Société des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Cameroun :  Pr. Emile Mboudou reconduit à la tête de l’Exécutif

Société des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Cameroun : Pr. Emile Mboudou reconduit à la tête de l’Exécutif

La SOGOC a élit un nouveau bureau exécutif, tandis que le Pr Emile Mboudou est reconduit pour un nouveau mandat. Au cours de l’Assemblée Générale de la Société des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Cameroun (SOGOC), tenue en marge de son 33ᵉ Congrès, a élu une nouvelle équipe dirigeante chargée de conduire les activités de la société au cours du prochain mandat. Le Pr Emile Mboudou a été réélu président national. Une reconduction qui témoigne de la confiance que les membres placent en son leadership. Il sera secondé par le Pr Kemfang Jean Dupont au poste de Vice-Président, et le Dr Ngo Batta en qualité de Secrétaire Général. La continuité marque également plusieurs autres postes du bureau. Le Dr Anny Ngassam conserve ses fonctions de Secrétaire Générale adjointe, tandis que le Pr Charlotte Tchuente reste trésorière. Le Dr Mbi Fidelia rejoint l’équipe en tant que nouvelle trésorière adjointe. Deux conseillers complètent le bureau exécutif : le Dr Jacques Tsingaing, en qualité de conseiller n° 1, et le Pr Foumane Pascal en qualité de conseiller n° 2. Les élections se sont déroulées le 15 octobre 2026, deuxième jour d’un congrès organisé sous le thème : « Défis actuels en gynécologie et en obstétrique ». Cette rencontre de trois jours a réuni plus e 350 participants que sont ; les gynécologues-obstétriciens, des chercheurs et des experts en santé publique venus du Cameroun et de plusieurs pays tels que ; Tunisie, du Congo, du Bénin, de la France et d'ailleurs. Et ceci pour échanger autour de thématiques telles que le dépistage des cancers, la santé maternelle, la santé des adolescents ainsi que la santé reproductive tout au long de la vie. Le nouveau bureau prend ses fonctions dans un contexte marqué par une production croissante de données scientifiques issues de la recherche locale menée par les membres de la société. Ces travaux portent notamment sur les complications maternelles graves, la sécurité des césariennes, la vaccination contre le papillomavirus humain (HPV) et le dépistage du cancer du col de l’utérus. La pérennisation et le développement de ces initiatives devraient figurer parmi les priorités de la nouvelle équipe dirigeante. Les membres et les partenaires ont salué les résultats de cette élection, soulignant l’équilibre entre l’expérience des responsables reconduits et l’arrivée de nouveaux visages. Le bureau aura désormais pour mission de mettre en œuvre les résolutions adoptées lors du congrès et de renforcer la collaboration avec les autorités sanitaires, les universités et les partenaires internationaux. A titre e rappel, le 33e Congrès de la SOGOC qui s’est tenu du 14 au 16 octobre 2026 à Douala, capitale économique du Cameroun a été axé sur plusieurs thématiques à savoir : les actualités et les controverses en gynécologie-obstétrique en 2026 Stratégies de dépistage, prévention et prise en charge du cancer du col en 2026 ; Spécificités de la santé de l'adolescent au Cameroun et Spécificités de l'assistance médicale à la procréation en Afrique. Les travaux exposés par les éminents professeurs étaient enrichis grâce aux différentes interventions. La leçon inaugurale a été faite par le Pr Neji Khaled de la Tunisie et a porté sur : « Gynécologie-obstétrique en Afrique : vers une médecine contextualisée ». Autre exposé suivi au cours du congrès était celui du Pr Xavier René Perrin du Bénin, avec pour thème : « De la vulnérabilité à la résilience : repenser les défis de la santé reproductive en Afrique ». Puis est venue une riche session scientifique, présidée par le Pr Neji Khaled et modérée par la Pr Charlotte Tchente avec des présentations d'experts sur : Les nouveautés dans la prévention et la prise en charge de l'hémorragie du postpartum ; Actualités sur la physiopathologie, le diagnostic et la prise en charge du SMOP Endométriose et infertilité féminine : qu'en savons-nous ? La prééclampsie : conséquence d'une maladie rénale méconnue ? Hystérectomie par vNOTES : quelles indications pour une diffusion raisonnée en Afrique ? Hystérectomie par cœlioscopie : « tips and tricks » Par TimesNews2.info    

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 3 Years Later, the Wounds Remain Open: Israel Commemorates the Fallen Generation of October 7

3 Years Later, the Wounds Remain Open: Israel Commemorates the Fallen Generation of October 7

By Elise Kenimbeni For three years, the silence in the Re’im forest has carried the weight of an entire nation’s grief. On October 7, 2023, a celebration of life and electronic music was violently transformed into a site of unprecedented tragedy when Hamas militants killed 378 festival-goers at the Nova Music Festival, most of them young adults in their twenties and thirties. Today, as Israel marks three years of commemoration, the initial shock has given way to a deep sorrow that has reshaped a generation. Across the country, memorial services, art installations, and gatherings of survivors like Hadar Sharvit serve as solemn reminders that while three years have passed, the wounds of that morning remain open, and the ache for the young lives stolen too soon is as profound as ever. Hadar Sharvit Speaks for the Fallen In an interview conducted recently in June 2026, Hadar Sharvit narrated how she was trapped on the brink of death when the gunshots started. Like thousands of other young people present at the site of the massacre, Sharvit had traveled to the Re'im forest near the Gaza border to attend the Nova Music Festival. What was supposed to be a celebration of life quickly transformed into a battlefield when Hamas militants breached the border, ultimately killing 378 festival attendees and kidnapping dozens more. Recalling the exact moment the nightmare began, Sharvit shared: “At 6:29am, after we had been dancing for four or five hours, we were already so into it. We had waited so long for the sunrise. Because when the sun comes up, you can see all the beautiful faces, the smiles, and eyes that are full of soul. Something in the energy changes when the sun rises; everything becomes lighter, happier, and playful. But instead of a happy sunrise, we received the darkest sunrise I have ever had in my life. The music stopped. People came to the main stage on the DJ booth and just said, 'OK, we are having a rocket attack from Gaza. We need to lay on the ground because we have a gap of 10 to 15 seconds until the rocket arrives.'” As rockets streaked across the dawn sky and gunfire drew closer, Hadar and her friend Shalev fled for their lives. With nowhere left to run, they sought refuge under a citrus tree in a nearby orchard, where they crouched in absolute silence for five harrowing hours, listening to the explosions and the screams of those being hunted nearby. Hadar recalled that during these horrific hours, she spoke on the phone with her father, who desperately wanted to come and rescue her. Despite the immense psychological weight of the massacre, Hadar shared the depth of the trauma that stayed with her long after Israeli soldiers finally rescued her from the orchard: “I felt so much more protected over there under the trees, even though I was sitting without making a single movement for five hours. After escaping on foot for two, two and a half hours, I sat there for five hours without moving or talking. If I cried because I was scared to die, I had to cry without letting myself hear my own breathing. It’s insane. But I said to myself that I needed to do my best to stay alive. And if I do my best to stay alive and still die, then that is my day. God decided, and who am I to do something different? If this is my life story, if my mission here is completed, then that’s it. You know, I left enough of a legacy behind me. Maybe as a teacher, maybe as a daughter, or maybe just as a good person, I don't know.” The scale of the brutality shook her to her core, drawing a direct parallel to the darkest chapter in Jewish history. She described the sheer weight of the tragedy: “It felt like a second Holocaust. Seeing people hunted down just for who they are... it’s a trauma that changes you forever.” From Survivor to Global Advocate Today, 29-year-old Hadar Sharvit is a teacher and dancer who uses her experience of the Nova Music Festival on October 7, 2023, to raise awareness for peace. Even as she copes with the long-term reality of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Sharvit refuses to let the stories of that day be erased or distorted. She has stepped into a vital role as an international advocate, traveling across the globe to share her first-hand testimony and ensure the world acts as a witness. Her advocacy focuses heavily on addressing international silence regarding the specific crimes committed against women. Sharvit traveled to Milan to speak at an international conference on violence against women, actively addressing the sexual crimes perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th. Her presence serves as a direct message to global human rights organizations that have ignored or denied these atrocities. Her educational mission also extends to major global cultural hubs. She regularly partners with the immersive Nova Music Festival Exhibition, guiding visitors through the reconstructed festival grounds in cities like London and Berlin. Even when facing security challenges and protests—such as an event at a Berlin university that had to be relocated due to safety concerns—Sharvit has refused to be silenced. Ultimately, Sharvit views her survival not just as a miracle, but as a mandate to speak for those who no longer can. By balancing her responsibilities as a ninth-grade educator with her demanding global speaking tours, she models resilience for her students and the international community alike, proving that the ultimate defiance against terror is to keep living, teaching, and speaking the truth. For Sharvit, survival came with the miracle of her immediate friend group making it out alive. But for thousands of other families across Israel, October 7, 2023, marked the beginning of an endless, agonizing nightmare. The Nova festival massacre did not just claim 378 lives in a single morning; it systematically dismantled families. In the close-knit fabric of Israeli society, the

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 Unlocking Creative Economy: "Creatives4Peace" Youth Forum Opens in Yaoundé to Empower African Talents

Unlocking Creative Economy: "Creatives4Peace" Youth Forum Opens in Yaoundé to Empower African Talents

By Elise Kenimbeni Yaoundé, Cameroon’s national capital, is hosting the prestigious Creatives4Peace Youth Forum from September 29 to 30, 2026. Focused on culture, peace, and youth economic empowerment, this landmark event is convened by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Service Centre for Africa and the Sub-regional Hub for West and Central Africa (UNDP WACA), in partnership with Samsung's Generation17 Young Leaders initiative and the government of Cameroon. Youth at the Heart of Creative Industries The two-day, high-level gathering brings together about 50 key participants, including young trailblazers from film, music, fashion, design, digital arts, and the performing arts. They are joined by representatives of regional Ministries of Culture, Sports, and Youth, the African Union, Regional Economic Commissions, and civil society organizations. Winners of the Youth Online Innovation Challenge and Generation17 Young Leaders are also in attendance to share how storytelling can bridge community divides and drive sustainable development. The Yaoundé youth forum was jointly presided over by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, alongside Martin Hart-Hansen, UNDP Cameroon Deputy Resident Representative, and Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Director of the Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate at the African Union Commission. In his keynote address, UNDP Cameroon Deputy Resident Representative Martin Hart-Hansen indicated that culture and the creative industries are key assets in peacebuilding and development. He stated: “In parts of Cameroon, particularly in the northwest, southwest and far north, and in communities hosting refugees and displaced people, young people have lived through disruption, loss and uncertainty. Yet it is often the artist, the musician, the filmmaker and the storyteller who keeps dialogue alive and helps communities imagine a future beyond conflict. A song can travel where an official message cannot. A film can help us see the world through another person's eyes. A story can challenge prejudice without creating another confrontation. And art can remind divided communities that they still share memories, values and aspirations. This is why culture and the creative industries must not be treated as a soft afterthought to peace building and development. They are among our most powerful instruments for both. As I said in the lead up to this youth forum, culture and creativity are among the most powerful tools young Africans have to build bridges across communities, tell their own stories and create sustainable livelihoods.” He added: “Africa's creative industries are already shaping global culture. Yet too many young creators still work informally and without sufficient access to finance, to skills, intellectual property protection technology and markets. Talent is abundant. Opportunity is not yet equally available. Here in Cameroon, UNDP has seen what becomes possible when young people receive space, support and a serious challenge…”  Mr. Hart-Hansen explained that the Yaoundé forum serves as a dedicated platform to explore issues affecting young people and foster a solution-based exchange that will yield rich recommendations for African youth. “We will also explore how storytelling, artistic expression can strengthen social cohesion, help people listen across differences, challenge stereotypes, rebuild trust and create a stronger sense of belonging. Social cohesion does not mean that everyone must think or think in the same way. It means that our diversity becomes a source of connection and strength rather than division. We will consider how technology can expand the reach and income of creators while encouraging authentic, constructive and responsible narratives. We will ask how creative voices can counter exclusion, misinformation and polarization. And open safer spaces for dialogue, especially for young people. And we will seek recommendations that governments, regional institutions, development partners in the private sector and creators themselves can take forward across countries and communities. This cannot be a regional conversation about young people without young people from across the region,” Hart-Hansen concluded. Addressing Protection and Financing for Creators Among the featured guest speakers at the ceremony, the floor was given to Pempho Chabvuta, a passionate development professional leading youth engagement and policy reform at the African Union Commission, who joined the forum virtually. Mr. Chabvuta on behalf of Ms. Prudence Nonkululeko Ngwenya, Director of Women, Gender, and Youth Directorate at the African Union Commission highlighted some critical systemic issues that need to be examined during the Yaoundé forum. He stated: "This engagement note estimates that piracy captures between half and three quarters of revenue in the film industry, while only nineteen of the fifty-five African countries provide financial support to filmmakers. So perhaps one of the most important questions for these two days is: who protects the African creator? And another: who finances the African creator? Creatives often work through irregular and project-based income. Conventional finance may therefore classify them as high risk, even where their intellectual property and audience have considerable value. We need to think differently. That means exploring financial products suited to creative cash flows, including micro-grants, blended finance, revenue-based models, and approaches that recognize intellectual property as an economic asset. It also means confronting the opportunities and risks of the digital economy. Streaming, social media and e-commerce have given a young creator in Yaoundé, Lilongwe, Nairobi or Lagos access to audiences that previous generations could not have imagined." Unleashing Youth Potential for Lasting Peace While officially opening the session, the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, underscored the need to maximize youth potential across all development levels. “Our continent does indeed possess extraordinary creative potential, driven by a young generation that is inventive, bold and deeply attentive to the changes of their time. However, for this creativity to fully unleash its transformative potential, it must be structured, supported, valued and nurtured," Minister Foutsou stated. "This is precisely what makes this Forum so relevant. It urges us to look beyond the purely artistic dimension of creative expression and to embrace cultural and creative industries as genuine tools for dialogue that bring communities together and build lasting peace. Music, cinema, theatre, fashion, the visual arts, digital media, design, slam poetry and creative entrepreneurship can thus help turn differences into assets, frustrations into constructive forms of expression,

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 Journée Internationale de l'Avortement Sécurisé : La SOGOC Appelle les Législateurs à Adopter une Loi sur la Santé et les Droits Sexuels et Reproductifs

Journée Internationale de l'Avortement Sécurisé : La SOGOC Appelle les Législateurs à Adopter une Loi sur la Santé et les Droits Sexuels et Reproductifs

À l'occasion de la Journée internationale pour l'avortement sécurisé, la Société des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Cameroun (SOGOC) a lancé un plaidoyer solennel. À travers un communiqué officiel rendu public ce 28 septembre 2026, l'organisation médicale tire la sonnette d'alarme sur le drame invisible de milliers de femmes et de jeunes filles qui souffrent en silence à travers le pays, faute d'un accès adéquat aux soins de santé de la reproduction. Par ce communiqué, la SOGOC poursuit ses actions de sensibilisation afin de mettre en lumière les multiples décès évitables causés chaque année par les avortements clandestins. Un cadre légal existant mais méconnu Le point central du message de la SOGOC rappelle une réalité juridique souvent ignorée : la législation camerounaise intègre déjà une part de compassion et de protection. L'article 339 du Code pénal autorise explicitement l'interruption de grossesse lorsque celle-ci met la vie de la mère en grave danger, ou lorsqu'elle est la conséquence d'un viol. Pour les professionnels de la santé, toute femme se trouvant dans ces situations extrêmes devrait pouvoir franchir les portes d'une formation sanitaire et être accompagnée, avec dignité, selon les procédures prévues par la loi. Cependant, en dehors de ces deux exceptions strictes, l'avortement reste sévèrement réprimé. L'article 337 prévoit des peines allant de 15 jours à un an d'emprisonnement, assorties d'amendes, pour la femme qui pratique ou consent à son propre avortement, et d’un à cinq ans de prison pour l'auteur de l'acte. 25 % de la mortalité maternelle : Le lourd tribut de la clandestinité Les restrictions et le climat de peur qui entourent cette question ont un coût humain dramatique. Selon les données scientifiques du Pan African Medical Journal (2019), les avortements non sécurisés représentent à eux seuls 25 % des décès maternels au Cameroun. Derrière ce pourcentage froid se cachent des tragédies humaines quotidiennes : des mères, des filles et des sœurs qui perdent la vie à la suite d'hémorragies massives ou d'infections graves. Pour celles qui survivent à ces pratiques clandestines, le prix à payer reste extrêmement lourd, combinant l'infertilité, les traumatismes, la stigmatisation sociale et la peur constante des poursuites judiciaires. Le piège du vide juridique Bien que l'avortement sécurisé soit une composante essentielle des Droits à la Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive (DSSR), le Cameroun souffre toujours de l'absence d'un cadre légal global et dédié à cette question. Ce vide textuel installe les professionnels de santé dans l'incertitude et prive les femmes de parcours de soins clairs, y compris pour les urgences que la loi autorise pourtant déjà. Face à cette situation, la SOGOC appelle de ses vœux la promulgation d'une loi complète sur les Droits à la Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive. Elle invite les décideurs politiques à clarifier les procédures pour lever les barrières d'accès aux soins, et exhorte les soignants à administrer les services légaux avec empathie, professionnalisme et sans aucune discrimination, rappelant qu'aucune femme ne devrait mourir par manque de soins sûrs et légaux. A propos e la SOGOC La SOGOC est une organisation scientifique, apolitique et à but non lucratif qui rassemble l’élite de la gynécologie-obstétrique du pays. Elle fédère environ 300 membres actifs, comprenant des praticiens hospitaliers, des universitaires ainsi que des internes en cours de spécialisation, répartis sur l’ensemble des dix régions du territoire camerounais. Pour concrétiser sa vision — celle d’une Afrique où aucune femme ne meurt en donnant la vie et où les soins de reproduction sont accessibles à tous —, la SOGOC articule ses actions autour de trois axes majeurs :l’amélioration continue des soins; la recherche et l'élaboration des politiques et la sensibilisation communautaire. La SOGOC se distingue particulièrement sur la scène nationale et internationale — en partenariat avec la Fédération Internationale de Gynécologie et d'Obstétrique (FIGO) — par son audace sur des sujets de santé publique souvent considérés comme tabous. Par Elise Kenimbeni  

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 Tackling Childhood Cancer: Mori’sChild Foundation Mobilizes More Than 300 People, Campaigns Through Street Walk

Tackling Childhood Cancer: Mori’sChild Foundation Mobilizes More Than 300 People, Campaigns Through Street Walk

By Elise Kenimbeni The non-governmental organization, Mori’sChild Foundation, organized an awareness walk on childhood cancer in Yaoundé on Saturday, September 26, 2026. The event was part of activities marking Gold September, the international month dedicated to childhood cancer awareness. More than 300 people gathered at the Reunification Monument of Yaoundé as part of the commemorative activities marking this month-long international initiative. This year, activities marking the childhood cancer awareness month were placed under the theme: “Together, We Turn the World Gold.” Childhood Cancer: A Concern for All On Saturday, September 26, 2026, the non-governmental organization Mori’sChild Foundation, run by Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe, organized its traditional event dubbed the "Golden Street Walkers." The event brought together staff from the Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE), the Chantal Biya Foundation, the National Committee for Cancer Control (CNLCa), World Child Cancer, leaders of associations, media practitioners, and other partners such as KTOUR and Supermont.   To kick off the Golden Street Walkers’ event, the Reunification Monument—a historic site full of symbolism—played host to a ceremony and warm-up exercises. For close to 10 minutes, sensitization and advocacy messages were delivered by children, focusing on early diagnosis, treatment, and ending stigmatization. One major message highlighted throughout their addresses was the need to rise up for Cameroon and combat childhood cancer. As stated by the Mori’sChild Foundation: “In Africa, a child is the child of the community. Together we can overcome childhood cancer.” Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe, Founding President of the Mori’sChild Foundation, reiterated this message during an interview with media professionals. She said: “The month of September is an international month dedicated to the awareness of pediatric cancer. This march is part of our numerous activities. Why an awareness campaign at the community level? We thought it was imperative for us to get out of the hospital rooms and the hospital walls to meet the community. We chose to go to the Reunification Monument because in Africa, a child is the child of the community. By going to the Reunification Monument, which carries so much symbolism, it represents Cameroon standing up for its children affected by cancer. It's your child, it's my child, it's the neighbor's child. Therefore, it is necessary for each of us to know that childhood cancer concerns them. It has been five years since Mori’sChild started working in the field. In a practical way, this project was launched.” Drums were also played to pass on a significant message rooted in local customs and traditions, as indicated by the event organizers. "For generations across Africa, the drum has gathered communities and carried vital news. Now, we are giving this tradition a new purpose: breaking the silence on childhood cancer. By using the voices of healthy children to lift up their sick peers, we are teaching communities to spot the warning signs early. A single sign recognized in time leads to a doctor's visit—and has the power to save a child's life." they narrated. Advocating Through a Street Walk Held as part of "Gold September," the event was much more than an early morning fitness walk. It was a powerful, community-wide rally designed to break the silence surrounding pediatric cancer, fight therapeutic wandering, and amplify a message of survival: childhood cancer is curable when detected early. Galvanized by music and dance, participants of the Golden Street Walk followed an itinerary starting from the Reunification Monument, passing through the Poste Centrale and the Mfoundi market entrance, moving down to Elig-Essono, continuing through the Fouda neighborhood, and finally ending at Omnisport. The choice of locations along the route carried profound cultural and social meaning. Setting off from the Reunification Monument—a historic site symbolizing unity and the passing of strength across generations—the marchers embodied collective responsibility. They walked several kilometers through the heart of Yaoundé, physically demanding visibility for vulnerable young patients who are often fighting isolated battles behind hospital walls. Arriving at the esplanade of the Yaoundé Omnisport Stadium, the final destination pulsed with dynamic energy. The stadium, typically a venue for competitive sports, became an arena of collective victory against stigma. At the end of the event, Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe expressed her satisfaction, thanked all those who worked for its success, and added that the fight against childhood cancer in Cameroon continues. She indicated that: “The fight deserves to continue because we have a professional team by our side. Mori’sChild Foundation is not a doctor. Our NGO operates within reference hospital centers that take care of children affected by childhood cancer. Today, Mori’sChild Foundation has registered more than 400 children. For example, our 'Happy Class project, which focuses on educational continuity for children, has so far permitted 53 children to attend classes while following their treatment at the hospital. In five years of action, we believe the results are positive because we have seen children heal.” Early Diagnosis is Critical The diagnosis of childhood cancer relies heavily on early symptom recognition by parents and healthcare providers, followed by specialized medical testing. Speaking to Prof. Angèle Hermine Pondy, Head of the Hemato-Oncology Service at the Mother and Child Center of the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaoundé, she explained that while childhood cancer cannot be prevented, early signs can be diagnosed. “We cannot prevent childhood cancer. We have early warning signs that we have to see, diagnose rapidly, and treat because we can treat pediatric cancer. Pediatric cancer is not adult cancer. With adult cancer, there are signs and lifestyle factors we can prevent. In pediatric oncology, we are always looking to see if there is any change in any part of the body that might cause us to suspect cancer. Pediatric cancer is something that appears suddenly, which makes early diagnosis very important. This means if a parent suspects something—for instance, if we treat malaria but the child continues to have a fever or anemia—it is better to go to the right place where people are more sensitized to pediatric cancer signs, so we can get a diagnosis and treat the child.” Prof.

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 Back to School 2026-2027: Mori'sChild Foundation Restores Hope for Young Cancer Patients through the "Happy Class" Initiative

Back to School 2026-2027: Mori'sChild Foundation Restores Hope for Young Cancer Patients through the "Happy Class" Initiative

By Elise Kenimbeni On September 7, 2026, millions of students across Cameroon headed back to school. For children hospitalized with cancer, the return to the classroom looked different, but their right to education remained untouched. Inside the Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Unit of the Chantal Biya Foundation’s Mother and Child Center in Yaoundé, the NGO Mori'sChild Foundation officially launched its flagship program for the 2026/2027 academic year: the "Happy Class." Bringing Hope and Smiles to the Hospital Wards For this new school year, the founding president of the Mori'sChild Foundation and her partners brought joy directly to the hospital bedside. Young patients undergoing cancer treatment were equipped with brand-new school bags, textbooks, notebooks, and essential writing materials, ensuring they do not fall behind their peers. This year, the official launch of the “Happy Class” initiative was attended by parents, doctors, and nurses of the Chantal Biya Foundation, as well as media practitioners who actively took part in the ceremony, which aimed at handing over school kits to children affected by cancer. One of the various partners of Mori'sChild Foundation present at this event was Goodness for Humanity, a young humnaitarian association. The "Happy Class": Education Defying Illness The "Happy Class" is far more than a simple charity distribution. It is a structured, fully adapted educational program tailored to the complex realities of cancer treatment. Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe, founder and president of the NGO Mori'sChild, took the floor to recall the importance of this social initiative that seeks to restore joy and hope to children and young people affected by cancer. She explained this beautiful concept, which has been in place since 2024, where dedicated teachers deliver up to four hours of lessons daily, carefully scheduled around the children's fatigue levels and chemotherapy sessions. Alongside traditional academic subjects, the curriculum incorporates art therapy to provide emotional relief and a mental escape from the hospital environment. Pupils and students in the Happy Class prepare for and sit the exact same official national examinations as children in regular school systems. Speaking to media practitioners, Simon Cardin Neyeng, Coordinator of the ”Happy Class” project, said that in the three years since the program was launched, pupils affected by cancer have been enriched with new activities, mostly therapeutic arts, and they are very receptive during classes. Despite the numerous challenges they face, these brave children who have to follow their chemotherapy and classes remain very active. Heroic Achievements and a Vital Call to Action The track record of the foundation's young learners proves that illness cannot crush determination. Over the years, Happy Class students have successfully passed major exams, including the Probatoire, GCE O Level, and the Baccalauréat—with some even going on to pass competitive medical school entrance exams. These achievements are made possible by the resilience of young heroes like Maximilien, whose academic endurance has been celebrated by the organization. Tackling cancer, no child is left behind While speaking to the media, Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe once more seized the occasion to thank all the different partners who have been accompanying these children for several years now, especially those who have been supporting the Happy Class project at all levels. She said: “We focus our activities on awareness campaigns to encourage early diagnosis and promote more effective treatment in reference centers. The main ones are Mbingo Baptist Hospital in the North-West region and the Chantal Biya Foundation where we are today. We will continue with care for the sick, that is, direct support for chemotherapy or the distribution of medical equipment. We encourage the population to donate blood, bone marrow, or plasma. The goal is to allow children to continue their schooling. We also provide psychological care for children and parents, and the reinforcement of post-cancer follow-up to avoid sequelae and reduce incidence.” Ruth Grace Ngo Nyobe reiterated the fact that in Cameroon, childhood cancer remains a significant and rising public health challenge. Because of massive gaps in awareness, diagnostic tools, and financial resources, the disease is rarely caught in time. “We want every Cameroonian to know that even 100 francs can be useful to children affected by cancer. We want to show, and we have shown with our children since 2021, that we, as Cameroonians, each of us at our own small level, can be useful. Because in Cameroon and in Africa, a child does not belong to just one family or area. The child is the child of the community. Together we can defeat cancer. The Happy Class project has already educated 53 students since 2024.” she said. Statistics on childhood cancer in Cameroon Childhood cancer is a silent epidemic, with an estimated 1,500 children developing the disease annually, while less than 25% are ever diagnosed. Due to severe resource constraints, high costs, and delayed medical care, the survival rate for a child diagnosed with cancer in Cameroon plummets to a heartbreaking 10% to 20%, in stark contrast to the 80% survival rate seen in high-income nations. However, the battle is ongoing. Due to weakened immune systems, these children cannot return to public schools. This is why Mori'sChild Foundation maintains a permanent fundraising campaign. Donations do not only sustain the school program but also directly support families by funding critical medical supplies (such as syringes and gloves) and oncology treatments. Because, as the foundation beautifully reminds us: “Every child has the right to dream.”

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 Projet SAGCO : Pairs-éducateurs, Gatekeepers et Superviseurs des Travailleuses du Sexe à l’École de la Santé Globale

Projet SAGCO : Pairs-éducateurs, Gatekeepers et Superviseurs des Travailleuses du Sexe à l’École de la Santé Globale

Un atelier de recyclage à mi-parcours destiné aux pairs-éducateurs des travailleuses du sexe (PE TS), aux gatekeepers et aux superviseurs s’est tenu du 2 au 4 septembre 2026 à Mbankomo, dans la région du Centre. Axée sur les techniques de mobilisation et de sensibilisation communautaire en matière de santé globale, cette session a réuni un total de 38 acteurs de terrain. Organisé par l’ONG Horizons Femmes en collaboration avec Moto Action Cameroun, cet atelier a bénéficié de l’appui technique et financier de L’Initiative et d’Expertise France. Il s’inscrit en droite ligne du projet SAGCO, qui vise à accompagner les travailleuses du sexe (TS) dans l’amélioration de leur accès aux soins de santé au sein de quatre régions cibles : le Centre, le Littoral, l’Ouest et le Sud. Projet SAGCO : une initiative aux multiples enjeux En ouvrant officiellement les travaux, la Représentante du Délégué Régional de la Santé Publique pour le Centre a salué une initiative opportune. Selon elle, celle-ci vient renforcer qualitativement les multiples campagnes de sensibilisation et de pair-éducation menées par les acteurs de la santé communautaire. Elle a, par ailleurs, exhorté les participants et les experts présents à intensifier leur collaboration avec les institutions publiques et les autorités administratives afin de garantir la bonne marche de leurs interventions sur le terrain. Prenant la parole au nom de la Directrice Exécutive d’Horizons Femmes, la Directrice des Programmes, Madame Carole Toche, a rappelé que cet atelier s'aligne parfaitement avec la mission historique de l’ONG. Depuis plus de vingt ans, l'organisation se déploie pour promouvoir les droits, la santé et l’autonomisation des femmes ainsi que des populations les plus vulnérables. Mme Toche a également détaillé les contours de cette activité portée par le projet SAGCO (Santé Globale des Copines) :   « À travers le projet SAGCO [...], nous œuvrons à apporter une réponse adaptée aux besoins des travailleuses du sexe, notamment en matière de prévention du VIH, de prise en charge des IST, de santé sexuelle et reproductive, de santé mentale et de lutte contre les violences basées sur le genre. » La Directrice des Programmes a profité de cette tribune pour mettre en vitrine le rôle prépondérant et indispensable que jouent les pairs-éducateurs dans l’architecture de ce projet : « Chers Pairs Éducateurs, Vous occupez une place essentielle dans la mise en œuvre du projet SAGCO. Par votre proximité avec les communautés, vous êtes souvent les premiers relais d’information, de prévention, d’orientation et d’accompagnement. Votre expérience de terrain est donc précieuse. Je vous encourage à profiter pleinement de cet atelier [...] C’est aussi à travers ces échanges que nous pourrons progresser collectivement. » Les pairs-éducateurs, maillons forts de la sensibilisation Défini comme une personne spécifiquement formée pour mener des actions d'éducation et de prévention auprès de ses semblables, le pair-éducateur est placé au centre de cette initiative. Les assises de Mbankomo font suite à un premier atelier de renforcement de capacités organisé précédemment à Bafoussam, dans la région de l’Ouest. Lors de ses échanges avec les médias, Carole Toche a précisé que cette nouvelle session visait à outiller davantage les participants sur des aspects précis, notamment les techniques de transmission et de communication : « Pour mieux passer le message auprès de leurs pairs, ils ont besoin d'être renforcés, d'être recyclés, pour qu'on se rassure que le message qu'ils donnent dans la communauté auprès de leurs pairs est un bon message, et un message qui permet de réduire les risques, qui permet de réduire les violences au sein de cette communauté. » Au-delà de la sensibilisation court terme, la Directrice des Programmes a plaidé pour une institutionnalisation et une valorisation durable de ces agents d'utilité publique : « Nous souhaitons qu'au terme, peut-être après le projet [...] qu'avec le ministère de la Santé qui est un partenaire de choix de ce projet, on puisse mettre en lumière et valoriser notamment le travail des pairs-éducateurs. Pas seulement dans le cadre du projet SAGCO, mais dans l'ensemble des projets de santé. Parce qu'ils sont la pièce maîtresse dans l'ensemble des projets de santé au Cameroun. Pourquoi pas être reconnus même au niveau de la pyramide sanitaire à la base, comme des agents de santé communautaires polyvalents et qui sont retenus peut-être par le ministère de la Santé. Vous-même, vous connaissez l'actualité avec la rareté des financements. Quand ce sera fini, ces pairs-éducateurs, ils vont retourner à la case de départ. » Un atelier pratique et connecté aux réalités du terrain Le choix de cette formation repose sur des données empiriques et rigoureuses. Selon les organisateurs, les conclusions de la supervision nationale menée en août 2026 ont révélé un contraste saisissant : si l’évaluation théorique de 26 acteurs communautaires affichait une excellente maîtrise des connaissances sur le VIH, les IST et la santé globale (avec un score moyen écrit de 81,0 %), le taux de validation pratique, lui, culminait à 0,0 % (0/26). Les lacunes identifiées touchaient principalement la méthodologie d’animation des causeries éducatives (omission des objectifs à 80 %, absence d'évaluation des acquis), la non-utilisation des boîtes à images, le traitement superficiel des Violences Basées sur le Genre (VBG) et le délaissement du Guide Pédagogique (score moyen de 16,3 %). C'est pour corriger ces biais que l'atelier de Mbankomo s'est voulu pragmatique. Durant trois jours, sous la houlette d’experts en Santé Sexuelle et Reproductive (SSR), les participants ont enchaîné les simulations et les jeux de rôles. Une approche immersive saluée par Vanessa Nyeguela, paire-éducatrice venue d'Ebolowa (région du Sud), qui s’est réjouie d'une formation « 100 % pratique » lui ayant permis de s’approprier des concepts techniques jusqu'alors flous à sa connaissance. Même son de cloche pour l’un des gatekeepers présents. Connu sous le pseudonyme de « Rambo » et fort de 30 ans de métier, il a confié aux médias sa satisfaction de collaborer avec Horizons Femmes. Grâce aux modules dispensés, il affirme avoir transformé ses méthodes de travail, appris à désamorcer les tensions et à adopter une posture non violente sur le terrain, où il effectue désormais

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 Santé de Reproduction : Un Pavillon Mère et Enfant en Gestation à l'hôpital de District d'Obala

Santé de Reproduction : Un Pavillon Mère et Enfant en Gestation à l'hôpital de District d'Obala

La première pierre du futur pavillon mère et enfant de l'hôpital de district d'Obala a été posée le 26 août 2026 par le Pr Louis Richard NJOCK, Secrétaire Général du Ministère de la Santé Publique, représentant personnel du Ministre, Dr Manaouda Malachie à cet événement riche en sons et couleurs. 12 à 15 mois, c'est le temps qu'il faudra pour que cet édifice moderne, d'une valeur de quatre milliards de FCFA, sorte de terre et soit mis en service pour le bien des familles d'Obala et des environs. Don du groupe Neptune Oïl, le pavillon dont la construction a démarré ce jour répond aux besoins des populations en matière de santé maternelle, néonatale et familiale. En effet, le but poursuivi par cette initiative privée destinée à renforcer l'offre publique de santé est de réduire la mortalité maternelle et pédiatrique d'une part, et d'offrir aux femmes des communautés l'accès aux soins de qualité. Concrètement, l’ambition est d'accroître les capacités de détection précoce et de prise en charge des complications obstétricales majeures ainsi que des cancers gynécologiques par cette formation sanitaire de 4e catégorie. Le désir d'optimiser la réanimation néonatale et le diagnostic biologique des infections des nouveaux nés transparaît également dans ce projet. En saluant la concrétisation de cette généreuse initiative, le Pr Louis Richard NJOCK qui s'exprimait au nom du Minsanté n'a pas manqué de rappeler qu'investir sur la santé de la mère et de l'enfant c'est investir dans l'avenir. Chaque pierre posée est une vie sauvée a-t-il souligné. L'émissaire du Ministre de la Santé Publique a surtout insisté sur l'intérêt de la collaboration entre le Gouvernement et le secteur privé dans le domaine de la santé qui, de plus en plus porte des fruits. Preuve qu'ensemble, l’État et les acteurs économiques peuvent apporter des réponses concrètes et durables aux besoins des populations. En attendant l'érection de ce que certains orateurs de cette cérémonie fortement courue ont qualifié de centre d'excellence pour la santé de la mère et de l'enfant, le PDG de Neptune Oil Antoine Ndzengue a saisi cette opportunité pour faire une donation en lits, en matelas, en tables de consultations, en tensiomètres et en stéthoscopes, pour ne citer que cela. Le Pavillon Mère-Enfant de l'hôpital de district d'Obala à venir, c'est 60 lits, 6 couveuses, 8 tables radiantes, 2 blocs opératoires, 2 unités d'accouchement de quatre tables, 1 pharmacie et des urgences. Il sera également équipé d'un scanner, d'un laboratoire et d'autres appareils d'imagerie.   Cellule communication MINSANTE  

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 Back-to-School 2026: SEKTEURA Hands Over School Kits and Financial Aid to Over One Hundred Underprivileged Students in Yaoundé   

Back-to-School 2026: SEKTEURA Hands Over School Kits and Financial Aid to Over One Hundred Underprivileged Students in Yaoundé  

By Elise Kenimbeni With the 2026/2027 academic year just around the corner, international humanitarian association SEKTEURA has once again extended a critical lifeline to vulnerable families in Yaoundé. On Sunday, August 30, 2026, the playground of the “Essos Marché” nursery school in the Yaoundé 5 district hosted the 10th annual edition of the “Realengo Prize.” Following long-standing tradition, the event focused on distributing essential didactic materials and direct financial grants to more than one hundred underprivileged but highly meritorious primary pupils, secondary school students, and university scholars. A Strategic Shield Against Rising Back-to-School Costs For many households in Yaoundé, preparing for the school resumption amid current economic pressures has become an uphill battle. SEKTEURA’s annual intervention directly addresses this challenge by tackling the high cost of education at the grassroots level. During the ceremony, selected beneficiaries were equipped with comprehensive educational packages. These kits included high-quality notebooks, textbooks, writing materials, and school bags, alongside direct financial grants for pupils and students entering examination classes. By providing these essential tools, the association ensures that less privileged children can start their classes on day one with the same dignity and readiness as their peers. Direct Cash Grants to Secure Academic Tuition Over the past ten years, SEKTEURA has supported needy families through the "Realengo Prize" awards, an initiative widely praised for its dual approach to community support. Beyond physical school supplies, SEKTEURA hands over direct financial envelopes to the laureates and their guardians. These cash grants are aimed at subsidizing tuition fees, registration costs, and university expenses. For many parents gathered at this annual event, the financial relief instantly lifted a massive burden from their shoulders as the end-of-August deadlines loomed. Mrs. Lisson (born Ngo Bikoi Debora) is the mother of two former beneficiaries who have achieved excellent grades over the past few years and received awards. She praised the initiative, noting that it has brought immense relief to her and her husband. Mrs. Lisson attended the ceremony and was awarded a special prize for her active engagement in all activities undertaken by SEKTEURA. "This initiative put in place by SEKTEURA has been an absolute lifeline for my family, especially with the current cost of living," she stated. "I didn't know how my children would step into the classroom tomorrow. SEKTEURA has restored our peace of mind," shared another mother of three beneficiaries during an emotional testimonial. Rewarding Excellence and Building Cameroon’s Future Speaking to community members at the venue, SEKTEURA’s leadership emphasized that the initiative is not just an act of charity, but a deliberate investment in Cameroon’s youth. The selection process rigorously evaluates both socioeconomic vulnerability and academic excellence from the previous school term, fostering a culture of hard work among local youth. Pascal Modo, the program coordinator, noted that SEKTEURA currently has 300 children registered in its programs, with the most meritorious receiving awards each year based on their grades. According to Mr. Modo, the 2026 Realengo Prize witnessed a significant increase in the number of beneficiaries. Pupils in Class One of the Anglophone subsystem and "SIL" of the Francophone subsystem of education were added to the beneficiary list for the first time this year. He added that despite ongoing financial challenges, the association continues to undertake numerous activities across the health, education, and empowerment sectors. During the three-month holiday period, SEKTEURA children were trained in income-generating activities and schooled on key protective health topics, including HIV/AIDS prevention, the prevention of early pregnancies and child marriages, and drug abuse avoidance. Speaking on behalf of Mr. Fanguem Leopold, the founder and president of SEKTEURA, the program coordinator added that they are actively seeking new partnerships and incentives to help extend this annual initiative to other neighborhoods within the Yaoundé 5 district. Realengo Prize: A Dream Turning into Reality The Realengo Prize award, launched in August 2016, clocked its 10th anniversary this year. What began as a simple dream keeps making strides thanks to the devotion and engagement of Mr. Fanguem, supported by partners and well-wishers. Through this initiative, SEKTEURA not only brings joy to the faces of registered children but also compensates the trainers and teachers who volunteer their time and energy to support the children daily. Diane Liliane Leumeni Napi is one of the teachers who volunteers her time to train children in the Realengo program. She, alongside her peers, remains fully committed to helping this humanitarian initiative thrive despite numerous operational challenges. By successfully concluding this 2026 edition, SEKTEURA cements its position as a pillar of social development in Yaoundé, demonstrating that community-led solidarity remains one of the most effective tools for educational empowerment.

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 Cameroon Prepares 6th & 7th Periodic Reports on Gender-Based Violence

Cameroon Prepares 6th & 7th Periodic Reports on Gender-Based Violence

By Elise Kenimbeni Yaoundé, Cameroon – Government officials, human rights experts, and civil society organizations gathered in Yaoundé on August 26, 2026, to enrich Cameroon's sixth and seventh periodic reports on the implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, Pr. Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, and UNCHRD-CA Director Nouhoum Sangaré led discussions addressing progress, remaining challenges, and an alarming rate of femicide in the country. Speaking at the start of the workshop, the Regional Representative of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Director of the United Nations Centre for Human Rights and Democracy in Central Africa (UNCHRD-CA) stated that the meeting aimed to review and strengthen the draft national report before its submission to the CEDAW Committee. He noted that the document highlights achieved progress, remaining obstacles, and opportunities to advance the promotion and protection of the rights of women and girls in Cameroon. Mr. Nouhoum Sangaré stated: “The workshop bringing us together today is therefore of particular importance. It marks a decisive step in the process of drafting the National Report. It provides a valuable forum for dialogue, consultation, and the collective refinement of the document—ensuring that it accurately reflects national realities, the progress achieved (which deserves recognition), the obstacles encountered, and the envisaged course of action.” The UNCHRD-CA Director praised government officials for ensuring the crucial report was inclusive by bringing together all relevant stakeholders. This periodic report, to be presented in a few months in Geneva, Switzerland, will highlight Cameroon's successes toward its National Development Strategy 2020–2030, which explicitly aims to reduce gender gaps to boost the national economy. Taking the floor, Pr. Marie-Thérèse Abena Ondoa, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and the Family, decried the alarming rate of femicide in Cameroon. She castigated the recent rise in murders targeting women, emphasizing that the current situation requires collective concern and immediate action. Minister Abena Ondoa reassured the public that the government is actively working to implement laws and measures to halt the scourge. Speaking to media practitioners, she said: “There is a lot of groundwork being done on the protection of women's rights at the level of families and even children's rights, in the face of the various plagues that our society is experiencing at the moment. No one has remained indifferent. You have followed the speech of the Head of State, who has dedicated this new mandate to young people and women. You have followed the release of the First Lady on March 8, who condemned violence, especially femicide. She carried out an enterprise action. I will not mention all the actions that civil society is taking to condemn all these forms of discrimination and violence against women. And for several years, to fill the gap you mentioned, a bill is still being worked on—a bill on violence against women and children. This bill has dragged on, but it has dragged on for a good cause because we need to have a document in which everyone can identify themselves. Because the review of the Penal Code of 2016 made a lot of progress, but we estimated that a specific document was needed to sanction the violation of women's rights—that is, all the violence that women and children are suffering today…” The Minister added that the government has established a battery of measures to be released in the upcoming days to stop the increasing rates of rape, murder, and femicide observed nationwide. She continued: “With the phenomenon we are living—we have been going through in the past years, where women are murdered, mutilated, and it goes to social media, children are raped, children are murdered, and it is unbearable. This is why, for the past few years, a specific law to sanction violence against women and children has been drafted. And this law is sufficiently advanced because several sessions have taken place in the Prime Minister's office. And I think that the last time we met, we reached a consensus because there were some positions that we did not agree on. So, I'm thinking that the next step is the finalization of that consensual document that will be sent to the high authority of the state—which I mean the President of the Republic—and subsequently be sent to the parliament for adoption. We are hoping that that will take place soon because what we are living nowadays is unbearable. Can you imagine that what came to our knowledge is eight women murdered under very tragic circumstances within one single week… As Cameroon finalizes its sixth and seventh periodic reports, its upcoming presentation before the CEDAW Committee in Geneva carries profound significance. This process is not merely a diplomatic formality; it represents a critical mechanism for national accountability and international alignment. By submitting itself to this global scrutiny, Cameroon reaffirms its binding commitment to international human rights standards, transforming global treaties into concrete domestic protections. The pending bill on violence against women and children, alongside the strict implementation of the National Development Strategy 2020–2030, offers a historic opportunity to turn the tide against gender-based violence. Ultimately, translating these institutional reports into lived realities will be the true measure of success—ensuring that the legal frameworks discussed in Yaoundé effectively safeguard the lives, dignity, and futures of women and girls across the nation.

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