Cameroonian medic, Fonkou Steve, wins prestigious award in Spain.

This was in Barcelona, Spain, on June 24.It was during the opening ceremony of the 38th International Scientific Congress of ISBT, having over 3,000 attendees from 115 countries.

Dr Fonkou on July 9, presented the award to the Director of CBC Health Services, Mr Ngum Samuel. This was in a ceremony held at the headquarters of the CBCHS in Bamenda.

While presenting the award, the distinguished medic from Baptist Hospital Mutengene expressed pride and gratitude to the society, for recognising his exceptional leadership and adaptability in revolutionising blood transfusion practices in Cameroon and beyond.

Dr Fonkou, amid the excitement and praises of his colleagues and superiors, recounted the exhilarating experience of receiving the award in front of a global audience.

"This award is a testament to the unwavering support and opportunities provided by the CBC Health Services, allowing us to elevate the quality of our transfusion services with limited resources, all by the grace of God," Dr Fonkou said, beaming with pride.

For him, the award is a powerful reminder that remarkable feats can be achieved within local contexts despite constraints.

Being the sole recipient of this esteemed accolade globally, Dr Fonkou, sees it as a testimony to the boundless potential of dedicated individuals working with limited resources.

Enter CBCHS boss 

On his part, the CBCHS Director, Ngum Samuel, congratulated and expressed satisfaction with the award and the various works of Dr Fonkou.

"The future undoubtedly holds great promise for Dr Fonkou as he continues to push the boundaries of excellence in transfusion medicine, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape," Ngum stated.

About Dr Fonkou

Since joining the CBCHS in 2022, Dr Fonkou has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance transfusion services within the organisation.

From training laboratory technicians in multiple hospitals to fostering voluntary blood donation rates and refining documentation and policies, his impact has been described by his colleagues and superiors as nothing short of transformative.

He is the one credited for orchestrating the groundbreaking national training on blood transfusion in April 2024, at the CBCHS Resource Centre in Mvan Yaounde, marking a significant milestone in his career.

About the award

The highly acclaimed Judith Chapman Award was established in 2023, in honour of the International Society of Blood Transfusions first Executive Director, Judith Chapman.

The award reflects Chapman's passion for supporting people in their professional development, in particular the fields of leadership and management.

It is valued at €7,500, approximately FCFA 4.9 million, in the form of a scholarship to undertake a leadership or management course, an annual membership of the ISBT, if not already a member, and complimentary attendance, including costs at an ISBT congress.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3166 of Friday July 11, 2024