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).
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.
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!!!
The theme for this year's gathering was "Chaplains: Heroes of Mission Hospitals," reflecting the vital role chaplains play in providing spiritual care and support within the healthcare system.
The three-day event brought together over 65 chaplains serving across various CBCHS facilities, underscoring the growing need for pastoral care in the organization's expanding network of health centers. Rev. Dr. Paul Mokake, the CBC Director for Evangelism and Missions, addressed the chaplains, recognizing their unwavering dedication. "The patients you serve are not just Christians or Cameroonians, but humanity itself," he said, "and we thank you for your tireless efforts."
Mr. Ndosack George, the CBCHS Personnel Manager representing the Director of Health Services, further encouraged the chaplains to steadfastly uphold the institution's mission through their unique ministry. The meeting also celebrated the opening of new chaplain positions in Makenene and BSPH showing a growing recognition of the chaplains' indispensable role. Other health centers will be requiring the services of chaplains in the near future.
A touching highlight of the event was the address by Rev. Dr. Nfor Ephesians Bantar, the Chaplaincy Supervisor for CBCHS. He emphasized the importance of the chaplains' work, saying, "Our focus is to reinforce awareness indicating our uniqueness, as apostle Paul will buttress it as a noble task. We are called to make a difference in ministry, especially the ministry of reconciling, guiding, sustaining, and healing as we take the gospel out of the four corners of the church into the hospital, sick bed, counseling rooms, mortuary, outpatient department, and chapel.” He added, “The chaplain's ministry is not just about the patients, but the entire hospital community. You are the heroes who provide a shoulder to lean on, a hand to hold, and a dignified presence in the most challenging moments." Dr. Bantar urged the public to reach out and request the services of a chaplain whenever they visit any of the CBCHS institutions or need spiritual support and counseling.
The meeting also featured insightful sessions on various aspects of hospital ministry, including Mme Nsono Josephine's lesson on Contextual Bible studies in light of Child Protection and Safeguarding. She encouraged the chaplains to reread the Bible with their audience in mind, identifying and referring cases of abuse.
Ending with words of encouragement from one another, the chaplains left with a renewed commitment to providing compassionate, empathetic, and effective spiritual care to patients, and staff, in and through the CBC Health Services. As the "heroes of mission hospitals," these servants of God continue to provide a vital bridge between the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients, staff, and the wider community.
(NCDs) Prevention and Control team headed by Mr. Takwe Boniface as Manager for always taking the lead to push the organization's agenda to fight against NCDs. He was speaking during sporting activities organized at the Baptist Centre to amplify activities marking the Global Week for Action on NCDs. The week, which ran from October 15-22, 2024 hinged on the theme, “Time to Lead” with a call for NCD prevention and management to get the attention and action they deserve every where for everyone. The event was opened by Mr. Ndosak George, Personnel Manager of the CBC Health Services and representing the Director of Health Services, who in his speech, noted that the week was special to the CBC Health Services, leader in the fight against NCDs. “We will make sure it reaches everywhere, everyone to make sure the fight against NCD continues the way it should be. Just like the Director will do later when he joins in the celebration, the Personnel Manager welcomed all to the Baptist Centre especially the NOGE Volley Ball Team that had been invited to play with the teams at the Baptist Centre. It was a thrilling encounter for both the Volley ball Male and Female teams of the NOGE Volley ball Club and the staff at the Baptist Centre. As earlier warned by the Personnel Manager for the team in house to be vigilant, the NOGE Volley Team beat CBC female team 3 goals to zero, meanwhile it was a 4-1 game for the Volley ball male still in favour of the NOGE Volley ball team. In all, he wished for a draw game given that they were friendly matches to beat NCDs. In the spirit of the fight against NCDs, the participants especially those coming from town were so excited to have been part of the activities to mark this year’s celebration. Week long activities were carried out at the different NCD Sites across the country such as visitation to schools, churches and market places to talk NCDs. The NCD gospel was also preached in the different Out Patient Departments as well as wards of our different hospitals to make sure every one who comes to the hospital hear the dangers of NCDs and preventive measures to keep it in control. In order to reach a wide audience, radio talks were also carried out in several radio stations like CRTV Bamenda, NDEFCAM Radio, CBC radio just to name a few. It is important to note that the CBC Health Services is offering a range of services to prevent, detect and manage NCDs including Diabetes and Hypertension (D&H) month clinics, Know your number (KYN) units, regular checkups and screenings, health education/life style modification counselling, medication and treatment.
Organized by the Children Momentum Project, under the supervision of the HIV Regional Technical Group, RTG, for Northwest, this training session brings together service providers from 16 different facilities to learn new skills and strategies for supporting the mental wellbeing of their children and adolescents living with HIV.
"Depression and other mental health challenges are all too common among children and teens living with HIV," explains Dr. Jude, the RTG Coordinator overseeing the workshop. "It can significantly impact their ability to adhere to treatment and live a normal, healthy life. That's why addressing this issue head-on is so important."
Recent studies have found that 31-44% of patients in general hospital settings with HIV suffer from mental health conditions. Additionally, around 20% of adolescents living with HIV report symptoms of depression yearly. "We recognized the significant impact that mental health challenges can have on the lives of children and adolescents living with HIV. The connections between mental health, physical health, and treatment adherence are undeniable," says Mr Ngwen Frankline, the Mental Health Supervisor for the CBC Health Services. "This training is an important step in ensuring that service providers are equipped to properly screen, intervene and refer these patients for the care they need, thus making a real difference in their lives".
After discussing the unique mental health challenges faced by this population, including depression, anxiety, psychosis, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD, and the psychosocial impacts of living with HIV, the training focused on equipping service providers with the skills to utilize a revised mental health assessment tool, tailored to the specific needs of these children and adolescents. The objective was to improve the understanding and application of mental health screening tools, enabling providers to properly identify and manage mental disorders and issues in these children. The training also emphasized the importance of proper referrals and the provision of appropriate interventions. Participants learned to recognize the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions, understand the referral pathways, and interpret assessment results effectively.
One service provider, Mme Shei Enny, shared her perspective on the workshop's impact. "The training has been invaluable. I now have a deeper understanding of the mental health challenges faced by our young children living with HIV, and I feel better equipped to provide the necessary interventions and referrals to ensure they receive the support they need".
"Our goal is to equip these providers with the knowledge and skills to improve the overall well-being of children and adolescents on HIV treatment," Mr. Ngwen explains. "Better mental health means better physical health outcomes and quality of life".
The workshop is part of the Children Momentum Project's broader efforts to contribute to epidemic control among children and adolescents by empowering service providers. By addressing the critical issue of mental health, the project aims to not only improve the lives of children and adolescents living with HIV but also to support the overall national goal of the HIV response of attaining epidemic control in the Northwest and Cameroon.
Mental health management remains an essential step in helping those living with HIV and with the array of seasoned mental health professionals who facilitated the training, the service providers are well equipped to help the children and adolescents they attend to.
have expressed their readiness to spearhead inclusion and diversity initiatives within the University. They took the commitment during their installation by top management of the University, few weeks into the 2024-2025 school year. Commissioning the focal point persons into their functions on October 15, 2024, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Teaching, Professor Suh Cheo Emmanuel, highlighted that the move is in line with the University's vision to break barriers faced by persons with disability in accessing education. He underscored that the University is poised to raising awareness on disability inclusion within the University community, gather and analysis Data that represents the needs of learners with disability. The focal points have been charged with the responsibilities to coordinate Inclusive Education Community of Practice (IECoP) activities and events, provide support and resources for students with diverse abilities, promote inclusive teaching and learning practices and foster collaboration among faculty, staff, and students. According to one of the focal point, Ngwe Presculiar, IECoP's mission aligns with her personal passion for inclusive education. She says they will work closely with students, faculty, and staff to identify and address barriers to inclusion. “I’m honored to serve as a Focal Point and committed to ensuring inclusive practices become ingrained in our University culture,” Ngwe Presculiar promised. The installation ceremony was characterized by a workshop which brought together educators, students, and stakeholders to promote inclusive education and diversity. It was an opportunity to further drill participants on disability concepts and strategies to mainstream disability within the University community. Participants hailed the University for such a groundbreaking step towards creating a supportive environment for all students. The move taken by the University of Bamenda is a fall out of a partnership between the University and the CBC Health Services’ SEEPD Program which brought to limelight inclusive education in the University. Representing the SEEPD Program during the ceremony, the Assistant Program Manager Mr. Tamon James said, the University took a right step in the right direction which is an indication that the partnership has been a full one and the University has been paying more attention to learners with disabilities so that they can access the right quality of education that is expected when they enroll in to the University. It is hoped that through this structure most of the challenges that students with impairments have been facing will be resolved with no delays.
The graduation of these groups of professionals took place on October 23, 2024 at the Chapel of the Nkwen Baptist Hospital.
The Course Coordinator of the Anaesthesia Assistants Course Mr. Mbah John indicated that all 14 students graduating from this one-year intensive course recorded great success. He advised them to use the certificate received beyond the scope of the school syllabus and societal norms and to remember that they would be respected for what they do after obtaining their certificates. As workers in whose hands, patients entrust their lives, he encouraged them to put into practice all what they learned to ensure proper patient care. As Anaesthetists he added they should always go to the theatre mentally, physically, and emotionally ready for work. He used the occasion to thank the former and new Directors of the CBC Health Services for their valuable contributions to ensure that the twin trainings go hitch free. He challenged the students with humility, firmness and dedication in all service delivery.
The Course Coordinator for the screeners course Mr. Yosimbi Promise, took everyone down memory lane on the origins of the screeners course paying allegiance to Dr Julie Stone who built the syllabus for the course before she later handed the course coordination later to Mr. Takwe Boniface. To Doctor Julie, Dr Jam Divine and other people who worked relentlessly to supervise the training to its successful end, he reassured them of its efficacy and the trust in the student to implement what they studied. The training of screeners within the CBC Health services dates back to many years and has evolved from 8 weeks to more than 6 months. He acknowledged the change in trends and diseases, and confirmed that the screeners fitted in so well. To the litany of virtues already prescribed for the graduates, he added commitment, kindness and patience.
When the Director of CBC Health Services Mr. Ngum Samuel took the rostrum, he pushed home key messages to the Anaesthesia Assistants and the Screeners. “He who stops learning, stops practicing; Ensure quality healthcare to all”; Bring the needed added value”. Etc. The Director gave them a charge to practice safe, affordable, and accessible healthcare to all and to respect the Vision of the institution “Quality Healthcare to All”. Making reference to Universal Health Coverage and the strides made by the CBC Health Services to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, he revealed that it is the institution’s strategy and policy in developing its health workforce.
The CBC Health Services invested in training these staff and expectations from the Director are that “To whom much is invested, much is expected”. He cautioned the new graduates against parallel practice a phenomenon that is sometimes common with medical personnel.
The students start practice happy to have gained knowledge to empower themselves and others; skills to adapt and innovate; friendships to last a lifetime; and memories to cherish forever.