Editorial: The Relevance of CBCHS’ Mission and Vision

The Good Book says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish" - Proverbs 29:18. The importance of mission and vision for the health of any Organization cannot be over-emphasized! More

A Mission statement defines the primary objective of an organization; the business, products or services, and customers. It provides detailed information about what the organization does, how it does, and who it does it for. So indeed, it helps focus the Organization on what really matters - to itself as well as to its stakeholders. Whereas, the Vision statement focuses on its goals and aspirations, which describes how the future will look if the organization achieves its mission. The mission and vision of any veritable organization should be timeless.

The vision and mission statements provide a focal point that helps to align everyone with the organization, thus ensuring that everyone is working towards a single purpose. This helps to increase efficiency and productivity in the organization. (From Blog Article by Colour Infusion, Cochrane AB - https://colourinfusion.ca)

Not having clear mission and vision statements would be like going on a journey without knowing the direction you are to follow or the destination.

The CBC Health Services is a Nonprofit, Faith-based, Humanitarian and Inclusive healthcare Organization that addresses both clinical, social, and public health problems affecting individuals and communities in Cameroon in particular and Africa at large. It is one of the departments of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC). CBC founded in 1954 is a living fellowship of churches growing in grace, strengthening one another in faith and working together in obedience to the Great Commandment and the Great Commission of Jesus Christ through worship, preaching, teaching, healing and social ministries. (www.cbc-cm.org).

Quality care to all!

The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Service (CBCHS) has as mission to provide care to all who need it as an expression of Christian love and as a means of witness in order that, they might be brought to God through Jesus Christ. Thus, the CBCHB shall provide exemplary Health care with genuine compassion and with overriding purpose of evangelical witness. This is drawn from Matthew 9:35-36. Her vision is, “Quality care to all”.

The CBCHS since its establishment has been operating in Cameroon striving to further her mission and by no means deviating from it. They strive to PROVIDE CARE TO ALL WHO NEED IT AS AN EXPRESSION OF CHRISTIAN LOVE AND AS A MEANS OF WITNESS. If you go through the Scripture, Jesus ministered to all – those with leprosy, the prostitutes - I mean all who were rejected in the society; even those who hated Him. He had a goal in mind, His goal was the salvation of mankind. As the arm of the church, the CBC Health Services seeks to provide Care to all who need it as an expression of this Christian love and equally as a means of evangelical witness. Jesus fully aware that Judas Iscariot would later betray Him did not disown him but ministered to him as well.

Quality care to all!

The CBCHS has stood the test of time even in the current crisis situation; She has never deviated from providing care to all who need it. She has been seen in hard-to-reach areas. This is because, she developed a clear sense of her values even before the crisis. CBC Health Services' mission statement indicates a clear concern regarding a commitment to "quality and maintaining the highest standards of honesty and integrity in its dealings with all stakeholders”.

We equally praise God for the transformational leaders in the CBC Health Services who inspire, energize, and intellectually stimulate and stir employees to look beyond their own self-interest for the benefit of individual work groups and the organization as a whole.

The CBC Health Services has used her mission statement as a constant guide for her actions. She is out to satisfy customers’ needs. The mission of the CBCHS is clear: equality ("the proposition that all men are created equal and in the image of God")

Persevering through tragedy is not easy. The CBCHS has not let her shortcomings to keep her from her work. Staying true to her mission and vision has kept her in focus to learn from any challenges and sailing through when and where many are failing!!!
New DHS Sets Tone for International Nurses Day during celebrations in Nkwen Baptist Hospital

On the occasion of this year’s International Nurses Day on May, 12 2024, the new Director of Health Services (DHS), Mr. Ngum Samuel addressed the nurses and midwives of the CBC Health Services for the first in his capacity. More

The DHS was represented at the commemorative activities at Nkwen Baptist Hospital by Mr. Wango Barnabas, Assistant Administrator/Public Relations Officer.

“The Leadership of the CBC Health Services expresses profound appreciation for the contributions of nurses in promoting health, healing, and overall well-being in our health facilities and communities. Today we find nurses in all healthcare domains, (Clinical, public health, academia, research etc) changing lives and communities while helping to bridge health inequalities…..” Samuel Ngum, Director of CBC Health Services on the occasion of the International Nurses Day.

Rev. Njini prays, dedicates nurses and their uniforms to God

Nkwen Baptist Hospital buzzed with activities as they celebrated International Nurses Day under this year’s theme, "Our Nurses, Our Future, the Economic Power of Care," highlighting the vital role nurses play in healthcare systems.

The festivities began with a church service at Nkwen Baptist Church. During the service, Policymakers and health care Administrators were challenged to invest in Nurses to enjoy the economic power of care. The call was made by Mrs. Nana Phillipa, senior nurse while presenting a health talk on childhood cancer, raising awareness on this critical health issue. The talk emphasized the importance of early detection for successful treatment and highlighted the disparity in childhood cancer survival rates between Cameroon and the Western world. According statistics, 80% of children die of Cancer as a result of bringing them late to the hospital, a situation which is a reverse in the Western world, Mrs. Nana noted.

Mrs. Nana officiating the Cake Ceremony

Mrs. Nana presented warning signs that need to be investigated and managed to be sure it is not cancer such as any swelling in any part of the body, high temperature/fever, many episodes of blood transmission, limping and pain in the leg or when a child starts pooing or peeing without knowing. She therefore called on all to be the eye of the community.

Following the service, the nurses of Nkwen Baptist Hospital offered thanksgiving offerings to God and had their mufflers dedicated by the senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Njini Edward, symbolizing their commitment to their profession.

Senior nurse pledging their comitment to the profession via their anthem

The second part of the program continued at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital Chapel Hall after a procession to the hospital by the nurses. This phase of the program was marked by speeches and words of encouragement from the supervisor of nursing services, the administrator, a former CMO, Dr. Beri Ngong, all pointing to the fact that Nurses are great and the work of the physicians largely depend on the nurses. All the speakers applauded the nurses for the services they render to mankind and were challenged to continue to uphold their work with integrity.

Prominent among the speeches was that from the Director of the CBC Health Services, Mr. Ngum Samuel who expressed his appreciation to the nurses while reminding them that they are the foundation of healthcare. The Director through the voice of the Assistant Administrator and Public Relations Officer at the DHS Office, Mr. Wango Barnabas charged the nurses for future endeavours noting that the exodus to the diaspora and for greener pastures is real but cautioned that the pasture always looks greener on the next hill. He went ahead to urge the nurses to prioritize patient care and human connection, reminding them of the impact they have on patients' well-being.

Nurses take to the streets of Bamenda raising awareness of their essential role

In a presentation, Mr. Takwe Boniface, Manager of the NCD Prevention and Control Programme focused on the importance of positive thinking and emotional well-being for the nurses themselves, their families, and the community.

The day wasn't all serious business. Singing, ballet dance, and egg race provided a fun and festive atmosphere for nurses and attendees to relax and enjoy the rare moment for camaraderie.
Nkwen Baptist Hospital embraces Global Trends in Laser Surgeries

There is great news for those seeking to maintain the integrity of their bodies, and who shy away from scars got through surgical procedures. The Nkwen Baptist Hospital has dedicated two updated ultra-modern machines. More

The latest upgraded anesthesia machine, a donation from Save Aneasthesia Worldwide, that helps patients breathe under anesthesia while monitoring their important vitals and parameters which include oxygenation, ventilation, circulation, and temperature, and the Bipolar machine performs minimally invasive surgeries.

NBH Administrator, Mr. Kangong Joce appreciating the importance of the machines

Minimally invasive surgeries require little or no cuts and cause less damage to the body. Within 2 to 3 days the patient goes home, a positive breakthrough in the management of diseases affecting several internal organs like the appendix, prostate, gall bladder, etc. Other instruments for laparoscopic surgeries can also be plugged in, to visualize what is in the abdomen, permitting the surgeon to visualize the abdomen without having to cut through.

These machines complement the work done at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital that functions under a healthcare system that strives to meet up with up-to-date medical approaches to care via ultra-modern equipment. The hospital had been using the laparoscopy machine for laser surgeries and this Bipolar machine is an added advantage as it complements the laser machine.

“The goal is to not open the patient, as many people want to maintain the beauty of their bodies and we are extremely grateful to Save Anesthesia Worldwide for the ultra-modern anesthesia machine which will help our healthcare professionals to properly attend to the patients we will receive,” remarks the Hospital Administrator.
New CBC Director of Health Services assumes Office, calls for Stewardship, Team Spirit

Mr. Ngum Samuel, the new Director of the CBC Health Services (DHS) assumed office on Friday, May 3, 2024 in a historic handing over ceremony from Prof. Tih Pius Muffih, erstwhile Director who led the CBC Health Services to greener pastures in four decades. More

The brief but solemn handing over ceremony was supervised by CBC Executive President, Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Chalemagne and witnessed by other CBC Departmental Directors.

On Wednesday, May 8, 2024, the new DHS, Mr. Ngum Samuel attended devotions for the first time at the CBCHS Central Administration, where he addressed the staff for the first time. In his usual charisma, the Deputy Director for Administration and Finance (DDAF), Mr. Denis Warri welcomed the new Director and introduced him to the staff who greeted him with a standing ovation. The DDAF requested the CBCHS Central Administration staff to work with and follow the leadership of the incoming Director.

Appending the handing over notes

The highly motivated Mr. Ngum Samuel, visibly awed by the warm reception acknowledged the staff while hailing his predecessor, Prof. Tih Pius. Having worked with the Health Services in the hospital setting for 21 years and as Administrator for 9 years, including Etoug-Ebe Baptist Hospital Yaounde where he is coming from, the new DHS brings on board years of experience. As a diligent and conscientious steward, Mr. Ngum Samuel promised to continue uplifting the mission and vision of the CBC Health Services and to uphold the legacy set by Prof. Tih Pius Muffih.

“We are not reinventing the wheel which has proven to work, but we will stand on the shoulders of Prof. Tih whom I consider a library and global asset to healthcare systems,” he said. “Prof. told me, <<Sam the legacy is here, you have to move it forward>> therefore the stakes are too high for us,” the new DHS added to challenge the anxious staff.

Signing the handing over notes

Set to work, Mr. Ngum Samuel promised to collaborate with the staff to consolidate the progress made so far in the Health Services’ close to 50 years of existence, reiterating the importance of building resilient healthcare systems.

“As the CBC Health Services, we are patient-centred and patient focused, be it in the projects or hospitals, no matter the department, we are here for the patients and that will be our primary focus,” he emphasised.

The DHS further explained the need to pull from the WHO building blocks of healthcare systems which are Service Delivery, Health Workforce, Financing, Access to Medicines, Health Information Systems and Governance. “We will always look at our healthcare system through these six pieces so we can last. We have all that it takes and with skilled professionals, we will harness these efforts to pull towards one direction. We refuse to be distracted!!!”, he stated emphatically.

CBC leaders pose with in-coming DHS

The new DHS promised to unravel his vision for the next 5 years in the days ahead. Mr. Ngum emphasised the need to work as a team for the legacy entrusted in his hands for future generations and for the benefit of patients, to bring a human touch to those in need. He observed that the CBCHS that started in 1975 will celebrate its 50 years anniversary next year 2025.

Prayer for the new Director

At the end, the staff with one voice and led by the Head Chaplain of the Central Administration, Rev. Fongoh Godwin, sang the third stanza of the hymn, ‘Stand Up Stand Up for Jesus, before praying for God’s grace and wisdom to take control of the Director of Health Services.

In the words of the incoming DHS, “The CBC Health Services is a big force in healthcare delivery in the country and the stakes of the institution are higher than can be imagined”. What a clarion call for every CBC Health Services worker to come on board and firmly rest their hands on the plough, everyone at his/her post!
Health Fair Strategy touching Community Lives!

The strategy to take specialized healthcare services to the grassroots population is paying off well for the beneficiaries. Hope and Healing International is sponsoring this activity via the CBC CBR program to organize health fairs in collaboration with local Councils and associated hospitals. More

After Santa and Nkambe in the Northwest region, the health fair in Fundong hit a crescendo with a record of over 1000 people accessing specialized health services in four days. Originally planned for two days, the health fair in Fundong lasted four days from April 22-25 due to demand led by the Lord Mayor, Awoh Ndang who caused the Council to support the health fair with 350,000fcfa.

Patients waiting for their turn to be consulted in Fundong

The specialized services came from Mbingo Baptist Hospital: physiotherapy, ear, nose and throat (ENT), mental health, eye and vital signs. Welcoming the medical team to Fundong, Mayor Awoh Ndang saluted the CBC Health Services through her indefatigable leader, Prof. Tih Pius Muffih for taking quality healthcare services to the people right in their communities, which are beneficial especially to persons with disabilities.

Prior to the health fair in each locality, officials of the local Council, the district hospital and CBR field workers work in synergy to sensitize the population in churches, markets, schools, ‘njangi’ houses and wherever people congregate to make it a duty to attend the health fair and take advantage of the specialized services.

Cross section of patients' attendance

In one of the health talks before the commencement of consultation in Fundong, CBCHS Mental Health Supervisor, Frankline Ngwen outline some rapid assessment, which mental health clients should look out for. The indicators include:

1) Sleep problems (poor, too much, or nightmares)

2) Overthinking, Excessive forgetfulness/poor concentration

3) Headaches including nerves pains

4) Concerns with palpitations and fears

5) Hearing or seeing things others are not seeing or behaving irrationally.

Both the old and the young came out to listen to health education

The mental health supervisor said, asking for these symptoms or getting these complaints from the patients can easily cause you to refer them to mental health.

So far, the health fairs have held in Santchou, Massangam, Manguiembou, Malantoen and Mbouda in the West region and Nkambe, Santa and Fundong in the Northwest region.
BBHD receives CBC Executive President

"You are ethical examples and I admonish you to keep that please.... Truth, Equity, and Development are my working sticks". Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne, CBC Executive President, made these utterances during his 2024 maiden visit to Douala Field at Bonaberi Baptist Hospital Douala on Friday April 26. More

As the EP stepped his feet on the soils of Bonaberi Baptist Hospital, he was received with a bouquet of flowers and was guided by Rev. Nchambeli Ezekiel, the Douala Field Pastor and Madam Fon Rose Nyimeh, the Administrator of Bonaberi Baptist Hospital to shake hands with the aligned men of God and EXCO members of the hospital. Through this congregational and administrative tour, the EP majestically moved into the Chapel where he was highly welcomed by expectant staff.

In her words of welcome, the Hospital Administrator, Madam Fon Rose Nyimeh thanked the EP for making time out of his tight schedule to visit BBHD of which he has done so thrice.

CBC Executive President being welcomed to BBHD

"Most of the staff should have gone home by now, but we are still here to say you are most highly welcome to us. The best you can have of a man is not his money nor his kids, but time and competences communicated in his physical presence, applied in various forms with you in focus as it's the experience we are having today. This comes sometimes like your smiles, handshakes, your expression of concerns and that is what we are talking about: the value of one's presence to another. We want to thank you for the air of warmth, peace and joy, love and beauty your presence is giving to this atmosphere... We are "superbly" honoured to have you" - words of welcome from Madam Fon Rose to Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne.

The Administrator drew the EP's attention to the growth path of the hospital. The EP then received a souvenir parcel handed to him on behalf of the Hospital Administration by the Supervisor of Nursing Services, SNS, Mr. Mbanye Lucas.

CBC Executive President, Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Chalemagne addressing staff of BBHD

The Administrator was preceded by a word of welcome from the staff representatives who saluted the Executive President for his uphill task at the helm of the Cameroon Baptist Convention.

Talking to the attentive crowd, Rev. Dr. Nditemeh thanked the staff for the warm reception.

"The amazing thing which is good is that each time I come here; the place seems to be bigger than I left it last time. Though the same building, it is expanding in infrastructure and population," the EP remarked. He equally thanked the Administrator and the staff representatives of BBHD for presenting their ordeals as a hospital.

For over 30 minutes, he spoke with a lot of candor and firmness to the audience.

His words resonated with a lot of hope and assurance.

" I want to thank you from the address of the Administrator and the staff reps that, you are ethical examples and I admonish you to keep that please. Don't allow yourselves to be contaminated by unethical examples," the man of God pointed out. He likened the word ethical to the unwavering commitment of the BBHD staff despite the salary crisis, tough economic nature of Douala and others. From the EP's mouth, Bonaberi Baptist Hospital Douala is one of CBCHS facilities working with a clean sheet as far as ill scandals are concerned.

CBC Executive President ose with officials of BBHD & Douala Field

Rev. Nditemeh Charlemagne appreciated the collegial collaboration that exists between the hospital and churches in the Bonaberi Association. " I appreciate the collaboration that exists between the pastors and the hospital". He used the opportunity to charge the audience to remember that CBC is a tree with branches and togetherness is a prerequisite.

"Remember pastors that we are one, let's stand beside one another, there should be mutual support. Let us patronize the health centers as our own. I pray the testimonies from Bonaberi should be permanent in the CBC," he admonished.

The CBC proprietor led his address to rest with the incoming new leadership at the helm of the CBC Health Services.

" I want to tell you that the CBC Health Services has a new Director and his name is Mr. Ngum Samuel, ...switch and tune to that frequency," the EP heralded. He assured the staff that the transition is at the orientation phase. "Presently, orientation is going on and sooner than soon handing over will happen," the EP announced.

The visit was graced with invocational prayers to God as the Men of God together with staff prayed for BBHD, the CBC Health Services and the CBC in general. It all eded with photo shoots. The EP and his entourage continued to Mboppi where he visited MBHD staff and all Christians of Douala on Saturday April 27, 2024.