Médecins Sans Frontières - Cooking demonstration session

Unique Identifier Code / URN MSB222422

Date taken / Date Recorded 29/01/2025 12:00 AM

Country Cameroon

Detailed location Mora and Kourgui

Commissioning section MSF-SWITZERLAND

Photographer / videographer / producer Vanessa Fodjo

Copyright Vanessa Fodjo/MSF

Usage Rights (MSF) Advertising Campaign, External Media, MSF Fundraising, MSF Publications, Social Media

Formal Consent Copy available no

Project section OCG

Editor's rating ★★★★ (E)

Maximum Size 4631px × 3087px 10.06 MB

Additional Information / Shotlist Since 2015, MSF has been providing assistance to populations affected by the Lake Chad basin conflict in the Far North region. In Mora and Kourgui towns, MSF has implemented various strategies to bring healthcare closer to communities with limited access to health facilities due to the ongoing insecurity in the area.

In Kourgui near Mora, maternal and child morbidity and mortality remain significant concerns. This is primarily due to limited access to healthcare facilities, socio-economic instability, and the consequences of regional conflict. MSF works closely with the Ministry of Health to provide free nutritional care and sexual and reproductive health services. According to the Cameroonian Ministry of Health, the rate of deliveries in healthcare facilities remains low, estimated at 49%. According to 2023 figures, community deaths (595) are almost equivalent to in-hospital maternal deaths (631), with the Far North region being one of the most brutal hits. These figures reflect a persistent trend of home births, often at the expense of healthcare facilities.

To reduce mortality rates and raise community awareness of best practices, MSF trains and works closely with traditional birth attendants, commonly known as "matrones" and "mama leaders" identified by the health district. The “matrons” are trained to guide pregnant women and children needing vaccinations to healthcare facilities. They are also trained to recognize warning signs in pregnant women, children, and victims of violence. On the other hand, mama leaders sensitize people in the community to proper nutrition gestures and guide pregnant and breastfeeding women to healthcare facilities for necessary care. These women play a crucial role in raising awareness and improving access to healthcare by bridging the gap between communities and health services.

Ahead of the International Women's Day, we want to highlight their contributions to MSF's medical and humanitarian assistance in Cameroon.