COVID-19: The fight continues in the East region for maternal, newborn and child health.

The East Region, through the Regional Delegation of Public Health, received from UNICEF a donation of materials to ensure the continuity of care and basic services for mothers, newborns and children within the COVID-19 context. These materials were acquired thanks to the generous contribution of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA).

Hygiene kits, infection prevention and control kits as well as materials for improving the quality of newborn care are some of the donations received by the health facilities. These materials will support in strengthening routine immunization, communication for maternal health and data management in health facilities in the East region. Moreover, it will allow women and newborns to continue to live peacefully in a healthy and secure environment.

These donations were received by the regional delegate of public health who immediately instructed them to be sent to the various health facilities. “By granting us these materials, UNICEF is in line with the Cameroon government policy which is to ensure the quality of health care for mothers and newborns despite the COVID-19 pandemic. This will allow us to continue to improve the health of our populations and to modernize the work of our health personnel,” said Dr Anicet Désiré Mintop.

The East region is one of the 3 regions targeted by this initiative funded by CIDCA. The project is focused on the provision of essential health and nutrition services, which is paramount in the context of COVID-19.

With this endowment, UNICEF continues to support the Government of Cameroon in the areas of child health, survival, and development. “Thanks to this contribution from the Chinese government, we want to participate in the reduction of health and nutrition problems among young children and women in the region, which could otherwise jeopardize their survival, growth and development,” said the head of UNICEF Office in Bertoua.