Quality Care to all

Editorial: The Relevance of CBCHS’ Mission and Vision

The Good Book says, “Where there is no vision, the people perish" - Proverbs 29:18. The importance of mission and vision for the health of any Organization cannot be over-emphasized! More

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).

Quality care to all!

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.

Quality care to all!

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!!!
Newly Elected CBC Leaders inducted, installed with Resounding Calls for Reconciliation

The Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) turned a new page in her 70 years history on Saturday, January 11, 2024 in Nkwen Baptist Church in Bamenda More

following the induction and installation of newly elected leaders of the Church. Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema, 45, took over the baton from Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne as the fifteenth CBC chief executive, the second Executive President (EP) and the second indigene from the Southwest region to be elected to the pinnacle of the CBC since 1954.

The Executive President was inducted and installed alongside Mr. Kongor John Kwa, 62, as CBC Chairman and Mrs. Sofa Caroline nee Monteh, 49, as Vice Chairperson. Coming largely from the French background, Mrs. Sofa Caroline comes to the helm with a peculiarity of representing the minority French Christian population in the CBC leadership for the first time.

CBC EP & wife

The context in which this new team was coming into office was equally peculiar with dissenting voices and cases in court against the outgoing leadership over constitutional distortions. With a new team coming in with its uniqueness and peculiarity, it is seemingly clear that a new day has dawn on the CBC.

Outgone CBC Executive President, Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne took the first step towards peace and reconciliation when he backed out to seek re-election for a second mandate during the elective General Session of the Convention that held on November 23, 2024 in twelve centers throughout the country in keeping with the decentralized system as outlined in the 2023 CBC Constitution which was validated by way of a referendum during the same Session. “Peace be with You” from John 14:27 is, therefore, the theme of the CBC for 2025 to pursue the peace process to the end.

Newly inducted CBC leaders (L-R) Chair, Executive President & Vice Chair

From this premise, all the officials that mounted the pulpit at the induction of the new CBC leaders called for peace and reconciliation to preoccupy their mandate. Speaking on behalf of CBC Directors and leaders, Rev. Dr. Paul Mokake Wose, Director of Evangelism and Missions used the analogy of a plane in trouble skies to describe the situation of the CBC at the moment. On behalf of his colleagues, Rev. Dr. Mokake pledged their allegiance to the in-coming Executive President and his team in their pursuit to reconcile the CBC. The representative of the Fon of Nkwen received thunderous applause when his speech was not beyond a prayer of thanks for the CBC.

Government Officials

Bamenda City Mayor, Paul Achobong praised the CBC as a major development agent in his municipality, but lamented the crushing effects of the ongoing crisis on churches in Bamenda including the CBC. The SDO for Mezam, representative of Northwest Governor joined the in-coming CBC Executive President to call on CBC Christians who took to the courts to withdraw the cases and seek reconciliation. According to the senior civil administrator, the CBC is well structured to handle her affairs more than the courts.

Rev. Peter Nyumnloh declaring the whole counsel of God

Rev. Dr. Donalld Ndichafah reading Scriptures

Two former CBC General Secretaries expertly handled the homily. Rev. Dr. Donald Ndichafah read the Scriptures from Nehemiah chapter one while Rev. Peter Nyumnloh used the leadership style of Nehemiah to admonish the in-coming CBC leaders to emulate his example. In a moving sermon, Rev. Peter Nyumnloh outlined four qualities that enabled Nehemiah to manage the crisis facing Israel at the time. Nehemiah had a divine mandate, he was a good listener, an organizer, and a courageous leader – qualities Rev. Nyumnloh said Rev. Dr. Teke John must possess if he must reconcile all shades of opinion in the CBC.

Cross section of clergy

The Icing on the Cake

The in-coming CBC leaders have no intention to fragment the CBC the more. In his maiden address, the Executive President, Rev. Dr. Teke John Ekema thanked the church for the confidence entrusted in him and his team at this time in the history of the CBC. Being the second South Westerner to lead the CBC, he paid tribute to his humble beginnings in his home church in Bokwago in Buea and Mispa Baptist Church in Limbe where he served for 20 years prior to his election to the helm.

In a spirit of humility and recognition, Rev. Teke thanked the outgoing Executive President, Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne and his team for a job well in restructuring the CBC in almost all dimensions. Pegging his vision on “Peace and Development,” the in-coming CBC Executive President pledged to consolidate the gains of his predecessor and pursue the course of peace and reconciliation in bringing more development to the CBC. He equally pledged to collaborate with the government to bring solace to Cameroonians especially in the domains of health, education and evangelism.

Government Officials congratulating newly installed CBC leaders

Congratulations from spouses

The high point of the in-coming Executive President’s speech was highly anticipated when he called on all those who dragged the CBC to court to withdraw those cases and come back to the house.

“2025 is a year of Jubilee. The Year of Jubilee in Biblical sense is a year of freedom from slavery and cancellation of debts... It is the year of forgiveness and reconciliation; it is the year of total restoration. I appeal, again, I appeal to our brothers who took the CBC and her leaders to court to, please, withdraw all the court cases and let us come back home together as a family”. Rev. Dr. Teke John believes that this Year of Jubilee will heal all our pains, reason why the vision for his 5-year mandate is, “Peace and Wholistic Development”.

As the curtains closed on the induction and installation of new CBC leaders, the floodgate has been opened to reconcile the church back to the rail of winning the lost world back to Christ as a united body!

A full church

New CBC leaders being grilled & spouses by outgoing EP, Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne

Collaborators paying allegiance to the new Executive President

Collaborators paying allegiance to the new Executive President

Prayer of Dedication

Collaborators paying allegiance to the new Executive President

Collaborators paying allegiance to the new Executive President

Collaborators paying allegiance to the new Executive President

Chief Taku Jacob & Rev. Dr. Donald Ndichafah conspiciously present

CBC Vice Chair also receiving her terms of reference

CBC Vice Chair & husband

CBC Chairman, John Kongor & wife

CBC Chairman receiving the terms of reference for his office

Bakweri Choir rendering renditions to grace the occasion

AABF Men’s Fellowship, Mr. Yuniwo Edision present
CBC Sends Forth Outgoing Executive President in Utter Celebration

Quitting the stage when the music is loudest in our context where power is a highly priced commodity leaves us with mixed feelings of anxiety, curiosity, confusion and even celebration. More

Yet, celebration overshadowed the atmosphere on Sunday, January 5, 2024 when CBC Christians, civil authority members, friends and relatives jammed full Etoug-Ebe Baptist Church in Yaounde to send-forth Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne, outgoing Executive President of the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC). He took everyone unawares when he declined to take a possible second mandate at the helm of the CBC Church in the lastly organized decentralized elections.

Rev. Dr. Nditemeh outlined two reasons why he and his family decided to step aside from seeking re-election. The first one was to give peace a chance for unity and reconciliation to happen in the CBC and the second was to match his public action of equity.

(L-R) Rev. Dr. Teke, Mr. Yosimbom & Rev. Dr. Nditemeh

“For 70 years since the autonomy of the CBC in 1954, only one leader from the South West region has led the CBC at the pinnacle. The history of the CBC militates for equity.... My humble decision – critical it was though – to shy away from standing for a second mandate was conceived to see a dream come true on the sands of time namely, giving the chance to a qualified servant of God from the South West region to lead the CBC after 40 years,” Rev. Dr. Nditemeh narrated amidst thunderous applause.

He called upon all CBC Christians to give full and unflinching support to the incoming CBC Executive President, Rev. Dr. Teke John. According to Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne, “The best of CBC Executive President is yet to come; not the ones in the past, less still the ones on board, and let alone the one that is leaving the stage”.

Rev. Njobara Nelson, preacher of the day

Rev. Njobara Nelson, pastor of Salvation CBC Church in Molyko, Buea had another opportunity to preach at Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne’s farewell just as he did during his induction service some four years ago. In a thrilling sermon on the topic, “You still have the choice” from Joshua 24:14-17, Rev. Njobara Nelson said Rev. Dr. Nditemeh had another chance to be elected for a second mandate as CBC Executive President but like Joshua, he made his choice carefully to decline for the sake of peace to return to the CBC. Like Joshua whose leadership had a lasting impact on Israel because he and his family chose to serve God at all cost, the prelate related that Rev. Dr. Nditemeh has chosen to opt for peace at a time when the destiny of the Convention is at crossroads.

Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolan & Fon Shumetang Kevin of Babalang came to witness their son, Rev. Dr. Nditemeh handing over leadership baton

With this unique example from the outgoing Executive President, Rev. Njobara called on CBC Christians who thronged the Etoug-Ebe Baptist Church for the send-forth ceremony to emulate Joshua and Rev. Dr. Nditemeh in making their choices carefully in favour of God, peace and justice and not for self. Like other speakers after him, such as HRM Senator Fon Chafah Isaac of Bangolan, the Man of God condemned the cases in court against the CBC as an affront to God.

The newly elected CBC leaders led by the in-coming Chairman and Executive President coordinated the parting rites with the outgoing team. The in-coming Executive President, Rev. Teke John led in the prayer session for God to open another ministry door to Rev. Dr. Nditemeh Charlemagne.

The church praying for the outgoing CBC Executive President 2

The church praying for the outgoing CBC Executive President 3

For the sake of history, Rev. Nditemeh Charlemagne has gone down as the 14th CBC leader and the second Executive President. His 4-year mandate was tagged on the mantra of Truth, Equity and Justice for which he faced much resistance in the implementation. However, despite the challenges, in his words, “The CBC has witnessed tremendous progress during this period. We have seen the school property in Bafoussam bought and transformed into two campuses (BABICAST and BABINAPS). For a truth, there has been more than this at exit!”

Cross section of the clergy

The parting was mutual!

The Nditemeh family listening to the message keenly

The church praying for the outgoing CBC Executive President
CBC Drivers challenged to promote Virtues of the Organization

Drivers of the CBC have been urged to promote those virtues upheld by the institution: honesty, cleanliness, respect, accountability and good management. More

These virtues, according the Director of Health Services (DHS), is as an integral part of all drivers working within the institution. Mr. Ngum Samuel was addressing the driving on December 20, 2024 during their conference, which held at the Conference Hall of the Director of Health Services aimed at providing vital information and updates on driving-related topics, networking with other drivers, and how their services could be more effective and efficient.

The DHS reminded the drivers to remain ambassadors of the institution and should serve with all diligence to portray the values of the CBC Health Services in everything they do. He thanked them for the excellent work they have been rendering and charged them to continue in like manner.

The Director of Health Services Mr Ngum Samuel appreciating drivers and calling on them to always live up to expectation

In an insightful presentation, the internal auditor of the CBC Health Services gave crucial details on keeping track, updating and following up with motor trip ticket (MTT) rates and values, keeping records and usage of the driver’s log book.

The Public Relations officer for the CBCHS, Mr. Wango Barnabas centred his presentation on some questions for refection to the drivers which was geared towards getting feedback on driver’s experiences, challenges as well as recount successes. He also cautioned the drivers on how to deal with conflict without anger, handling pressure, urging the older drivers to encourage the younger ones.

A cross section of some of the facilitators

The programme continued with a talk from Mr. Walter Grob (Director of Cooperate Missions) who outlined some key principles the drivers have to adhere to, rules of car usage and importance of renewing their driving licences. The drivers were also drilled on important aspects of safety and security by Mr. Tufoin George (Security Supervisor) such as: ensuring passenger safety, handling road blockage, what to do at a checkpoint, passenger ID card checks and handling police confrontation just to name a few.

The conference also featured a segment on sex and alcohol by Mr. Kwalar Rene which he stressed the risks of alcoholic intoxication, (STIs) sexually transmitted infections, adultery, unmarried sex, and the spiritual repercussions of these behaviours. Additionally, he underlined how these might impact their driving performance. These include: poor decision-making and reaction time when driving, hazy vision and hearing, emotional and psychological consequences, financial/legal consequences.

Sessions were interactive

Chaplain Shey Felix also discussed several important topics related to anger management, including how to identify or accept anger, how to deal with it in a healthy and productive way, and how to express anger in a calm yet straightforward approach.

The programme closed with a breakout session between the drivers to brainstorm on how to make work life better and suggestions in improving as well as continuous provision of quality services through the CBC Health Services. The conference brought together close to 60 of the over 70 drivers of the CBC Health Services.
Management Committee applauds LAP Administration for Resilience

The Management Committee of the Life Abundant Primary Healthcare program (LAP) has congratulated the program staff for working hard in upholding the flagship program of the CBC Health Services in spite of the momentary challenges. More

The LAP administration received the accolades on December 19 during the 2024 LAP Committee meeting that held at the Director of Health Services (DHS) Conference Hall in Bamenda.

In his opening remarks to begin the meeting, the outgoing LAP Committee chairman, Mr. Kangong Joce called for fruitful deliberations in the interest of the beneficiaries who are the underserved communities in the hinterlands. The chairman used the occasion to welcome new Committee members among whom was Mr. Walter Grob, Director of Cooperating Missions.

(L-R) The DHS, LAP chairman & LAP Administrator

The Director of Cooperating Missions brought updates on his recent furlough to the USA and Canada during which he visited some Missionaries who sent their greetings. He noted the passing to glory this year of some Missionaries notably Rev. Dr. Oryn Meinerts, and Geoff Mitchell who once served as LAP System Administrator. The LAP Management Committee validated a memorial in his honour in the days ahead.

Chaplain Shey Felix says the love of God motivates LAP staff for community outreach

In his presentation of LAP activity report, the program administrator, Mr. Njenih George highlighted progress areas and challenges such as limited field supervisors and nurses to man all the primary health centers (PHCs) and the toll of the socio-political crisis rocking the two English speaking regions on LAP activities. The Finance report by the LAP Accountant, Mr. Tohntoh Joseph also portrayed dwindling funding to sustain program implementation.

LAP Committee in session

In his greetings, the Director of Health Services, (DHS), Mr. Ngum Samuel like other Committee members, hailed the expansion and upgrading of LAP activities. He said LAP is the life-wire and joker of the CBC Health Services because the program operationalizes our vision of “Quality Care to All’ and our mission of “…providing healthcare to al in order that they might be brought to Christ..”. LAP, the DHS recalled, focuses on primary healthcare which is in line with the concept of Universal Health Coverage, thus, “There is no Universal Health Coverage without primary healthcare,” the DHS remarked.

The high table

For the challenges, the DHS encouraged the LAP administration to think out of the box and transform the challenges into opportunities for further growth of the program.

Earlier in a devotional thought from the book of Romans, Chaplain Shey Felix exhorted Committee members on “The Immeasurable love of God”. According to the prelate, it is the love of God that motivates LAP program staff to access very difficult and remote communities to provide quality healthcare.

The meeting rose with the nomination of Mr. Nji Richard Nkeh, Senior Administrator of Banso Baptist Hospital as new chairman of the LAP Management Committee. The Committee also resolved to henceforth meet once a year in the month of October.
Empowering Community Mother and Child Care Assistants (CoMCA): Enhancing Neonatal Care through Knowledge Sharing

The Life Abundant Primary Healthcare program (LAP) of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, from December 16-18, 2024, hosted a ground-breaking 3-day neonatal care course and workshop, specifically designed for Community Mother and Child Care Assistants (CoMCA). More

Neonatal care is a crucial component of healthcare that calls for specific expertise and knowledge to ensure the best possible outcomes for new-borns. This pivotal programme aims to decrease the level of high mortality rate in Cameroon, impact knowledge, empower CoMCA, and ultimately enhance the quality of neonatal care in Cameroon. This programme under the Banner of Maternal and Child health Advocacy international in collaboration with Advanced Life Support Group is owned by a non-governmental organisation in the United Kingdom known as NICHE INTERNATIONAL which has been running in Cameroon since 2016.

According to statistics provided by the course coordinator, Nze Grace, about 4 million babies die daily most of which come from developing countries. Out of 1000 babies that are born 28 lose their lives in Cameroon. CoMCAs play a vital role in providing essential healthcare services to mothers and new-borns. As the first point of contact apart from medical professionals for many families, they are instrumental in promoting healthy practices, detecting potential complications, and providing lifesaving interventions.

Workshop in session

The course featured a comprehensive program, tailored to the unique needs and challenges of CoMCA. Key highlights include; A line-up of distinguished keynote speakers delivered informative presentations and explored critical topics like "Addressing Neonatal Infections such as sepsis, meningitis, conjunctivitis and Omphalitis, “Neonatal Jaundice”, “Recognising the ill baby”, “Optimising nutrition for premature babies”, “Neonatal Resuscitations” and “How to guide parents in providing hygienic environments for their babies”.

Madame Kenchi Hope, a leading expert in neonatal care, gave a thought-provoking presentation on convulsions in new born babies. Highlighting the importance of the general principles when handling issues in new-borns: (ABCD) meaning Airway, Breathing, Circulation and Don’t forget glucose.

The CoMCAs had the opportunity to interact with peers, exchange stories, and gain knowledge from one another in a cooperative and encouraging setting.

Konyi Gotran, facilitor and educational supervisor for LAP drilling participants

The Interactive workshops and skills stations provided CoMCAs with practical experience in essential neonatal care skills, including new-born assessment, umbilical cord care, and kangaroo mother care.

To improve the general standard of care given to preterm and term babies in Cameroon, best practices were shared, challenges addressed, and evidence-based treatments were encouraged, as the participants of this programme shared their utmost satisfaction with the course.

(L-R) Mrs. Kenchi Hope & Mrs. Nze Grace, MCH experts

LAP Administrator overseeing the training workshop

“I have a lot that I’ve gained from this refresher course. Some things that we were just taking easy but by going through this course, I have gained a lot of information” said CoMCA Gwendoline Musa.

Another participant, Anjeline Nkinye remarked, “This course will help me to go and take care of my baby. When I go to the field now and I practice what they taught me I can be seen as a real nurse although I am a CoMCA because of the experience we have here”.

From the successful CoMCA neonatal care course, it is hoped that neonatal care in the community will eventually improve the standard of care given to babies in Cameroon by investing in CoMCA's education and training.

I-finally-got-married-(1)

I finally got married despite my Status

I was diagnosed HIV positive at the age of 26. It was a terrible experience for me coupled with the fact that I was jobless. I informed some close friends who later on became a great source of motivation as they encouraged me to accept my status and do follow up for treatment. I also mounted courage to seek advice from my cousin who is a medical doctor. He responded to most of my worries and clarified my doubts before referring me to the Health District (HD) of Cite Verte where I was counseled again properly and placed on treatment.

I never took my treatment for granted. I always take my treatment with me wherever I go. Accepting my status was not a problem. Instead what kept me at the thinking-spot regularly was the fear of never getting married. Would a woman ever accept me with my status? Would I be able to have healthy and uninfected children? Would I live long enough to take care of my family? These rhetorical questions kept bothering me.

I later got a job and joined a Support Group of Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV). During one of my Support Group meetings in 2017, I confided my worries to the group members and they promised to assist me get a wife. It’s been 14 months today since I got married and I am enjoying the company of my companion to the fullest.

From all these experiences, we don’t have to be discouraged because we have a virus called HIV. Taking your treatment is the utmost thing to be done because since 2010, I haven’t been ill. Am strong and healthy so I believe with treatment, we can all stay healthy.

By Fri Delphine & Williet Akuchu

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