In July 2024, the Far North region of Cameroon was hit by torrential rains, causing severe flooding that affected the departments of Diamaré, Logone-et-Chari, Mayo-Kani, Mayo-Danay, and Mayo-Tsanaga. More than 67,000 households, or approximately 365,000 people (Source: OCHA), were affected by this disaster. Homes and crops were devastated, compromising livelihoods and food security.

Flooding is not new to this region, particularly in Mayo-Danay, where it occurs every year. The flooding of the Logone River, combined with the lack of adequate drainage infrastructure, causes considerable damage, forcing thousands of people to leave their homes and move to camps . In 2022, similar floods had already affected several localities, causing significant agricultural losses and mass displacement.

This situation has been exacerbated by the effects of climate change, which are intensifying weather events in the region. Annual flooding cycles have also exacerbated health challenges, including the spread of diseases such as malaria, diarrhoea and malnutrition. Given the damage and scale of the situation, the health authorities requested support from MSF, and teams were mobilised on 6 November 2024 following an exploratory mission and needs assessment.

To support the authorities, MSF teams provided assistance to the health facilities in Yagoua 1, Codas Caritas and Yagoua. They offered outpatient consultations and care, reproductive health care, support for the expanded vaccination programme, as well as screening and treatment for acute and severe malnutrition with psychological support.

Awareness-raising activities were also carried out in the affected communities and at the health centre to inform and help residents prevent malaria and diarrhoea, and to encourage them to seek medical advice at health facilities.