At the La Nouvelle Destinée orphanage, in the Bangue health district, the Minister of Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie, presided over the official launch of the second round of the polio vaccination campaign, coupled with a nationwide event: the first edition of the Week of Actions for Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (SASNIM)
It is 2 p.m. when the official delegation enters the premises of the La Nouvelle Destinée orphanage. The Douala sun is at its zenith, but the atmosphere is festive. Smiling children, aproned animators, suited dignitaries and white-coated health workers: the scene is set for an event that marks a turning point in Cameroon’s public health policy. Dr Manaouda Malachie, Minister of Public Health, surrounded by the Governor of the Littoral, the President of the Regional Council, the Prefect and the Mayor of Douala, gives the starting signal for the Week of Actions for Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition (SASNIM), coupled with the second round of the polio response.
SASNIM: An Ambitious Goal for the Health of Mothers and Children
SASNIM is not an ordinary vaccination campaign. It is an integrated package of essential services, designed to break down silos and bring health closer to populations. For four days, from 9 to 12 July 2026, mobile teams and health facilities in priority regions, including the Littoral, will offer a range of services that covers the entire spectrum of the needs of mothers and children. The objectives are clear, measurable and ambitious. First, to vaccinate every child aged 0 to 59 months against polio, a debilitating but entirely preventable disease. Second, to complete the routine vaccination schedule for all unvaccinated or under-vaccinated children. Third, to administer vitamin A supplements to boost the immunity of the little ones. Fourth, to screen for and manage acute malnutrition. Finally, to raise awareness among mothers about essential practices regarding breastfeeding, complementary feeding and hygiene. « SASNIM embodies our determination to leave no one behind. It is proof that our health system is transforming to meet the real needs of populations, » said the Minister, stressing the importance of this integrated approach.
A Site Laden with Symbolism for a Universal Cause
The choice of the La Nouvelle Destinée orphanage for this launch is no coincidence. In the presence of the highest administrative, traditional and religious authorities, the Minister wanted to place the most vulnerable children at the heart of public action. These children, often deprived of a protective family environment, are also the most exposed to vaccine-preventable diseases. By choosing this site, the Government is sending a strong message: every child, wherever he or she is, whatever his or her status, has the right to health protection. A fundamental right that SASNIM intends to make a reality across the entire territory. The Minister did not fail to salute the commitment of the medical teams and community actors, the primary architects of this unprecedented mobilisation.
A Gesture of Solidarity that Echoes the President’s Commitments
Sensitive to the reception conditions of the residents, Dr Manaouda Malachie made a symbolic financial contribution intended for the construction of a solidarity crèche within the orphanage. A gesture warmly welcomed by the Promoter of the structure and all the personalities present. This donation, beyond its material aspect, is a tangible sign of the vision of President Paul BIYA, who makes the protection of the health of populations, and particularly the most disadvantaged, a constant priority of government action. The success of this campaign now depends on a key factor: the support of communities. The Minister issued a solemn appeal to parents, the media and community leaders to combat the misinformation that too often circulates around vaccines. « Vaccination saves lives. Let us not allow rumours to deprive our children of this fundamental right, » he stressed, inviting populations to give a favourable welcome to the vaccination teams that will criss-cross the neighbourhoods in the coming days.
Towards Universal Health Coverage
With SASNIM, Cameroon is taking a new step towards universal health coverage. This week of intensive action, which will take place simultaneously in several regions of the country, is a full-scale rehearsal of what a modern health system should be: preventive, accessible, integrated and human-centred. As the teams prepare to traverse the health districts to vaccinate children and raise awareness among mothers, one certainty emerges: Cameroon is on the move to eliminate polio, reduce infant mortality and build a generation of healthy children. SASNIM is the new face of this ambition.
