End HIV/AIDS in 28 Villages in NW Cameroon, Africa

Greetings To Our Sponsors and Supporters;

It is our pleasure to report progress on our project to end HIV/AIDS in 28 villages in the English speaking NW Region of Cameroon, Africa.  According to a report from the Ministry of Health in Cameroon, Burden of diseases and Causes of deaths since the conflict continues.  Since 2013 as reported by the ministry of health in Cameroon, Communicable Diseases (CDs) accounted for 40.7% of the burden of disease in Cameroon. (HIV/ AIDS : 11.5% ; malaria : 10.80% ; lower respiratory tract infections : 10.10% ; diarrheal diseases : 5.60%; tuberculosis : 1.40% and STIs : 1.30%. These CDs account for 41.1% of deaths (Global Burden of Disease, 2013). 

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 14.2% of the burden of disease.The main ones are: cardio vascular diseases : 4.7% ; road trac accidents : 4% ; unintentional accidents : 2.9% and chronic kidney disease : 0.7%. However, they are responsible for 23.3% of deaths, excluding Diabetes.  Maternal, child and adolescent related diseases account for 18.3% of the burden of disease and 14.4% of deaths. Neurological diseases account for 4.7% of the burden of disease and is responsible for only 1.2% of deaths.

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) account for only 1.8% of the burden of disease with an estimated death rate of 0.2%.  

We can report that over the last three months we have gone through some major changes within our organization that should have an impact on the kind and types of services that we are able to provide to the 28 villages in the English speakiing region of Cameroon, Africa.  For example, we have move our office to a new location in order to be able to better serve our population.  Secondly, we have recruited a family nurse who will be able to visit in all five zones and bring much needed health and wellness services to these 28 villages.  Third, we have designed our delivery model in such a way that it will be able to offer health and wellness service to our IDPs.  Fourth, we are working on strategies to fund raise in such a way that will bring much needed funds to our organization that will allow our IDP population to benefit from modern health and wellness services.  Fifth, our newly appointed staff brings much needed expertise in the area of Health and Wellness and they have demonstrated according to their resumes and interviews with other organization that they know how to work with our population including making home visits, workshops and one on one visits to their homes in the villages.  

 Report on the Awareness Campaign on HIV/AIDS and the Disadvantages of the B Festival in the M Community in Zone 2

 Introduction

The Local AIDS Control Committee  was established to follow up on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention activities. This report covers the three-day awareness campaign conducted from July 15 to July 17, 2024, in the Mbororo community. It focused on the disadvantages of the Barala Festival and the transmission, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Objectives

- Develop comprehensive educational materials on HIV/AIDS transmission, prevention, and treatment.

- Conduct awareness campaigns through various channels such as schools, community workshops, workplaces, and social media.

- Encourage condom use among the youth.

- Train healthcare professionals and volunteers to conduct HIV testing.

Campaign Phases

The campaign was divided into three phases, targeting boys, girls, and the general population (boys, girls, men, women, and children).

 Day 1: Boys

The first day focused on engaging boys, discussing the following questions:

1. What is the meaning of HIV/AIDS?

2. How can you contract HIV/AIDS?

3. What is the B Festival?

4. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the Barala Festival?

Participants' ideas were written on the board, followed by explanations about the history, spread, and threats of HIV/AIDS and the disadvantages of the Barala Festival.

Day 2: Girls

The second day mirrored the first day’s activities but targeted girls. The turnout was impressive, and the same guiding questions were used to facilitate discussions.

 Day 3: General Population

The final day targeted the entire community, providing education, testing, counseling, and support services to individuals and families affected by HIV/AIDS. The campaign aimed to reduce HIV transmission, enhance the well-being of affected individuals, and provide a supportive community.

Objectives and Activities

- Raise Awareness on the Evils of the Barala Festival:** Highlighting the negative impact of the festival, including prostitution, unwanted pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, and STDs.

- Raise Awareness and Knowledge about HIV/AIDS: Educating the community on the transmission, prevention, and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

- Promote Regular HIV Testing and Counseling:** Ensuring early diagnosis and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

-Provide Services for Affected Individuals and Families:** Access to healthcare and referrals to relevant resources.

- **Reduce Stigma Associated with HIV/AIDS:** Through community engagement and advocacy efforts.

The B Festival

The B Festival, organized yearly by the Mb Mb Social Cultural and Development Association, aims to unite Mbyouth. The festival includes singing, dancing, horse racing, and fashion parades. However, it has led to such problems as:

- Prostitution among youth, leading to multiple sexual partners.

- Unwanted pregnancies, HIV/AIDS, STDs, pain, and stress.

- Many youths remain unmarried and suffer from the negative consequences of the festival.

Community Response

The parents expressed regret for subjecting their children to the harmful practices of the Barala Festival. They committed to abolishing the festival and addressing its negative impacts. During the campaign, many youths tested positive for HIV; some had STDs, and others were pregnant.

The seminar concluded with joy and satisfaction among the participants. The community showed a willingness to change and support efforts to combat HIV/AIDS and the adverse effects of the B Festival. The campaign raised awareness and provided crucial education and support services to the Mb community.

In our staff development training and workshop we have determined that we have to change the mindset of IDPs who have suffered for generations.  Our future development will include vocational training and skill development for our females ages 14 to 36 which will provide them with the choice for a new life style rather than repeat the old life style. 

Currently, we are in the process of applying for a International Global Grant that will provide us with funds to develop our Health and Wellness Department that will benefit most IDPs in the 28 villages to include medical support for AIDS/HIV.  We are developing SMART GOALS and ACTION STEPS that will benefit our five Zone Directors as they implement our new strategies.   Due to the fact that we have to have 30 per cent matching funds for the grants, we are asking for any support to help us meet our challenges.  No amount is too small and will bring smiles to the faces of those whom we serve. 

Thank you in advance for your financial support and believing in us to bring a solution to a problem that has impacted the lives and daily living habits of our IDPs in 28 villages for generations. 

Kind Regards,

Health and Wellness Team

JRCCA

Links:

• ministry of health in Cameroon