In the Far North, U-Reporters and U-Girls are strengthening the community response to cholera. In Mokolo, more than 1,000 young people are participating in awareness campaigns and vaccinations.
Cholera continues to mobilize health workers in Cameroon’s Far North region. According to a report published on September 3, 2026, by Mutations, 2,075 cases had been reported in the region between August 22 and 30, including 53 deaths. Eleven districts were then experiencing a confirmed epidemic, including Mokolo, Mora, Kolofata, Maroua 1st, Maroua 2nd, Maroua 3rd, Kousseri, Makary, Mada, Fotokol, and Gazawa. A few days later, the regional delegate for Public Health in the Far North, Dr. Bava Hamadou, indicated that the death toll had risen to 75 in the region. In an interview published on September 17, 2026,
by Mutations, he explained that the first cases recorded in the region were linked to the movement of people from a neighboring country already affected by the epidemic. In this context, community mobilization plays an important role, particularly in areas where access to health facilities can be difficult.
Young people in contact with communities
In Mokolo, U-Reporters and U-Girls were called upon by local health workers to support the cholera response. More than 1,000 young people participated in activities carried out in 31 villages and 100 neighborhoods. Their work combined awareness-raising, home visits, discussions in markets, and the promotion of hygiene measures. These activities and the testimonies of those involved are presented in a video published by UNICEF on its Facebook page on September 21, 2026. Samuel Hamadou, communications focal point for the Mokolo 1 health area, explains how young people were involved in the response. « The Mokolo 1 Health Center was able to connect with an NGO called U-Report, which was brought in to support awareness-raising and the vaccination campaign itself, » he explains. He believes the approach adopted by young people facilitates contact with the population. “In this mobilization, I particularly appreciated these young people and their approach within the community. They are raising awareness and are currently being well received,” he emphasized. This mobilization comes as health authorities organized a reactive cholera vaccination campaign from September 2nd to 6th in the districts of Mokolo, Mora, and Kolofata. The Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, had announced a free dose of the oral vaccine for people aged one year and older, including pregnant and breastfeeding women.
From raising awareness to vaccination
To reach the population, young people are not limiting themselves to health centers. They are also engaging with markets, neighborhoods, and remote areas. This community-based strategy was also highlighted by UNICEF in a report on U-Reporters in Moutourwa, in the Far North region. The organization reports that the young people there raised awareness among communities
about cholera transmission methods, preventative measures, and what to do if symptoms appear. They also took the time to listen to residents’ concerns. In Mokolo, this mobilization continued with a focus on vaccination. According to data released as part of this campaign, 7,850 people were vaccinated in the Mokolo district thanks to the support of U-Reporters and U-Girls, alongside the Ministry of Public Health and local health facilities. Damien NDJEKAYE, a U-Reporter in Mokolo, describes this involvement as a chain of solidarity. “We are the U-Reporters, we are forming a chain against cholera to protect our community.” The young man recalls that the mobilization began with awareness campaigns in markets and remote areas, as well as an online campaign. “We started with awareness-raising. Awareness-raising in markets, in somewhat remote areas. We ran an online campaign to raise awareness. And now, today, we are here, as part of the vaccination effort, to say stop to cholera.” This involvement is also seen as a commitment to the community. “We feel a great sense of pride in being able to help our community. We are proud and we are committed,” he testifies.
Hygiene at the heart of the messages
Prevention remains one of the main messages conveyed by young people to families. For Balkissou Sadou, a member of the U-Girls in Mokolo, the fight against cholera begins with daily practices within households. « The message I want to give to all women, as a U-Girl, is to keep the house clean, cook food thoroughly, maintain toilet hygiene, and keep children clean, » she explains. She also emphasizes food hygiene and water quality. « That is to say, we need food hygiene, clothing hygiene, and proper water purification. So together, we say stop to cholera, » she adds. This awareness campaign comes as health authorities call for continued vigilance. In an interview published on September 22, 2026, by the Cameroon Tribune, Mr. BAMA, head of the communications unit for the Far North Regional Coordination of the Expanded Program on Immunization, emphasized that the start of the school year requires heightened vigilance due to the movement of students, teachers, and families. He recommended strengthening awareness campaigns and promoting good hygiene practices in schools and communities.
In a region still grappling with cholera, young people are continuing their grassroots work, raising awareness, mobilizing communities, and supporting vaccination efforts. Their work complements that of healthcare professionals, bringing prevention messages and interventions closer to the communities.
Marie Chantale FAIDA
