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!!!
Breaking Barriers, Saving Lives: Dr. Hygin Steve Fonkou’s Triumph with the Judith Chapman Award 2024

Dr. Hygin Steve Fonkou, a trailblazing Transfusion Medicine specialist with the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Services, made waves on June 24 in Spain when he emerged winner of the prestigious Judith Chapman Award 2024 from the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) More

The distinguished medic from Baptist Hospital Mutengene proudly handed his recognition today, July 7, 2024 to the Director of CBC Health Services (DHS), Mr. Ngum Samuel. The excitement in the air was palpable as this esteemed award, launched in honour of the society's very first Executive Director, Judith Chapman, recognized Dr. Fonkou's exceptional leadership and adaptability in revolutionizing blood transfusion practices.

Judith Chapman herself handing over award to Dr Fonkou

In a moment of sheer pride and gratitude, Dr. Fonkou recounted the exhilarating experience of receiving the award in front of a global audience in Barcelona, Spain on June 24, 2024 at the opening ceremony of the 38th International Scientific Congress of ISBT. With over 3000 attendees from 115 countries, the magnitude of this achievement was not lost on him. "This award is a testament to the unwavering support and opportunities provided by the CBC Health Services, allowing us to elevate the quality of our transfusion services with limited resources, all by the grace of God," Dr. Fonkou beamed with pride.

Since joining the CBC Health Services in 2022, Dr. Fonkou has spearheaded numerous initiatives to enhance transfusion services within the organization. From training laboratory technicians in multiple hospitals to fostering voluntary blood donation rates and refining documentation and policies, his impact has been nothing short of transformative. Notably, he orchestrated the groundbreaking national training on blood transfusion in April 2024 at the CBC Health Services Mvan Resource Centre, Yaounde, marking a significant milestone in his career.

Prestigious Judith Chapman award

For Dr. Fonkou, this award serves as a powerful reminder that remarkable feats can be achieved within local contexts despite constraints. As the sole recipient of this esteemed accolade globally, he views it as a testament to the boundless potential of dedicated individuals working with limited resources.

The future undoubtedly holds great promise for Dr. Hygin Steve Fonkou as he continues to push the boundaries of excellence in transfusion medicine, leaving an indelible mark on the healthcare landscape. He received congratulations and encouragement from the DHS to do more exploits.
UNFPA Deputy Representative visits CBC Health Services: Strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health Partnerships in NW & SW Humanitarian Settings

The UNFPA Deputy Representative for Cameroon, Ms. Naomi Dalmonte, graced CBC Health Services with her presence on July 4, 2024. More

The distinguished UNFPA delegation was warmly welcomed at the Baptist Center Nkwen by Mr. Ngum Samuel, Director of CBC Health Services, accompanied by the program team, Deputy Directors Mr. Warri Denis and Dr. Manga Simon, along with other esteemed administrators.

The visit commenced with a private meeting in the Director's office, setting the stage for a day of insightful engagements. Following this, the delegation was led on an enlightening tour of the Nkwen Baptist Hospital's maternity wards by Mrs. Banlon Hope Kenchi, First Assistant Supervisor of Nursing Services (ASNS). This was followed by a brief but comprehensive presentation in the DHS Hall.

A presentation of UNPFA's contributions to CBCHS

Mr. Ngum Samuel, in his welcoming address, underscored the pivotal role of the partnership with UNFPA, stating, "We can meet the needs of people in hard-to-reach communities, thanks to our partnership with UNFPA". His words resonated deeply, highlighting the shared mission to enhance healthcare access and quality.

Mr. Njodzeven Divine, Program Coordinator for the CBC Health Services, provided an illuminating overview of CBC Health Services, accentuating the significant contributions supported by UNFPA. These include six maternity waiting homes, baby boxes benefiting 588 women, dignity kits for 113 women, over 38 mobile clinics, 14 obstetric fistula repairs, midwife recruitment, and the establishment of two GBV one-stop shops. His presentation painted a vivid picture of the transformative impact of these initiatives.

DHS, Mr. Ngum Samuel appreciating UNFPA

Ms. Naomi Dalmonte expressed her admiration for the dedication and excellence of CBC Health Services, stating, "We are very grateful for your support." She addressed concerns regarding the limited funding for sexual and reproductive health in the Northwest and Southwest regions in 2020, clarifying that “It was not a reflection of CBC Health Services' performance, which has consistently been exemplary”. She shared the good news of recently secured flexible Canadian funding that extends support to these regions and the optimistic outlook for future funding as UNFPA continues its efforts.

In his closing remarks, Mr. Warri Denis, Deputy Director of CBC Health Service in-charge of Finance and Administration conveyed profound gratitude for the Canadian funding and UNFPA's steadfast collaboration. He assured the delegation of CBC Health Services' unwavering commitment to the judicious use and accountable reporting of funds. Mr. Warri Denis highlighted the potential for expanded support through ongoing funding efforts and extended warm wishes to Ms. Dalmonte for a pleasant stay in Bamenda and a safe journey back to Yaoundé.

The visit not only reinforced the strong partnership between UNFPA and CBC Health Services but also celebrated the remarkable achievements borne out of this collaboration. The day was a testament to the power of cooperative efforts in advancing healthcare for all.
Celebrating Service Providers in Pediatric HIV/AIDS Care

Dr. Sandrine Ngeh, Major Vera Veyee, Tita Passy, and Ngum Claudette of the Regional Hospital Bamenda’s Treatment Center, are partners of the CBC Health Services’ Children Momentum Project. More

They are some of the valiant service providers who fight day and night to ensure children living with HIV live long and fruitful lives. They and their colleagues ensure that every child brought in has the necessary care and treatment required, saving lives through follow-up and providing consistent and intentional psychosocial support to them and their caregivers. They also organize separate support groups for these children and their parents. These support groups have different sessions for children living with HIV of different age groups and the Parent Forum, for parents and caregivers of these children.

Organised as teaching and interactive forums, the participants find mutual support, assistance, and solutions to most of their problems. The discussions usually vary and range from adherence to medication, to psychosocial support, and sexual and reproductive health etc. The essence is for the children living with HIV and their caregivers to find solace and obtain the right information and perspectives.

In one of such sessions recently, the discussions were centered on Sexual and Reproductive Health and the HPV vaccine which prevents cervical cancer. These vaccines free for children 9 to 14 years can be given to every child whether living with HIV or not. The caregivers were encouraged to get their children vaccinated and to engage discussions about sexuality and reproductive health early before they are filled with wrong information from external influencers.

One mother, at the end of the session testified to the importance of these support groups, and the impact they have on the general mental health of her family. These support groups are also possible, thanks to support and financial assistance from the Children Momentum Project with funding from ViiV Healthcare.

These service providers at the Bamenda Regional Hospital represent the many others in different national and CBC healthcare facilities, who work closely with the CBC Health Services’ Children Momentum Project, to actively engage in pediatric HIV care and treatment in the Northwest region.
Planning Monitoring Evaluation and Learning, PMEL, Zonal Coordinators Convene to Evaluate 1st year’s Activities

The Planning Monitoring Evaluation and Learning, PMEL, Program zonal coordinators from the entire country convened at the Nkwen Baptist Center to harmonize their work and provide further direction and assistance for the way forward. More

The 2-day workshop that took place from June 26-27, 2024 was very pivotal to identifying their learnings and challenges while working on innovative strategies.

PMEL coordinators, pay close attention to data, analyzing and providing orientation for informed decision-making in facilities. They work alongside data clerks and all facility heads to curate and analyze data from activities. This coordination workshop which doubled as a capacity building forum was an opportunity for the participants to conduct effective quality assurance with data from the institutions in their zones of coverage, and carry out effective and insightful controls.

Director of Health Services, Mr Ngum Samuel giving opening remarks

Navigating the results of analysis of their first year in service as zonal coordinators, they discussed their challenges and learnings, pointing out the importance of their roles to inform decision making at the level of the facilities. After an insightful session on their field experience, their data was controlled, their work harmonized and further direction and assistance was provided to them.

To Mr Achataseh Godwill, Program Manager of the PMEL Program, “They are effective and resourceful tools to achieving the PMEL strategy and objectives. They are practically Business officials in their zones, intentionally looking at the health of our business, the Health Services, asking critical questions like what can be done to improve on the entire package. To this, Action plans will be implemented to enhance the quality of PMEL officials in the sites, and quality of services as they cut across all services, and have up-to-date data”.

PMEL Program Manager, Mr Achataseh Godwill drilling participants

The Director of Health Services, Mr. Ngum Samuel encouraged the participants to be meticulous in gathering information for decision-making, showing that they are pivotal staff at the facility level. He further motivated them to handle their job with confidence, commitment, and excitement, emphasizing the importance of confidentiality. “Guiding leaders to take decisions make you a leader and you must proof that you are one in how effectively you dispense your duties, so, ensure that your work is impactful” the DHS admonished.

These zonal coordinators cover all regions in which is found the CBC Health Services, collaborating closely with the administrators of hospitals, and chiefs of center, clinics and Primary Health Centers. They also provide direct response and orientation from the central office to the facilities.
Reducing Burden on Gender Based Violence, Non-communicable Diseases in Remote Zones

The Life Abundant Primary, LAP, Healthcare program of the CBC Health Services is committed to building the capacity of those delivering primary healthcare in the communities. More

LAP nurses and field supervisors came together at the Nkwen Baptist Center from June 26-28, 2024, to improve access to essential healthcare in underserved rural communities. In this capacity building session, the LAP program chose to focus on Gender-Based Violence, GBV, and Non-Communicable Diseases, NCDs.

As nurses in communities with little to no access to advanced medical skills and technologies, they often face challenges of access to timely innovations which can booster their work. With this in mind, the CBC Health Services is committed to regularly build their capacity so they are informed of changes and improvements in their vocation. This has proven to increase patient recovery and turn over in these underserved communities, thereby saving more lives.

With the developing change in lifestyles, and many more moving from naturally processed meals to foods filled with Trans Fatty Acids, there are more recorded cases of NCDs like diabetes, hypertension and cancer, taking a toll on the communities.

The nurses and LAP supervisors were drilled on how to quickly identify cases prone to such diseases using parameters such as Body Mass Index, Hogh Blood Pressure, Weight etc. They also received exposes on how to identify NCDs, in those already attacked, with an overview of behaviour change communication, lifestyle modification and counselling.

GBV cases, according to Mme Nsono Josephine, Gender and Child Protection Supervisor of the CBC Health Services, has always been a reality in these underserved communities but not prominent because they are not sufficiently reported. She hopes that with the training received by the participants, they can quickly sensitize their communities on the subject, identify and correctly report such cases. In her presentations, the participants were given knowledge on humanitarian principles, Case management in GBV, providing psychosocial support to GBV survivors, and working with survivors with disabilities.

Tata Patience, a nurse in Mbappi Primary Health Clinic in the West region was very excited about the prospects of improving her service to the community. “The sessions were so good and informative. My knowledge on the prevention and management of NCDs and GBV has been refreshed and I am glad to have participated in this workshop,” she blurted out.

At the close of the workshop, the LAP Program Administrator for the CBC Health Services, Mr Njini George encouraged the participants to be diligent in their work, and keen to detect GBV and NCD cases in order to reduce their burden on the communities.

By Amos Wirngo in BBH

Ndu Field Women handing an envelope of support to theSenior Administrator BBH

April 25, 2024

Ndu Field Women Show Love to Pupils of ISBC Kumbo, Wound Care Ward Patients in BBH

The visit took place Thursday, April 18, 2024 at the campus of the Inclusive School and Braille Centre (ISBC) and later at the wound Care Ward of Banso Baptist

BBH well deserved retirees looks forward to a new life with optimism

December 22, 2021

BBH Retires Eight, Fetes Christmas

By Amos Wirngo in BBH

The 2021 Christmas season has brought good tidings to Banso Baptist Hospital (BBH). This was in a two-phase event on December 18. The occasion included a historic retirement of 8 staff and the Christmas celebration among staff,