More than 3,000 people were educated about the importance and benefits of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) during a free three-day health campaign organized in the Santa Health District by the Patcha Foundation and the Bon Marther Foundation.
This campaign aimed to improve access to essential healthcare for vulnerable populations and to raise community awareness of preventive and curative health services.
This intensive outreach effort yielded remarkable results, particularly in the area of maternal and child health. A total of 302 children under the age of five were successfully enrolled in the Universal Health Coverage platform, giving them better access to care and easing the financial burden on their families.
In addition, 335 young boys and girls received the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, an important step in preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related illnesses. Health officials and campaign organizers emphasized the importance of vaccination as a crucial preventative measure for the younger generation. The campaign also focused on maternal health, with over 25 pregnant women purchasing health vouchers to facilitate their access to prenatal care and safe delivery services. According to health workers in the field, the initiative significantly encouraged pregnant women to seek timely, quality healthcare.
The Northwest Regional Unit for Universal Health Coverage (UHC) used the campaign to increase the visibility and accessibility of UHC services within the community. Several communication and mobilization strategies were deployed throughout the operation to raise awareness about the importance of enrolling in the UHC program. Key activities included setting up a dedicated UHC booth where posters, leaflets, and promotional items were displayed and distributed to the public. Communication tools such as banners and educational materials were also displayed at strategic locations throughout the Santa District Hospital to attract and inform
visitors participating in the campaign.
To facilitate immediate access to services, registration points were established and staffed with trained personnel and registration agents who worked throughout the campaign. Particular attention was paid to strategic service points, including the hospital entrance and the pediatric ward, where many eligible beneficiaries were identified and registered.
Dr. Ambe Lionel, Regional Public Health Delegate for the Northwest Region and coordinator of activities, ensured that health services were reinforced during the campaign so that messages about Universal Health Coverage (UHC) reached everyone who received free care at the Santa District Hospital. The regional delegate reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all and encouraged the population to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the universal health coverage program.
Beneficiaries expressed their satisfaction with the initiative, describing it as timely and effective, particularly in the current socio-economic context where access to healthcare remains a challenge for many families. Organizers also commended the collaboration between health authorities, partners, and community stakeholders, emphasizing that such partnerships are essential for improving public health outcomes in the region. The three-day campaign concluded on a positive note, with stakeholders expressing optimism that continued awareness-raising and community-based health interventions will significantly contribute to achieving universal access to healthcare services in the Northwest Region and Cameroon as a whole.
