By Ngunyi Sonita Nwohtazie
In a powerful act of solidarity and compassion, a delegation from the Lebialem Cultural Development Association (LECDA) Midlands UK has donated vital medical supplies to Mary Health of Africa Hospital in Fontem, located in Lebialem Division of Cameroon’s South-West Region. The humanitarian gesture, carried out on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, comes as communities in the region continue to grapple with the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing Anglophone crisis.
Arriving with a truckload of essential hospital equipment, including mattresses, pillows, and bedsheets, the delegation sought to respond to the urgent healthcare needs of a population that has endured years of instability, displacement, and limited access to basic services.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Project Coordinator of LECDA Midlands UK, Andre Atabong, underscored the motivation behind the initiative. He noted that the association, comprising sons and daughters of Lebialem residing in the United Kingdom, was deeply moved by the prolonged hardship faced by their home communities.
“We reflected on the past years and the toll the crisis has taken on our division,” he said. “We asked ourselves what we could do to support our people. Health, as we all know, is wealth. That conviction inspired us to come together with the support of our community in the UK to make this contribution.”
He further emphasised that strengthening healthcare services remains central to rebuilding resilience within affected communities. “We have a responsibility to support systems that care for our people. That is what motivated us,” he added.
The donation was warmly received by the hospital’s administration, led by Matron Eric Njinkeng, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for both the gesture and the quality of the materials provided. According to him, the items will significantly enhance patient care and improve working conditions for healthcare staff.
“This is a very meaningful gift not only for our patients but also for our staff,” he said. “The materials are of excellent quality and will go a long way in improving the standard of care we provide. The covered mattresses, for instance, will last longer, and the new sheets will greatly improve patient comfort.”
Beyond the donation ceremony, the visiting delegation was given a guided tour of the facility, offering them firsthand insight into the operational challenges faced by the hospital. The visit also provided an opportunity for both parties to engage in discussions aimed at identifying priority needs and strengthening future collaboration.
Nkem Morfaw, Financial Secretary of LECDA Midlands UK, highlighted that the initiative marks the beginning of a sustained support program. She explained that the association had carefully assessed the hospital’s most pressing needs in consultation with its management before mobilising resources for the project.
“Over the past six years, the community has faced immense challenges, but people are gradually returning,” he said.
“We felt it was necessary to support the hospital so that access to healthcare can improve. We worked closely with hospital authorities to identify what was most needed and raised funds to make this project a reality.”
He added that the association remains committed to deepening its engagement. “This is our first intervention here, but it will not be the last. We have identified additional needs and will continue to collaborate with the hospital to ensure our support effectively reaches those who need it most.”
Founded in 1966 by the Focolare Movement, Mary Health of Africa Hospital has grown over the decades into a key referral facility serving not only Lebialem Division but also the surrounding areas as well. Despite the disruptions caused by the socio-political crisis, the hospital is steadily regaining its footing and continues to provide essential healthcare services under challenging circumstances.
As communities in the South West Region strive to rebuild and heal, initiatives such as this stand as a testament to the enduring bonds between diaspora communities and their homeland, offering not just material support but renewed hope for a healthier future.
