaigns.
What message would you like to send to members of the diaspora and partner organisations?
Ben Fominka: We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our partners and supporters. Organisations such as the Cameroon Oncology Centre, Life-Bridge International, Healing Beyond the Horizon, Holistic Wellness Group, the Focolare Movement, and Mary Health of Africa Hospital have all played critical roles.
Many partners not only contribute financially but also come on the ground to provide services. Their dedication makes this campaign possible.
The surgical team performed around 40 procedures in three days. What is your assessment of their work?
Ben Fominka: The surgical team did an outstanding job. Surgery is not just about the operation itself; patients require monitoring for 24 to 48 hours afterwards.
We even handled a very critical case where about 15 centimetres of damaged intestine had to be removed. Because the surgical field became contaminated during that procedure, the team had to disinfect and pause other operations for safety reasons.
Six surgeries that were scheduled for the final day will instead be completed through the 90-day follow-up program. Overall, we are fortunate to have highly experienced surgeons, and we are proud that we have not recorded any catastrophic complications.
*Culled from April Edition of PAV Magazine
