Attending IWC and ANC at the Nkwen Integrated Health Centre has long been an undesired experience for pregnant women. Whether it was standing for long hours or sitting outside under the scorching sun, these women have endured years of discomfort while waiting for consultations.
This reality is all too common across many health facilities in the North West Region, where basic infrastructure is lacking. However, the Nkwen Integrated Health Centre now stands out, thanks to the recent intervention by Strategic Humanitarian Services (SHUMAS) Cameroon and its partners, Building Schools for Africa (BSA) UK and Gompels.
On Wednesday, 23 October 2024, the community of Nkwen gathered at the health centre for the official handing over of a newly constructed and equipped hall dedicated to Infant Welfare Clinics (IWC) and Antenatal Care (ANC). The hall, a major improvement to the health facility, is now fully furnished with benches, consultation bed, table, chairs, weighing scales for children, and a solar-powered refrigerator, providing the community with a safe, comfortable space for mothers and their children.
Speaking at the event, SHUMAS Cameroon Director Mformi Ndzerem Stephen Njodzeka expressed hope that the new hall would become a hub for education, support, and care for expectant mothers.
“We visited the health centre and saw many women sitting outside under the sun while waiting for IWC or ANC services. I am happy that we have been able to solve this problem,” he said, explaining that SHUMAS supports the government, especially through its Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Public Health, to carry out projects like this.
Njodzeka also noted that SHUMAS has shifted its focus towards sustainable development and environmental sustainability, which is why the hall is equipped with a solar refrigerator and solar-powered system. As SHUMAS approaches its 30th anniversary, this project marks part of their new line of action aimed at healing the earth.
The project has been warmly welcomed by the community. The Fon of Nkwen, His Royal Highness Fon Azehfor III, was full of gratitude as he conferred the title of Ntungfor Nfor Mengwen; meaning ‘Ambassador and Eyes of the Fon’ upon Njodzeka.
“The long suffering of our women has come to an end. Never again shall they stand or wait for long hours to be consulted. We thank SHUMAS for this wonderful support.” Fon Azehfor declared.
The Fon went on to call for the upgrading of the Nkwen Integrated Health Centre to a Medicalised Health Centre to better serve the growing needs of the Nkwen community.
The hall, though a major achievement, also highlights ongoing challenges. Chief of the Health Centre, Fru Asanga Immaculate, expressed concerns about the underutilisation of the facility. Despite having staff and equipment, she said, the centre continues to experience low attendance rates. She urged the community to make full use of the health services provided and appealed for further improvements, including the construction of a theatre and a fence for added security.
Bamenda III District Medical Officer, Dr Chris Abongwa, echoed these concerns, pointing out that the centre could achieve much more if the local population took advantage of the available services.
“We have received many donations for the facility, yet the statistics show poor usage. I encourage the people to come for healthcare services so we can justify the need for further improvements,” he said.
The Deputy Mayor of the Bamenda III Council, Koti Joseph Tita, also commended SHUMAS for being a reliable development partner and for its contributions to the Bamenda III Municipality. He called on the community to take advantage of the new facilities and ensure that they are well maintained.
The event was a reflection of community acceptance and appreciation, as representatives from all quarters of Nkwen gathered to witness the handover. Quarterheads of Nkwen were particularly acknowledged for their role in gathering local materials used during the construction process.
The Divisional Officer, DO for Bamenda III Subdivision, Ayuni Austin Sakah, praised SHUMAS for its contributions to both education and health in the area. He further highlighted the government’s readiness to support SHUMAS in its mission, particularly in promoting environmental sustainability.
As the crowd dispersed, the sense of relief and hope was palpable. The new hall promises to transform the experience of women seeking antenatal care at the Nkwen Integrated Health Centre. With SHUMAS and its partners addressing the infrastructural needs, the onus is now on the community to ensure the facility is fully utilised.