Ongoing socio-economic crises in Cameroon’s Northwest and Southwest regions have severely limited access to healthcare, especially in remote communities. Many patients struggle to reach facilities, and those who do often face shortages of essential equipment—worsening health outcomes, particularly for people living with non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

In response, the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services (CBCHS), with support from CBM, organized a two-day training (March 26–27, 2026) in Bamenda for community health workers from Donga Mantung and Menchum Divisions. The initiative, under the Inclusive Humanitarian Health and Protection Response project, aimed at strengthening NCD care in hard-to-reach areas through the “Know Your Numbers” (KYN) approach.

Led by the Project Coordinator, Mrs. Ful Morine and a team from the CBCHS NCD Department, the workshop addressed a critical gap in emergency healthcare. While attention often focuses on infectious diseases, patients with chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes are frequently overlooked—despite needing continuous care and medication.

Participants received practical training on monitoring vital signs, blood sugar, and other key indicators, alongside sessions on nutrition counseling and referrals. They were also equipped to handle sensitive community issues, including Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEAH) and gender-based violence, which remain prevalent in crisis settings.

Highlighting the urgency, NCD Program Manager, Mr. Takwe Bonifice noted that NCDs affect all age groups, with thousands of adolescents dying daily from related conditions. He emphasized the major risks, including stroke, heart disease, kidney failure, diabetes complications, and cancer.

At the close of the workshop, the Regional Delegate of Public Health, Dr. Ambe Lionel, commended CBCHS and CBM for their partnership in extending healthcare to underserved populations. He called for the expansion of such training across the region. Health facilities also received essential screening equipment and medications to improve service delivery. With new skills, tools, and motivation, participants are returning to their communities ready to identify, support, and treat individuals living with NCDs. Their mission is clear: restore continuity of care and raise awareness in places where healthcare access remains a daily challenge. As one participant put it, “There are some truths that if we ignore, a whole generation will suffer.”