On the occasion of this year’s International Nurses Day on May, 12 2024, the new Director of Health Services (DHS), Mr. Ngum Samuel addressed the nurses and midwives of the CBC Health Services for the first in his capacity.
The DHS was represented at the commemorative activities at Nkwen Baptist Hospital by Mr. Wango Barnabas, Assistant Administrator/Public Relations Officer.“The Leadership of the CBC Health Services expresses profound appreciation for the contributions of nurses in promoting health, healing, and overall well-being in our health facilities and communities. Today we find nurses in all healthcare domains, (Clinical, public health, academia, research etc) changing lives and communities while helping to bridge health inequalities…..” Samuel Ngum, Director of CBC Health Services on the occasion of the International Nurses Day.
Nkwen Baptist Hospital buzzed with activities as they celebrated International Nurses Day under this year’s theme, “Our Nurses, Our Future, the Economic Power of Care,” highlighting the vital role nurses play in healthcare systems.
The festivities began with a church service at Nkwen Baptist Church. During the service, Policymakers and health care Administrators were challenged to invest in Nurses to enjoy the economic power of care. The call was made by Mrs. Nana Phillipa, senior nurse while presenting a health talk on childhood cancer, raising awareness on this critical health issue. The talk emphasized the importance of early detection for successful treatment and highlighted the disparity in childhood cancer survival rates between Cameroon and the Western world. According statistics, 80% of children die of Cancer as a result of bringing them late to the hospital, a situation which is a reverse in the Western world, Mrs. Nana noted.
Mrs. Nana presented warning signs that need to be investigated and managed to be sure it is not cancer such as any swelling in any part of the body, high temperature/fever, many episodes of blood transmission, limping and pain in the leg or when a child starts pooing or peeing without knowing. She therefore called on all to be the eye of the community.
Following the service, the nurses of Nkwen Baptist Hospital offered thanksgiving offerings to God and had their mufflers dedicated by the senior pastor, Rev. Dr. Njini Edward, symbolizing their commitment to their profession.
The second part of the program continued at the Nkwen Baptist Hospital Chapel Hall after a procession to the hospital by the nurses. This phase of the program was marked by speeches and words of encouragement from the supervisor of nursing services, the administrator, a former CMO, Dr. Beri Ngong, all pointing to the fact that Nurses are great and the work of the physicians largely depend on the nurses. All the speakers applauded the nurses for the services they render to mankind and were challenged to continue to uphold their work with integrity.
Prominent among the speeches was that from the Director of the CBC Health Services, Mr. Ngum Samuel who expressed his appreciation to the nurses while reminding them that they are the foundation of healthcare. The Director through the voice of the Assistant Administrator and Public Relations Officer at the DHS Office, Mr. Wango Barnabas charged the nurses for future endeavours noting that the exodus to the diaspora and for greener pastures is real but cautioned that the pasture always looks greener on the next hill. He went ahead to urge the nurses to prioritize patient care and human connection, reminding them of the impact they have on patients’ well-being.
In a presentation, Mr. Takwe Boniface, Manager of the NCD Prevention and Control Programme focused on the importance of positive thinking and emotional well-being for the nurses themselves, their families, and the community.
The day wasn’t all serious business. Singing, ballet dance, and egg race provided a fun and festive atmosphere for nurses and attendees to relax and enjoy the rare moment for camaraderie.