The Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services officially marked the close-out of the Children Momentum and Equality Project on June 25, 2026, at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital Conference Hall. The event was not just a Close-out but a Celebration of One Chapter and the Beginning of another.
Born out of three critical gaps in care for children living with HIV and at-risk adults, with a strong focus on sexual and reproductive health, these projects worked to improve treatment outcomes and retention in care for children living with HIV aged 5–24 years and their caregivers reduce health inequalities by strengthening HIV prevention among adolescent girls and young women in the Northwest Region, guided by the principle that inclusion is central to public health. From 2023- 2026, these projects were led by CBCHS in collaboration with ViiV Healthcare.
Over five years, they have created impact through five strategies which are, the peer support model, caregiver mentor model, child protection services, mental health support and support for income generating activities, by training and upskilling health providers, Strengthened learning through documenting and sharing best practices from clinics and communities, Improved care delivery by closing gaps in pediatric HIV services through clinic-community collaboration and differentiated service delivery models, building safe spaces for caregivers and their children. These models led to the improvement of the quality of life for children living with HIV and adolescents, reaching over 170,000 children and adolescents and successfully operating in 17 health facilities and numerous schools in all seven divisions of the Northwest Region.
Greetings were brought from the Director of Health Services, Mr. Ngum Samuel, who acknowledged the work done by these two projects. “Today, we stand together to acknowledge the progress made, the lives touched, and the hopes restored,” he said. Deep appreciation went to ViiV Healthcare, health facilities, schools, community structures, traditional leaders, and every stakeholder who made this possible. He also appealed the congregation to continue to guide the work, striving for a future where every child and adolescent has access to quality health care, dignity, protection and opportunity, opening a new chapter of shared responsibility and renewed action. “The systems strengthened must not weaken and the lessons learned must not remain on paper,” he echoed.
The Minister of Health’s representative, Madame Ketchaji Alice, appreciated the CBC Health Services and ViiV Healthcare especially and all active participants involved in working through the Child Momentum and Equality Projects and the importance of the need to put in place transmission plans and strategies which will continue to offer services and support to all those living with HIV.
Dr. Ambe Lionel, Northwest Regional Delegate of Public Health, put it plainly: “When we work together around a shared vision to improve pediatric HIV within the North West Region, we get remarkable results.” He pointed to the recent Champion Survey conducted in the North West Region showing impressive gains in retention, adherence, viral load suppression, psychosocial support, and family-centred care, which are a reflection of the tireless efforts and compassion toward the challenges the Northwest continues to face. He urged the audience to leave this event with renewed resolve to maintain the high standards of care established through these projects and to continue striving towards an HIV free generation.
A gallery of impact
This event featured a gallery walk showing exactly how much work and dedication has gone into these projects. These included an understanding of Disability-inclusive HIV, Sexual reproductive Health and Gender based violence services for young people with disabilities presented by Mrs. Awa Fanny, Project Manager; the implementation of the caregiver mentorship model by Mme Ngum Clodette, Caregiver Mentor at Regional Hospital; a rundown on strengthening mental health services for adolescents and young people living with HIV By Dr. Ngwen Frankline, Mental Health supervisor for CBCHS and insights shared into the inner workings of the Equality project by Miss Franka Fien. Photos, data, and testimonies displayed achievements, challenges, impact and also areas where there’s still work to be done in relation to HIV stigma and empowering children, youths and families to access medication and quality services.
The Q&A Discussion tackled the big question: What happens now? The answer: Sustainability was built in from day one. Caregivers, peer support persons, as well as teachers and community focal persons have been trained; support groups have been established within healthcare facilities, as well as referral pathways between hospitals, schools, and Child Protection Services, equipped to carry the work forward even as the project comes to an end. The baton was formally passed by the CBCHS Director of Health Services and the project team not to end the work, but to extend it in a greater dimension. The project team was celebrated today for five years of dedication, resilience and transformation as the Director of Health Services reminded everyone: “This is just the beginning of the solution” emphasising that when investment is made in health and dignity of a child, change is not just brought to a single life, it strengthens a family, lifts a community and secures a better and brighter future for all. The take-home message encouraged and hinted at organisations, health facilities and the government to continue with the outlined strategies, which have been clearly proven to be effective. This close-out event celebrates five years of in-depth devotion while reaffirming CBCHS’ commitment to sustaining and scaling these gains for children, families, and communities in Cameroon.
