On World Health Day, the European Union reaffirms its steadfast commitment to health in humanitarian settings and fragile regions such as Cameroon's North-West. Here, an ongoing humanitarian crisis has severely disrupted access to social services, jeopardising the health of thousands of pregnant women and children. Through a project led by ALIMA (The Alliance for International Medical Action) and funded by the European Union, these vulnerable populations are receiving free, life-saving healthcare, restoring hope and dignity to conflict-affected communities.
Since 2017, armed conflict between separatist groups and government forces in Cameroon’s North-West and South-West regions has forced over 670,000 people to flee their homes, leaving 596,000 children in dire need of humanitarian assistance. These populations face harsh living conditions with limited access to essential healthcare, a situation further compounded by gender inequalities. As in most crisis situations, it is estimated that up to 70% of women and girls continue to be affected by sexual and gender-based violence and face difficult access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services.
As part of a humanitarian project funded by the EU, ALIMA is working to reduce maternal and infant morbidity and mortality by providing free healthcare to pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and young children in the Bamenda area, North-West region.
The initiative offers comprehensive care to both host and displaced populations, including medical consultations, nutrition, hygiene, psychological care, awareness campaigns, and rapid emergency response.
Over the past 3 years, ALIMA has been a significant partner in EU health interventions, receiving €53.6 million for general health programmes and an additional €7 million dedicated to sexual and reproductive health (SRH), highlighting the EU's consistent and substantial support.
Enabling Women to Give Birth Safely
“My pregnancy was complicated, but thanks to the doctors and the support from ALIMA, everything went well. After my operation, I thought I would have to pay, but everything was covered. It was such a relief! Since then, I have been coming back for my prenatal visits and encouraging other women to do the same,” says Promise, 6 months pregnant, who has been visiting the Akum Health Centre for years, emphasizing the importance of access to healthcare.
The European Union prioritizes sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as a vital humanitarian investment, demonstrating a strong return on investment. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), €1 invested in SRH is estimated to generate a return of €9 to €20.
“After losing my baby last year, this pregnancy gives me hope. The doctors’ advice reassures me greatly. I am going to give birth here and continue my postnatal consultations. Many women travel long distances to benefit from this care,” adds Violet, five months pregnant, who went to the Akum Health Centre for a prenatal consultation.
Teams Dedicated to Supporting the Population
Wasso A., 33, a supervisor at the ALIMA pharmacy in Bamenda, witnesses the direct impact of his team’s work: “I am from this region. In just a few months, I’ve seen how our presence makes a difference for the people. Members of the community often stop to thank us for being here for them.”
Behind the delivery of care are healthcare teams working tirelessly to ensure the continuity of services, despite the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict.
“Local communities are highly supportive, consistently facilitating our work. This was vividly demonstrated during the rainy season when our vehicle became trapped in mud. Within minutes, residents arrived and, through their collective effort and generosity, helped us to continue our work,” emphasizes John J. O., Project Coordinator at ALIMA’s Bamenda office.
A Project by and for the community
“I raise awareness in my community about available health services. Pregnant women and children under five are given priority, but I also answer questions from men and young people. Recently, my own sick son received treatment and was able to return to school,” explains Céline, 46, a community worker.
The commitment of local actors is clearly a crucial factor in the ALIMA project's success.
Medical supervisor, Flavine A. explains: “As a native of Mamfé, close to Bamenda, I'm deeply impacted by the regional crisis. Even amidst the insecurity, I knew I had to remain and dedicate myself to this project. This work requires unwavering passion, a driving force that sustains us.”
The EU is highly committed to delivering essential healthcare in crisis zones with an average of €330 million allocated annually. Specifically, the EU allocates approximately €37 million each year to support reproductive, maternal, and newborn health services, and enhancing medical responses to sexual and gender-based violence, addressing the urgent needs of the most vulnerable.
