Hope and Healing International Programs Manager renews Commitment with CBC Health Services
In the midst of the prevailing global recession and catastrophes, Hope and Healing International Canada has remained a true partner to support the CBC Health Services’ long-standing efforts and commitment to persons with disabilities.
The International Programs Manager of Hope and Healing International Canada, Nicholas Biswas set the records straight during his working visit to CBC Health Services (Cameroon) from March 14-24, 2023.
“Henceforth, our focus is on childhood care, no more adults,” the Hope and Healing International senior official made it clear to the Director of Health Services in conclave as well to the CBC Health Services project team in plenary. Hope and Healing International Canada believes that many organizations around the world support adults with disabilities but very few pay attention to children with disabilities. On this premise, he was keen on getting clarifications on how child protection and gender issues are being handled in the CBC Health Services. He supported the child protection protocol in place signed by every staff to take commitment to safeguard children, especially those with disabilities.
Nicholas Biswas announced renewed funding to Hope and Healing International running projects in the CBC Health Services for the 2024 Financial year except for the Socio-Economic Empowerment of Females with Fistula (SEEFF) project, which activities should end in December 2023.
The partnership between Hope and Healing International Canada and the CBC Health Services began timidly in 2018 when Hope and Healing International was parting ways with CBM International. In 2019, the partnership gained grounds with the initiation of the Non-Cash Resource project in which Hope and Healing International sources and provides the CBC Health Services with hospital and office equipment and assistive devices to persons with disabilities via the CBC Central Pharmacy in Mutengene.
The partnership moved to another level in 2021 when Hope and Healing International in addition to non-cash resource, provided cash to CBCHS’ Socio-Economic Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (SEEPD) program to run six sub projects namely: Healinghugs resource gathering, River blindness, Socio-Economic Empowerment of Females with Fistula, Musculoskeletal deformities, construction of the Trauma Center in Baptist Hospital Mutengene and the training of an ophthalmologist in Tanzania in pediatric eye care under the Human Resource component.
The Hope and Healing International Programs Manager said he was open to receive all the requests from the CBC Health Services but encouraged ‘us’ to document and share ‘our’ experiences such that his organization can be convinced to align the requests in future budgets. “I am there to work for you but you need to be patient and balance non-cash and cash,” Nicholas Biswas opined.
Speaking earlier, Prof. Tih Pius Muffih, Director of Health Services (DHS) situated his guest on the road covered by the CBC Health Services in the domain of services to persons with disabilities. According to him, it all began in 1952 with the creation of Mbingo Baptist Hospital as a leprosy center. “Today, we operate in 9 out of the 10 regions in Cameroon, thanks to support from partners like Hope and Healing International. Thus, each time any of you come to visit, we feel relieved,” Prof. Tih said.
The DHS saluted the partnership and wished to see the partnership extend to support our services in the Far North region, pediatric eye care and construction of a childhood center in Bamenda.
In the company of Mr. Awa Jacques Chirac, SEEPD Program Manager, the Hope and Healing International Programs Manager, Nicholas Biswas felt motivated and satisfied during his 10-day hectic sojourn in Cameroon. They also visited the Central Pharmacy in Mutengene, the Trauma Center in BHM, the Regional Delegation of Health in Bafoussam, Foumban, Ngounso Baptist Health Center, Bafoussam Baptist Hospital and some beneficiaries in the communities.