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!!!

During the workshop, which focused on equipping participants with the knowledge to empower their communities to adopt healthier lifestyles and prevent NCDs, the NCD-PCP Program Manager, Mr. Takwe Boniface called for collaboration between the Nurses and Community Mobilizers in the prevention and control of NCDs.

Mr. Takwe presented an overview of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), highlighting that they are responsible for 74% of global deaths. His presentation covered the program's goals and objectives, along with the five major NCD risk factors (both modifiable and non-modifiable) and the five main NCD groups. He also emphasized the importance of preventive measures.

Key training topics included management of Hypertension and Diabetes during which participants were equipped with the knowledge and skills to manage the prevalent NCDs. The crucial role of Community Mobilizers was expatiated upon highlighting the vital role they play in effective healthcare delivery at the community level. Another important topic was Assessing Lifestyle Risks. Participants learned to assess risk factors associated with unhealthy behaviors, including alcohol and tobacco use.

The training also covered measuring essential health indicators such as height, weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), blood sugar (BS), blood pressure (BP), and waist circumference (WC). Additionally, it addressed equipment calibration and identification of faulty equipment.

To ensure comprehensive NCD management, the training encompassed various themes like compiling lifestyle risk assessments, exercise prescriptions, nutrition counseling, and work planning. It also emphasized the significance of timely reporting and effective behavior change communication. Given the challenges encountered in filling up the registers, facilitators took out time to explain chronologically how to fill up the registers with patient information for easy reporting.  The Nurses were made to understand clearly what it takes to run the Know Your Number Units at the hospitals. Group gatherings, Interactions, a hands-on session on how to measure the numbers, and Question and Answer sessions characterized the two-day workshop.

The workshop benefitted from the expertise of Mr. Fanfon Timothy, Dr. Ngafi Napoleon, Kpeya Queen, Monju Elvis, and other facilitators who covered a range of topics. Participants were called upon to make use of the knowledge gained as they went back to their stations.cc

According to the program Manager, Mr. Takwe Boniface, so much is going to change in the days ahead because it is the first time community mobilizers were taking part in the NCD training and will hence assist the nurses to do awareness creation in the communities, especially during those difficult moments when it is hard for them to reach the communities. The expectation is that turnout in the difficult facilities will improve compared to before since efforts will be made not just at the facility level but also in the communities.

The award which was presented to him by his majesty Thomas Fotang, president of Grass 2 Grace humanitarian organization and a Goodwill Ambassador working under UNITED NATIONS CISRI, a permanent Observatory Mission of the UNITED NATIONS came as a sideline during the close of the 2023 DHS Tournament in Bafoussam on March 23,2024.

It came as a surprise to the Director of the CBC HS as he was recognized for haven contributed enormously to the wellbeing of Cameroonians through his work as Director of the CBC HS. It is important to note that Grass 2 Grace works for people with Disabilities and special needs, orphans, Widows and what have you, all in a bid to put smiles on their faces and to make people happy.

The surprise did not end there as the Director was also held back by the Deputy Director for Administration and Finance Mr Warri Dennis who on behalf of the staff recognized Prof Tih as the Maradona of the CBC Health Services, a personality who never gets tired of getting the work done. He dressed the Director with a white Jersey on it written his name Prof Tih PM, number 10 and a Medal. Mr Warri used the opportunity to appreciate Prof Tih for his tireless efforts in building the CBC HS to the level at which it is.

As if that were not enough for a man who has put smiles on the faces of many, the HIV Free Project Littoral Region also presented a certificate to the legendary leader for his efforts in building the program to reach higher heights.

Because he is a man who recognizes the efforts of his subordinates to attend success, Prof Tih awarded certificates to recognize Mr Wango Barnabas, Mr Takwe Boniface, Mr Monju Elvis, Mme Clementine Njang Yong and the Administrator of Bafoussam Baptist Hospital Mr Jean Sama for putting in their best for the excellent organization and realization of the DHS keep fit Tournament for the past two years.

Cameroon Tribune, Afrique Media, My Media Prime TV, CRTV West Region and the Guardian Post Newspaper are the media organs that were also recognized for the coverage of the DHS keep fit Tournament in Bafoussam for the past two years.

Staff from CBC Health Services facilities across the country participated in a weekend filled with thrilling competition, camaraderie, and a celebration of healthy living.

Football Takes Center Stage

The beautiful game lived up to its name with exciting matches across categories. Kumba's female footballers emerged victorious, defeating BBH 2-1. In the men's division, Mutengene proved their dominance with a decisive 4-1 win against Mbingo. The veterans' football match was a close encounter, but Mutengene ultimately secured a 2-0 victory over Mbingo.

Dominant Performances in Table Tennis and Handball

Banyo secured the third-place spot in table tennis, defeating BBH 2 sets to 1. Mbingo then went on to claim the championship title with a 2-set victory over Bafoussam. The handball court witnessed fierce competition as well. Mbingo's women's team triumphed over Kumba with a score of 20-10. Meanwhile, Nkwen's men's handball team emerged champions, defeating Yaoundé 18-14.

Volleyball and Dance Showcase Athleticism and Grace

Kumba's female volleyball team displayed exceptional skills, edging out Douala in a nail-biting 3-set to 2-encounter. The men's volleyball final saw Mbingo showcasing their power, defeating Yaoundé 3 sets to 1. The dance competition added a touch of elegance to the event. Kumba's dazzling performance earned them the top prize with a score of 22.75, narrowly surpassing Mbingo's impressive routine (21.25).

Nkwen Takes Home the Basketball Crown

The basketball court witnessed an energetic display of athleticism. Nkwen proved their mettle, defeating Kumba with a convincing 41-14 score.

Track and Field Ignites the Stadium

The DHS Tournament also featured exhilarating track and field events. The winners and runners-up for each race category showcased their speed and endurance of the participants.

1500m race!

In the female category, First position: Kumba (Yul Mathilda), Second position: Bafoussam (Mbukebam Magdalene), Third position: Nkwen (Wirsy Lilian). Male category, First position: Mbingo (Ayeah Ezekiel), Second position: Mutengene HSC (Ngong Job), Third position: Bafoussam (Ngoran Eugene)

1000m race.

Female category First position: BBH (Nah Conscience), Second position: Mutengene (Tatah Beriel), Third position: Kumba (Ngum Claudette). Male category First position: Banyo (Primus Ngoran), Second position: Nkwen (Tata Clinton), Third position: Kumba (Ngong Philipian)

 3000m track race

First position: Mbingo (Mange Lizette) Second position: Bafoussam (Fondzenyuy Majorie), Third position: Ngounso (Lola Anna). For the Male category, First position: Nkwen (Tata Dylan), Second position: BBH (Sanyuy Emile), Third position: Nkwen (Nteng Godwill)

Other track races included 400m, 200m, 100m

400m Veteran mix (Male and Female), First position: Mutengene (Ngum Joel), Second position: Kumba (Atem Emmanuel) Third position: Kumba (Mboh Loveline)

200m, Female Category, First position: Mbingo (Fufeh Marion), Second position: Kumba (Tah Bernic, Third position: Douala-Bonaberi (Kimbi Marie). Male Category, First position: Bafoussam (Kingsley Wirnyuy, Second position: Mbingo (Bobga Nelson), Third position: Banyo (Primus Ngoran)

200m Veteran mix, First position: Douala-Mboppi (Mubi Francis). Second position: Bafoussam (Dawoh Joda), Third position: Nkwen (Emmaculate Ngisoh)

100m Female First position: Kumba (Wasi Gervetta), Second position: Mbingo (Fufoh Marion), Third position: Douala-Bonaberi (Asuh Maurine). Male Category, First position: Banyo (Tamnjong Shalom), Second position: Nkwen-DHS (Edmond Teghen), Third position: Kumba (Ojong David)

100m Veteran Male, First position: Kumba (Andeson Shey), Second position: Mutengene- BHM (Ngum Joel), Third position: Douala - Mboppi (Fai Julius). Female Category, First position: Mutengene-BHM (Ruth Limunga), Second position: Nkwen (Emmaculate Ngiseh), Third position: Kumba (Mboh Loveline). Relay Race Male First position: Nkwen, Second position: Banyo, Third position: Kumba

The DHS Tournament transcended the realm of sports. It served as a powerful reminder of the importance of health and well-being. Participants from various age groups displayed their dedication to fitness and a healthy lifestyle. The event also fostered a sense of community and camaraderie among CBC Health Services staff.

At the close of the Tournament, the Director of the CBC Health Services in an appraisal noted that the objectives of the keep fit tournament since 2022 have been largely met, given that back in the facilities, the staff are involved in one sporting discipline or another on at least a weekly basis. The Tournament came about as a result of an increase in Non-Communicable Disease and we say if we don’t actually defeat it, it will defeat us……. By attending our objectives, I mean that we have effectively installed this tournament in our system, once and forever” the Director made known.

Earlier on before the walk to the stadium on the last day, the Director Professor Tih Pius Muffih commended the organizing committee and all participants for their contribution to the tournament's success. He called for unity and love amongst the staff so as to keep the flag of the institution high as the case has been in the past years.  The DHS Tournament 2023 Finals concluded on a high note, leaving a lasting impression of sportsmanship, dedication, and a commitment to a healthy future.

A working visit to Ngounso Baptist Hospital two years ago by a senior official of Hope and Healing International, Nicholas Biswas exposed him to the sad reality of how acute electricity and water crisis was hindering healthcare services in the hospital. Faced with this reality, the Hope and Healing International official committed his organization to solve this twin problem once and for all.

The friendship came to fruition on March 20, 2024 when the Divisional Officer of Magba cut the inaugural ribbon and the Director of CBCHS, Prof. Tih Pius Muffih handed over the 57.6 kilowatt solar power plant and 15 cubic meters water system to the administration of Ngounso Baptist Hospital with a caution for them to manage the donation as a jewel. Prof. Tih rained praises on Hope and Healing International for such a gift tone of the CBC Health Services institutions. The DHS thanked the administration of Magba for welcoming the project and the CBC Health Services Technical Services Department for implementing it to the letter.

All the living forces of Magba subdivision led by the D.O and the Mayor, the Chief of Ngounso, the representative of the DMO of Malantouen Health District and the CBC Magba Field Pastor paid unreserved homage to Hope and Healing International for such an undeserved gift in their municipality. They admonished the administration of Ngounso Baptist Hospital to jealously preserve the solar energy and water system that is already serving the population.

The Supervisor of Nursing Services, Mr. Lemloh Gerald seized the moment to lavish praises on the DHS, Prof. Tih Pius Muffih for his fatherly and exceptional leadership in steering the affairs of the CBC Health Services resulting in this donation from Hope and Healing International. He confirme that the entire Ngounso community now fetches water from the hospital for free as a spill over benefit.

The SNS used the occasion to present new X-ray equipment to boost diagnoses. The machine was equally prayed and dedicated alongside the solar energy and water systems.

Last month, from February 21 to 23, some ten surgeons from six regions of the country were trained on better clubfoot surgical procedures at the Baptist Hospital in Mutengene, Southwest region, Cameroon.

The program is an initiative supported by Hope and Healing International in partnership with the CBC Health Services through the Clubfoot Program in Cameroon, a project funded by Hope and Healing in six regions across the territory.

Dr. Henry Ndasi, lead trainer and Head of the Orthopedic Unit at Baptist Hospital Mutengene during the training said the training of the doctors is “to create more treatment centers in the country that will treat the increasing number of children with clubfoot”.

“Many children and their caregivers often travel long distances from the North and the West Regions to come and receive surgeries here in Mutengene. This sometimes hamper effective follow-ups and healing of the children,” he noted.

For the past three years, Hope and Healing International has been supporting the treatment of children with clubfoot and other musculoskeletal deformities such as knocked knees and bowed legs in the Northwest and West regions of the country, and over 200 children have already benefitted from this gesture.

This year, the project has expanded to six regions of the country namely: Adamawa, West, Northwest, Southwest, Centre, and Littoral. The expanded initiative is said to focus on treating 130 clubfoot cases for children between 0-4 years old, within six months, running from January to June 2024.

“The training of the surgeons is coming to expand and improve access to clubfoot surgical services in the country,” said Tamon James, Coordinator of The Clubfoot Program in Cameroon. “The 130 children target is to add to the about 100 children already treated for Clubfoot deformity from July last year till present, and we want to make sure the children get quality treatment,” he said.

During the training session, the surgeons were drilled on treatment techniques such as Tendon Transfer, The Ponseti technique, Casting, and other surgical and corrective procedures for treating clubfoot.

It takes six months to two years to have complete healing for clubfoot after surgeries, and surgeons say every procedure from surgery to follow-up is very vital to achieve a corrected foot.

“Dr. Bououe Horline, Orthopedic Surgeon at the Limbe Regional Hospital, Southwest Cameroon, and a trainee in the program said the techniques they have learned will make work easier and more efficient.  “I am so excited because my surgical procedures will be different and more efficient onward,” she said.

“I have learned an easier and more effective way to handle tendon transfer, which is very crucial during surgery. We thank the CBC Health Services and Hope and Healing International for this kind gesture,” she told us with a bright smile.