Any new development at a Health Centre is always very welcome – but for the people of Nkwen, the construction of a purpose built ante natal and infant welfare hall has been a real life saver for many hundreds of women and babies in this corner of Bamenda.  The population of Nkwen has exploded since the start of the political crisis in 2016 because it is seen as a safe area at a time of huge unrest and violence.  Hundreds of families from the rural villages moved to Nkwen as Internally Displaced People (IDPs) and many of these women are victims of Gender Based Violence.  It has put enormous pressure on the health facilities of this quarter of Bamenda and the need for Maternity facilities has increased dramatically.

With the inclusion of a solar panel as part of this project, there is reliable light at the Health Centre and a fridge for storing vaccines and this has encouraged more women to use the facilities, rather than risk giving birth in very squalid conditions at home.  Children are, at last, getting their early years vaccinations and the general health of the population is improving.

The video below was taken at the handover ceremony and shown on Cameroon national TV.