In the city of Ngaoundéré, under the supervision of the Regional Delegation of Public Health, numerous community-based organisations are working to raise awareness and prevent disease.
In the fight against disease, community-based organisations (CBOs) are playing an increasingly decisive role. Close to local populations, they help facilitate awareness-raising, encourage adherence to preventive measures and refer patients to health facilities. In Ngaoundéré, in the Adamawa region, organisations such as Arewa Medicare stand out for their constant presence in the field, alongside the Regional Delegation of Public Health.
CBOs serve as a bridge between health services and households. They translate health messages into accessible language, mobilise local leaders and support communities in adopting health-promoting behaviours. In Cameroon, the national community health strategy recognises CBOs, civil society organisations and community health workers as key actors in disease prevention and health promotion.
Their work is particularly valuable in reaching peri-urban areas, hard-to-access neighbourhoods and groups that are sometimes distant from health facilities. They therefore contribute to the prevention of malaria, sexually transmitted infections, hepatitis, non-communicable diseases and other priority conditions.
Arewa Medicare as examples
In Ngaoundéré, Arewa Medicare became known for its commitment to community
awareness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside health and administrative authorities, it contributed to awareness-raising and other community health-promotion activities. The organisation carries out outreach activities, including door-to-door visits, to inform residents about preventive practices and encourage them to use health services. It also promotes voluntary blood donation among young people in the city, highlighting the importance of solidarity in saving lives.
By working with the Regional Delegation of Public Health, Arewa Medicare strengthens the reach of official campaigns. This collaboration makes it possible to tailor messages to local realities, mobilise communities and support people in accessing health centres. The Adamawa Regional Delegation provides technical support and coordinates health interventions.
At present, the organisation is carrying out WASH awareness activities, helping to combat diseases, particularly cholera and many others. “We have reached more than 6,000 people with cholera awareness messages in 14 localities across the Adamawa region, through 27 practical demonstrations. We have distributed 5,918 information materials on care-seeking guidance; 4,768 people can name at least two prevention measures; and 4,843 people are able to respond to acute diarrhoea,” explained Moussa Oussini, coordinator of the CBO. These interventions help support the work of the Adamawa Regional Delegation of Public Health.
According to officials at the health delegation, the contribution of these organisations goes beyond simply providing information. They help combat rumours, stigma and reluctance, which often hinder access to care. Their involvement also promotes vaccination, early screening, hygiene, nutrition and the follow-up of people with chronic illnesses.
In the Adamawa region, strengthening the partnership between health authorities, community health workers and civil society organisations is therefore a priority. It offers communities responses that are closer to home, easier to understand and more effective in the face of the dangers posed by disease.
