Enhancing NW, SW reconstruction: UNDP, Japan deliver medical equipment to nine health facilities.

The medical items were handed over to representatives of the beneficiary integrated health centres during a ceremony on Friday April 26. It was done through the Governor of the South West Region, Bernard Okalia. 

The items included; vacuum aspirators, examination lamps, ultrasound machines; over 140 hospital beds, 160 bedside cupboards, and 24 ward screens among others.

Addressing stakeholders during the donation ceremony, the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP in Cameroon, Martin Hart-Hansen, said his organisation was not just providing equipment, but building a foundation for quality healthcare delivery.

“These medical items embody the spirit of compassion, solidarity, and resilience that define our collective response to this crisis,” Hart-Hansen stated.

The nine beneficiary integrated health centres are; Buea Town Integrated Health Centre, Bwassa-Likombe Integrated Health Centre, Kange Integrated Health Centre, Tiko, Bimbia Integrated Health Centre, Bakingili Integrated Health Centre, Bonakanda Integrated Health Centre, Mondoni Integrated Health Centre, Mabeta Integrated Health Centre and Mudeka Integrated Health Centre.

All the health facilities were previously rehabilitated by the UNDP. The UNDP representative reminded stakeholders that some 34 health institutions have been damaged by the crisis, leading to a severe strain on functional health centres and limiting access to vital services for the population.  

Despite the bleak picture, Hart-Hansen said through reconstruction efforts, officials said there has been a marked improvement in healthcare delivery. 

The Deputy Resident Representative of the UNDP in Cameroon said the successful donation of the equipment was thanks to the support of the Government of Japan and local authorities. The official said it is part of the implementation of the reconstruction plan.

Such support and partnerships, he said, enabled them to translate commitments into concrete actions on the ground, bringing hope and tangible change to communities in need. 

It should be noted that the Japanese government supported the PPRD-NW/SW with US dollar 2,750,998, (approximately 1,592,289,600 FCFA), towards the reconstruction of 11 solar-powered water points and nine integrated health centres in the Fako Division. 

He also revealed that the Government of Japan had extended its support in 2023 through a second round of sponsorship for the construction of 17 additional solar-powered boreholes and nine integrated health centres across the region, where works are ongoing. 

Speakers at the event said consultations and access to health services has risen by over 18% in the South West Regions compared to the period of 2019/2021. 

The Paramount Chief of Buea, His Royal Majesty Dr Esuka Endeley, thanked UNDP and the government of Japan for helping the people get better healthcare through the equipment and structures offered. 

Such donations, he said, will enable the population have access to quality healthcare. However, the traditional ruler pleaded for more of such donations given the huge needs of communities. 

With Buea being peaceful throughout the crisis, Chief Dr Esuka Endeley said the city now plays host to thousands of Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, thus the need for more healthcare facilities.

On his part, the Inspector General at the South West Governor’s Office, Wouslou Jacques, who represented the Governor of the South West Region at the event, lauded the government of Japan and the UNPD.

Wouslou challenged the heads of the beneficiary health centres to judiciously use them for the benefit of the population. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure quality healthcare is accessible to all citizens.

Speaking to the press, the Chief of Post at Buea Town Integrated Health Centre, Mokwe Marie, said the construction of a maternity ward and fence at their facility combined with such a donation would boast the services they offer to the public. She saluted the donation given the facilities.