World Malaria Day, commemorated on April 25, 2025 at the Nkwen Baptist Health Centre Main Hall, with the presence of 5th grade pupils from EDUCARE Nursery and Primary School in Bamenda. Led by their teacher, Madame Ngum Randis Nguibeh, the pupils opened the event with songs of praise followed by a word of prayer.
The Deputy Director for Administration and Finance (DAFF), Mr. Warri Denis welcomed the pupils expressing pride in receiving them to the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS). The DDAF praised the 5th grade pupils for being “Champions of Malaria prevention” as well as giving thanks to the management of EDUCARE for allowing these children participate in this event with the CBCHS.
Dr. Nfor Emmanuel, head of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services Malaria Focal Point gave a brief backstory on the previous malaria day events before going into his main presentation on the topic “The Current Status of Malaria in Cameroon”. Giving some basic information about malaria, the types of malaria and those transmitted through human at Nkwen Baptist Hospital, he provided some statistics about malaria in Cameroon with Cameroon being the 11th most endemic country according to the (WHO) World Health Organisation. He revealed that most of these cases occur between pregnant women and children below the ages of 5, mostly in the North and Far North regions of Cameroon. However, Dr. Nfor noted that there is a Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention which is being implemented in these areas in order to reduce the rate of Malaria in those regions.
In a short question and answer session, Dr. Nfor Emmanuel explained that there are two parts in combating Malaria: Prevention which includes use of mosquito nets, keeping the environment clean and clearing of bushy areas, emphasising the popular saying that “Prevention is better than cure”. The second aspect is Treatment which involves check-ups, and the completion of taking Medicines to prevent malaria from persisting. He concluded by saying the whole of Cameroon’s population is at risk of contracting malaria and there is a need to INTENSIFY PREVENTION.
The 5th grade pupils of EDUCARE Nursery and Primary School, Bamenda presented a play titled, “Madame Mosquito” which involved messages children should know and share about Malaria and Prevention. Some of the messages include: Malaria can be tested and treated with Medicines, Anti-malaria pills can be used to reduce malaria and Anaemia, You can prevent malaria by sleeping under a good mosquito net, Malaria kills mostly pregnant women and young children, Signs of malaria are high fever, headache and muscles and stomach ache, Malaria can cause anaemia making us to be weak, and Malaria is a disease spread by the bite of a mosquito.
The DDAF, Mr. Warri Denis urged the colleagues in attendance to re-enact the wonderful display of the pupils. He once more congratulated the 5th grade pupils for their expertise in malaria and pledged that “As we go we will implement what you have taught us and as you go you should continue to tell other people about Malaria prevention”. He expressed support to the pupils for this great work and best wishes on their third term exams.