Cameroon’s Yaoundé IV Combats Diabetes and Hypertension with Free Screening Drive
Municipal authorities in Yaoundé IV have launched a public health initiative offering free screenings for diabetes and hypertension, a move timed to coincide with World Diabetes Day. The campaign, held at the town hall esplanade in the Ekounou neighborhood, specifically targeted the area’s elderly residents, a demographic often facing significant barriers to healthcare access.
The event saw strong turnout, with many elderly participants expressing gratitude for the vital service. “Honestly, I have no one to pay for my healthcare. I came because the mayor is offering us this campaign. Thank you to the municipality; this helps us a great deal,” said Bisso Poline, one of the attendees, highlighting the financial challenges that often prevent regular medical check-ups.
A Municipal Priority for Public Health
The screening was not limited to the public, as municipal staff also underwent testing, reinforcing the message that proactive health management is a universal responsibility. “Diabetes doesn’t discriminate by age. I chose to get screened. It’s the normal thing to do, and everyone should do it,” stated Alix Awono, Secretary General of Yaoundé IV’s town hall.
Extending Support to Vulnerable Elders
The day’s activities culminated in a donation ceremony for approximately 150 older persons, led by the 5th Deputy Mayor, Monique Mimboe.
This distribution of essential goods, including rice, vegetable oil, soap, and chickens, was framed as part of a broader social support effort. Nadège Tha Enoa, Head of the Social and Health Affairs Department, explained the initiative aims to assist the elderly in their daily lives, noting that many are among the community’s most vulnerable. She affirmed the municipality’s commitment, stating, “This is not the first time, and under the leadership of Mayor Gabriel Effila, we will continue in this manner.”
Contextualizing the Health Challenge
Such campaigns are critical in Cameroon and across Africa, where non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension are witnessing a rapid rise. Often termed ‘silent killers,’ these conditions can progress for years without symptoms, making early detection through public screening a vital tool for prevention and management. This local government action reflects a growing recognition of the need to integrate NCD care into primary health services to alleviate the future burden on national healthcare systems.
Source: https://www.cameroon-tribune.cm/article.html/48822/fr.html/cameroun-lutte-contre-le-diabete-yaounde-iv-se-fait-depister