The CBC Health Services and its key partners and stakeholders have unveiled plans to provide treatment to at least 2180 children with clubfoot in Cameroon. This was made known on July 31, 2025 during the launch of a new phase of the Cameroon Clubfoot Care Program (CCCP) at Star Land Hotel Yaoundé. The multi-year program was officially launched by the Secretary General at the Ministry of Health, Prof. Louis Richard Njock.
Speaking during the launch, Prof. Njock acknowledged the pressing need for coordinated action, citing ongoing challenges such as cultural misconceptions, lack of awareness, and limited availability of services in some regions. He assured attendees that strategies have been put in place to overcome these barriers and ensure equitable access to care for all children affected by clubfoot.
The Secretary General conveyed the Minister of Health’s appreciation to the CBC Health Services and its partners for their financial and technical support and collaboration for the implementation and expansion of the program activities.
Now in its fourth phase, the CCCP is funded by Hope and Healing International (HHI)—a key partner of the CBC Health Services committed to restoring health and hope to children, especially in underserved communities. The current phase runs from July 2025 to June 2030 and seeks to improve access to effective treatment for all children born with clubfoot in Cameroon.
The CCCP operates under the Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Ministry of Health. The Sub Director at the Sub Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases at the Ministry of Health, Prof. Nko’ Ayissi Georges in a presentation of an overview of the program outlined the program’s interventions including early identification and referral to official treatment clinics, awareness raising, treatment using the ponseti technique, capacity building on the right treatment method, follow up of children on treatment among others.
The speech of the of the Executive Director of Hope and Healing International, Peter Kyalo who was unavoidably absent was read on his behalf by the CCCP Manager, Jacques Chirac Awa. Mr. Kyalo expressed his excitement about the program launch, emphasizing that it would give children the opportunity to walk, play, and thrive. He lauded the strong collaboration between the CBC Health Services, the Ministry of Health, international organisations like his and other dedicated local actors which not only facilitates treatment but also advances the inclusion, dignity and opportunities for these children.
Peter Kyalo said it is an honour for Hope and Healing International to play a key role in this national initiative through the five-year program and further pledged Hope and Healing International’s commitment to Cameroon beyond the five-year program—a declaration that was heavily applauded.
The CBC Health Services Director, Mr. Ngum Samuel expressed his gratitude to the MOH for entrusting the leadership and implementation of the clubfoot care program in Cameroon. He noted that the launch was testament of the power of collaboration and shared vision. He acknowledged Hope and Healing International’s unwavering support and credited the organization’s trust as a cornerstone in the design and delivery of the CCCP and other initiatives. The also extended gratitude to all stakeholders in attendance, including treatment staff, community workers, and administrators, and called for their continued commitment to improving the lives of children with clubfoot.
The CBM Country Director, Mr. Fon Julius for his part, said having pioneered the funding of the first clubfoot initiative in Cameroon, they had seen the need for more initiatives. He noted that they are privileged and satisfied seeing another organisation committing 5 years to support clubfoot care in Cameroon.
Present during the launch was Prof. Epée Emiliene, the Chief of Service at the Sub Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases and other officials of the MOH, the Cameroon Baptist Convention Executive President, Dr. Teke John, the CCCP Principal Investigator, Prof. Tih Pius, and a representative of the Minister of Social Affairs. It was also attended by the program’s stakeholders including Administrators of Health Facilities hosting clinics, some treatment staff, community-based workers and the program staff.
Other dignitaries present included Prof. Epée Emiliene, Chief of Service at the Sub-Department of Neglected Tropical Diseases; Dr. Teke John, Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention; Prof. Tih Pius, CCCP Principal Investigator and a representative of the Minister of Social Affairs. It was also attended by various health facility administrators, treatment staff, and program implementers.
The launch was preceded by a management committee meeting, where implementation strategies were discussed, with a focus on expanding awareness and services nationwide.
Currently, the CCCP is active in six regions: Centre, Littoral, West, Adamawa, Northwest, and Southwest. Treatment is available in 31 clinics across these regions. Since the start of the systematic treatment of clubfoot in 2024, over 3,000 individuals have accessed care.
