Doctors Without Borders donates chlorine production unit to Red Cross.

DWB’s Deputy Head of Mission, Souleymane Ba, emphasised that it is part of the Sustainable Cholera Prevention Project being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Health.

Souleymane Ba urged the government to urgently implement the National Cholera Elimination Plan to significantly reduce cholera by 2030.

“…the project is built on several key pillars, including strengthening the health system through the establishment of an operational treatment center at the Djoungolo District Hospital, improving epidemiological surveillance, rehabilitating water points, strengthening sanitation conditions, and promoting risk communication and community engagement,” Souleymane Ba said.

Souleymane Ba noted that DWB worked extensively with local communities through a network of 138 community outreach workers and 12 strategic intervention points. Such, Ba noted, is critical in dealing with Cholera.

The choice of CRC to manage the chlorine production facility, he said, followed a rigorous process.

“This choice was not accidental. The Cameroon Red Cross has strong community experience, deep local roots, and close proximity to the populations we seek to serve,” Souleymane Ba stated.

He added that: “These assets are essential not only for producing chlorine but also for promoting its use and ensuring its distribution through an accessible humanitarian approach adapted to community realities”.

The official expressed confidence that the production unit would significantly improve access to safe drinking water for thousands of households. 

Souleymane Ba also sounded positive that it will contribute to the reduction of waterborne diseases, including cholera and other diarrheal infections.

The DWB official commended the commitment of health authorities in the Djoungolo Health District, CRC, and other actors for ensuring the success of the project.

He asserted that DWB is confident of CRC’s “…ability to pursue this mission with responsibility, dedication, and close community engagement”.

Exemplary partnership

The Secretary General of CRC, Renaud Bodiong, said the project is a show of exemplary partnership. He extended gratitude to Doctors Without Borders for its trust, commitment and support throughout the implementation process.

Bodiong also acknowledged the contributions of the Ministry of Public Health, administrative authorities, municipal leaders and partners within the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

He noted that: “Epidemics continue to pose a significant threat to populations, especially the most vulnerable. Cholera, diarrheal diseases and other infections linked to unsafe water continue to cause suffering, loss of life and serious social and economic consequences every year”.

Bodiong stressed that untreated drinking water remains one of the leading factors in the spread of waterborne diseases, despite the existence of a simple and effective solution.

“Safe drinking water can be achieved through treatment with chlorine.  This production site is much more than an infrastructure project. It symbolises our collective determination to strengthen preparedness and response capacities against epidemics in a sustainable manner,” he explained.

The official stated that the CRC intends to leverage its extensive nationwide network of volunteers to promote the use of chlorine and educate households on proper water treatment practices. 

He further revealed that CRC is planning to extend chlorine distribution beyond Yaounde and the Centre Region to other parts of the country.

“With climate change and recurring floods, we know the risks that emerge when waters recede,” he said. 

Bodiong noted that laboratory testing conducted at the Centre Pasteur had validated the quality and effectiveness of the product. While pricing has not yet been finalieed, he insisted that the chlorine would remain affordable and accessible.

“This is not intended to be a commercial product. The objective is to support households while ensuring that production remains sustainable over time,” he said.

Product in summary

During a technical presentation, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Supervisor, Tiwoda Gauthier, explained that the chlorine solution produced at the facility contains a concentration of six grams per litre. To make ten litres of water safe for consumption, he said only two millilitres of the solution are required. 

After adding the chlorine, users, he stated, must wait 30 minutes to allow the disinfectant to eliminate harmful pathogens before consuming the water.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3842 of Thursday July 09, 2026