Auteur/autrice : TimesNews2

C’était à l’occasion d’une soirée artistique marquant la célébration de la journée internationale de l’avortement sûr qui se tient chaque 28 septembre de l’année. Comme il est de tradition depuis cinq ans, la Société des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Cameroun (SOGOC) a organisé une série d’activités dans le cadre de la journée internationale de l’avortement sûr qui se tient chaque 28 septembre de l’année. Cette année, pour accentuer son plaidoyer pour un avortement sécurisé, la SOGOC a opté pour une soirée artistique avec en vitrine du slam et un débat sur le sujet mettant sur la scène des jeunes élèves et étudiants qui sont formés dans la prise de parole en public. Ces jeunes ont durant une vingtaine de minutes démontré comment mettre sous le feu des projecteurs ce sujet qui reste encore tabou dans notre société. A travers son slam (forme de poésie orale performative), la jeune artiste Moon Girl a su exposer cette thématique et par la même occasion à relever qu’il est important de ne pas garder le silence et mourir a causes de certains jugements de la société. La soirée artistique organisée le vendredi 26 septembre 2025 au restaurant cabaret le dinero à Yaoundé, était une fois de plus l’occasion de lancer le cri de détresse de la SOGOC, soucieuse du taux de mortalité maternelle qui est en partie lié aux avortements clandestins et à l’absence de soins après avortement. Ce nouveau « call to action » de la SOGOC a été ponctué par plusieurs prises de parole. Dans son propos liminaire, Dr Anny Ngassam, Secrétaire Générale adjointe de la SOGOC, a relevé l’importance de cette journée qui vient davantage rehausser les nombreuses activités et actions entreprises par la Société des Gynécologues et Obstétriciens du Cameroun. Elle a indiqué que le thème de la journée internationale de l’avortement sûr 2025 qui est placé sous le thème : “L’Avortement Sûr est un Soin de Santé Salvateur.”, est un appel à prendre conscience de la nécessité de sauver des vies à tout prix. Elle dit :« Cette journée nous appelle à reconnaître la vérité fondamentale selon laquelle l’accès à un avortement sûr est un élément essentiel des soins de santé reproductive complets et une question de vie ou de mort pour de nombreuses femmes et filles au Cameroun et dans le monde. L’avortement non sécurisé reste un contributeur significatif à la mortalité et à la morbidité maternelles dans le monde, et le Cameroun n’échappe pas à cette réalité. L’Organisation mondiale de la Santé estime que les avortements non sécurisés représentent environ 14 % des décès maternels au Cameroun, un chiffre qui se traduit par des centaines de décès évitables chaque année. De nombreuses femmes souffrent également de complications à long terme telles que l’infertilité, des douleurs chroniques et des traumatismes psychologiques, conséquences des lois restrictives et de l’accès limité à des services sûrs. Au Cameroun, la législation et les procédures administratives entourant l’avortement sont complexes et restrictives. Cela entraîne souvent des retards ou un refus pur et simple des soins d’avortement sûrs, obligeant de nombreuses femmes à recourir à des méthodes dangereuses. Les conséquences sont graves et touchent de manière disproportionnée les populations vulnérables, y compris les adolescentes et les femmes vivant en milieu rural. Cette crise de santé publique souligne l’urgence d’améliorer l’accès aux services d’avortement sûrs comme partie intégrante des soins de santé salvateurs… » Dr Ngassam a également souligné le fait que les obstacles bureaucratiques actuels doivent être démantelés pour garantir que les femmes puissent obtenir des soins sans délais ni intimidations inutiles. – Sensibiliser et fournir des informations précises aux femmes, filles et communautés concernant les lois sur l’avortement au Cameroun. Elle a aussi évoqué le fait que la stigmatisation et la désinformation sont des fléaux qui affectent également le plaidoyer pour l’avortement sécurisé, et ce qui est un frein dans la lutte contre les avortements clandestins. « A cette fin, SOGOC Cameroun s’engage à : – Plaider pour la simplification des procédures nécessaires à l’accès aux services d’avortement sûrs. La désinformation et la stigmatisation empêchent souvent les femmes de rechercher des soins, et l’éducation est essentielle pour les autonomiser. – Engager les décideurs politiques, les institutions de santé et la société civile pour pousser à des réformes qui alignent le cadre légal du Cameroun sur les normes internationales en matière de droits reproductifs et de santé. Un élément crucial de cet effort implique les prestataires de soins de santé, qui se trouvent en première ligne des soins de santé reproductive. » a souligné Dr. Ngassam Anny Le message de la Secrétaire générale adjointe par ailleurs porte-parole de la SOGOC a cet évènement était adressé à tous les acteurs clés et qui se doivent de militer pour les droits des femmes et jeunes filles. « À nos collègues de santé, nous faisons un appel solennel : maintenez les plus hauts standards de soins et de compassion. Fournissez des services d’avortement sûrs sans discrimination, jugement ou peur. Protégez la confidentialité et la dignité des femmes recherchant des soins. Votre rôle est indispensable pour réduire les décès maternels évitables et protéger la santé des femmes. Au gouvernement et aux décideurs politiques, nous vous exhortons à agir de manière décisive pour simplifier et élargir l’accès aux services d’avortement sûrs. Intégrez les soins d’avortement pleinement dans le système de santé national en tant que service essentiel. Rationalisez les procédures légales pour réduire les obstacles qui retardent ou empêchent l’accès. La vie des femmes dépend de votre engagement en faveur de la réforme. À la société civile et aux organisations communautaires, vos efforts continus de plaidoyer et d’éducation sont vitaux. Dissiper les mythes, réduire la stigmatisation et soutenir les femmes dans l’accès à ces services. Aux femmes et filles du Cameroun, sachez ceci : vous n’êtes pas seules dans ce combat. Votre santé, votre autonomie et votre dignité comptent. Nous sommes fermement à vos côtés pour exiger l’accès à des soins d’avortement sûrs, respectueux et complets, car l’avortement sûr est effectivement un soin de santé salvateur. Alors que nous commémorons cette Journée Internationale de l’Avortement

Public Health Minister, Dr. Manaouda Malachie, unveiled on Wednesday, September 23, 2025, key statistics of the just-ended AIDS-free holidays campaign. The 23rd edition of the AIDS-free holidays campaign that kicked off on July 23 was placed under the theme: “Zero new HIV infections among young people: our challenge for 2030.” To unveil the results of this campaign that took place in all ten regions of the country with a total of 670 young peer educators, public health Minister made a press briefing on September 23, 2025, in Yaounde. Dr Manaouda Malachie started by pointing out the importance of this campaign launched in 2003 by First Lady, Chantal Biya as an ambitious, ongoing, and sustained initiative for the benefit of both school-aged and out-of-school youths. He equally underscored the aim of this initiative championed by First Lady of Cameroon, Mrs. Chantal BIYA, UNAIDS Special Ambassador, as one that seeks to combat sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS during the school holidays. During this press briefing, Dr. Manaouda Malachie indicated that some progress was made in tackling certain diseases, including HIV/AIDS, from analyses and reports provided by the National AIDS Control Committee (NACC). It was revealed that one million, nine hundred and ninety-six thousand, one hundred and thirty-eight (1,996,138) people were tested for HIV in 2024. Forty-six thousand and twenty-five (46,025) positive cases were identified, including thirty-six thousand, one hundred and seventy-one (36,171) new cases and nine thousand, eight hundred and fifty-four (9,854) previously known positive cases. Dr Manaouda Malachie went further to outline the fact that young people are amongst those highly exposed in the population. He stated: “Analysis reveals that newly declared HIV-positive cases represent 78.6% of the positive cases identified nationally. Three hundred and thirty-six (336) cases and one thousand, one hundred and eighty-three (1,183) cases were identified in the 15-19 and 20-24 age groups, respectively. We believe this is still enormous! As you can see, young people are still paying a heavy price as a result of risky behaviours such as unprotected sex, multiple sexual partners, shared use of drug injection equipment, as well as a lack of information and prevention, misinformation, carelessness, and stigma. Speaking to the media, the patron of public health seized the occasion to once more highlight the fact that some major innovative approaches were put in place since 2024 to accelerate the fight against HIV/AIDS in the youth milieu. He said the introduction of voluntary and free HIV testing, combined with viral hepatitis B testing, and raising awareness among young people about Universal Health Coverage (UHC), as part of free HIV/AIDS treatment in Cameroon, was maintained and strengthened this year. The Minister, in his address, disclosed that over 4.8 million youths were sensitised compared to last year, when we had 3.1 million youths reached. Minister Manaouda Malachie said: “While awaiting the final consolidation of the results of the 23rd edition of AIDS-free Holidays, we must announce that approximately four million, eight hundred and two thousand (4,802,000) young people were reached through educational talks, individual interviews, social media, and media campaigns. 336,649 male condoms, 33,998 female condoms, and 117,630 lubricants were distributed. It should be noted that particular emphasis was placed on educational activities on the correct use of condoms.” Moreover, he outlined the fact that several health services were granted during this year’s campaign, which helped to boost the results observed. “Voluntary HIV and hepatitis B testing was among the services offered to the general population during the 23rd edition of AIDS-free Holidays.  Regarding voluntary and free HIV testing, available reports show that 274,674 people presented themselves to the teams of the ten Mobile Units in the regions during the campaign, including 158,568 women and 116,106 men. These individuals were admitted in accordance with current protocols. 26,094 individuals were successfully tested for HIV, including 15,245 men and 10,849 women. 25,964 individuals collected their results, representing a collection rate of 99.5%. 189 positive cases were identified, including 92 men and 97 women, representing a seroprevalence rate of 0.7%. Sixty-seven individuals were previously known HIV-positive cases. Of the 122 individuals who newly tested positive, 115 were initiated on antiretroviral therapy, representing an ART initiation rate of 94.2%. Similarly, those who tested HIV-positive were encouraged to enrol in Universal Health Coverage (UHC) to benefit from the free services offered in the available care package…” He added. According to the Minister of Public Health, these key results are crucial for the well-being of the entire population. He insisted on the fact it is a call for responsibility at all levels of society and, most especially, a means for parents to wage a sustained fight against deviant behaviour, moral depravity, the use of drugs, alcohol, and other narcotic substances that could expose children to HIV infection and sexually transmitted diseases (STIs). Dr. Manaouda Malachie concluded his briefing by praising the numerous efforts of community-based organisations, NGOs, United Nations organisations, government institutions, and all development partners that greatly contribute to tackling HIV/AIDS in the country, as Cameroon seeks to ambitiously attain the 95-95-95 targets of UNAIDS.   Elise Kenimbeni

A ceremony to hand over school kits to children affected by cancer took place on September 8, 2025, at the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaoundé. In line with the official launch of the new school year in Cameroon on Monday, September 8, 2025, Mori’s Child, a Humanitarian association supporting and assisting children affected by childhood cancers, provided sets of didactic materials and financial aid to pupils and students enrolled in its program, dubbed “Happy Class”. As the newly implemented programme resumed for the ongoing 2025-2026, Mori’s Child seized the occasion to celebrate one of its greatest achievements during the end-of-year examinations. Maximilien Fotso, an 18-year-old cancer patient, was acclaimed for his success at the “Probatoire D” examination of the francophone subsystem of education. Despite health challenges and constant discomfort observed during the last academic year, Maximilien, nicknamed Max, was enrolled in the end-of-year exams by Mori’s Child. The young male patient who is fully recovering from bone marrow cancer has expressed gratitude to Mori’s Child, which has given him the support needed and permits him to achieve his dream, that to be a hematologist-specialist in cancer treatment in the future. Ruth Ngo Nyobe, founding president of Mori’s Child, took the floor to encourage parents to send their children to school. She said a child affected by cancer should not be left aside. He or she needs to aspire to a better future, as all children have the right to education. She seized the occasion to amplify the main advocacy of Mori’s Child on the fact that childhood cancers are curable and no child affected should be neglected. Early-stage diagnosis makes the difference. Speaking to Simon Cardin Neyeng, Coordinator of this educational program, “Happy Class”, it was disclosed that children affected by cancer are very brave and engaged in classes despite their sanitary situation. Mr. Neyeng said: “Happy Class is a specialized school programme that the humanitarian association, Mori’s Child, offers to children affected by cancer and who are followed up at the Chantal Biya Foundation. This school programme has been put in place in a bid to help children affected by cancer have access to education despite their health situation. We have trained teachers in the program who are devoted to the cause…” Synthia Moguom, one of the teachers of the happy class programme, said it is not an easy task to interact with pupils affected by cancer because most often they forget the lessons taught to them, or when they feel tired or weak, they have to stop classes. The young female teacher of the nursery and primary levels said she is mostly motivated by her love for children. During an interview session with media practitioners, the founding president of the association, Mori’s Child, once more underscored the need to celebrate their young “hero” Maximillien, who is an example of perseverance and endurance. “First of all, we celebrate and honor the young Maximilien, who had his end-of-year “Probatoire” examination. The particularity is that, Maximilien, during his academic year, felt ill. Immediately, he felt ill, and he was taken care of here at the hospital, which makes us see the difference. If he were in a classical school, he would have had to inform his parents first, then later on the administration. You see, the journey to get here would have been quite difficult…” Ruth Ngo Nyobe also expressed with regret the passing away of some children affected by cancer, yet praised the work of Pr. Pondy and her collaborators.   “We also had children who passed away during our program. This is also what makes the particularity. Hence, my gratitude goes to the teachers who did not give up. They arrived in the morning, and saw these children leave, and the next day, they did not give up. Today, we have Maximilien, who was able to succeed in his exam. So it is only a continuation of our mission. We have the firm conviction that with the grace of God and the contribution of all stakeholders, I mean Prof. Pondy Angele and her team, the parents who even accept that their children come to this course, the children themselves who, despite moments of weakness, get up with drips. And we can only say thank you to God.” The founding president of Mori’s Child also indicated that there is an ongoing fundraising campaign to help boost the happy class program and support parents who are desperately in need of a syringe, gloves, and chemotherapy sessions for their kids. She said: “We launched a fundraising campaign, which is still going on, because September is a month-long campaign. These donations are dedicated not only to the Happy Class program but also to taking charge of the treatment of some children. We encourage other persons of goodwill to continue to donate for the golden month of cancer.” To properly follow up on some children affected by cancer, health specialists at the Chantal Biya Foundation have recommended admission for positive treatment. According to Dr. Ngnepi Diomo Justine, pediatric resident, the school environment created at the Chantal Biya Foundation in Yaoundé provides a climate of serenity and learning for the children.   “Since their immunity is generally weakened by the cancer, we have to prevent them from going to the community. For that reason, we have to create an environment for them here so that they continue feeling like normal children, though they have their own underground disease that they have to learn how to live with. So, actually, having this project by Mori’s Child that creates an environment where they can be taught like every other normal student. They can learn, they can progress in school without staying behind, like children of their very age. It’s actually very promoting good for the children…” She said. As concerns the various challenges faced by the health staff with the children admitted, Dr. Ngnepi Diomo added. “The challenge is that at every given time, actually, their system can be very weakened, either by the treatment or