Two hundred pregnant and lactating women at the Bamenda Regional Hospital received baby care kits and financial assistance granted by President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya. Delivered on October 6, 2026, by Minister Paul Atanga Nji, this support brings immediate relief to families in a healthcare context under severe strain.
Two hundred pregnant and lactating women at the Bamenda Regional Hospital received baby care kits and financial assistance from President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya. The aid was handed over on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, by the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, during a working visit to Bamenda. Beyond the distribution of the 200 kits, however, the visit shed light on the urgent challenges facing the region’s main referral hospital.
Seventeen Gunshot Wound Cases in Forty Days
The Director of the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Dr. Sama Julius Nkam, informed the Minister that the facility had recorded 15 gunshot wound cases in September and two more in October. Recent cases included the Principal of GBHS Atiela and the Regional Delegate of Campost for the North-West Region. The Campost patient was discharged on October 2. These figures increase the pressure on an institution already struggling with patients who have difficulty paying their medical bills. Dr. Sama Julius stated that some patients arrive unable to settle their bills, while others allegedly refuse to pay, leaving the hospital to bear the financial burden. The Director noted that the situation has become a major challenge and continues to affect the hospital’s capacity to deliver services.
Infrastructure and Electricity
Infrastructure and power supply are also among the primary concerns. Dr. Sama highlighted issues affecting the hospital’s infrastructure and electrical supply, as well as a section of the facility that was burned down and is awaiting reconstruction. He nevertheless expressed optimism regarding the upcoming start of reconstruction works on the damaged section. The hospital is also awaiting additional equipment for its hemodialysis unit. The facility currently
operates with nine hemodialysis machines, and ten new machines are expected to be delivered to alleviate existing constraints and strengthen its treatment capacity.
Two Hundred Mothers Receive Support
In this context, the presidential assistance brought immediate relief to 200 pregnant and lactating women. The beneficiaries received baby care kits and financial support designed to help them meet some of their immediate needs related to pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care. Dr. Sama Julius expressed his gratitude to the presidential couple for using Minister Atanga Nji to reach out to the women of the community. He stated that this intervention was particularly significant for women facing the financial hardships that often accompany maternal car.
More Women to Receive Aid
Minister Paul Atanga Nji stated that the intervention at the Bamenda Regional Hospital was part of a broader assistance program targeting vulnerable women across the region. He indicated that approximately 950 women had received aid on Monday, the day prior to their visit to the hospital. According to the English version of the press release, about 1,200 women reportedly received food and non-food items. The Minister further assured that women in need would be taken care of. This latest intervention follows other government aid packages aimed at women and households in the North-West.
The President of the North-West Regional Executive Council, Prof. Fru Fobuzshi Angwafo III, was represented at the hospital by the Commissioner for Economic Development, Hon. Ghejung Awunti, alongside the Commissioner for Health and Social Development, Dr. Yaa Sakah Fondufe Lydia. The intervention placed the focus where it matters most: on patients, mothers, and newborns, while bringing concrete support closer to families facing the immediate demands of healthcare and childbirth.
