The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS), represented by the Director Samuel Ngum, and the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator (PIC) for the Northwest, represented by the PIC Tamfu Simon Fai have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at improving the lives of persons with disabilities
The ceremony which took place on Friday 19 July 2024 permitted both institutions to highlight the historical neglect and marginalization faced by persons with disabilities.
"People living with disabilities have often been relegated to the margins of societal life and activities in our communities," Tamfu Simon remarked. He outlined the PIC's mission to protect and promote the rights and freedoms of citizens, including those with disabilities, and to combat all forms of discrimination. This partnership, he stated, signifies a synergy of expertise, resources, and innovation that will create value, drive growth, and positively impact the lives of persons with disabilities in the region.
The Director of CBCHS, Samuel Ngum recounted the long history of the CBCHS, which has grown from a single mission hospital to a comprehensive network of healthcare facilities offering diverse services, including the SEEPD program.
"Today, we have an opportunity to further consolidate our work and seize a God-given opportunity to work with a structure that promotes social justice," he said adding that the MoU is a testament to their shared commitment to human rights, justice, and equity in access to resources and opportunities for all, especially those living on the fringes of society.
Nogning Armelle, President of the Board of Directors of the Coordinating Unit of Association of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD), expressed satisfaction with the MoU. She described it as a great milestone and a positive change regarding issues of persons with disabilities and the State.
"There have been advocates, but coming in to sign an MoU with a state institution is a good sign that there will be a change because the voice of the state is key in this journey," she said. She looks forward to a future where persons with disabilities can access services and participate in state affairs, asserting that they are part of the state and municipalities and have a right to participate and access opportunities.
The Regional Delegate for the North West also expressed satisfaction with the MoU. She noted that, given the credibility of the institutions involved, there is no doubt that the MoU will help improve the lives of persons with disabilities.
During the event, research officer Ndi Nelson presented the MoU indicating that it defines and sets the terms of collaboration between the PIC and the CBCHS Socio-Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SEEPD) program. The MoU focuses on promoting inclusion, social justice, and respect for the rights and freedoms of vulnerable persons, particularly those with disabilities, across all municipalities in the North West Region. This collaboration will involve capacity building for staff and stakeholder groups, provision of technical support, and sharing of experiences and information on inclusive and participatory development. He explained that the MoU will enable joint projects, shared knowledge, and mutual successes, ultimately building a healthier, more inclusive, and just Northwest Region.
By Bakah Derick
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