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HEDECS Cameroon and Partners Advocate for "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures" as part of Cameroon’s World Health Day 2025 Commemoration.

Webinar – April 11, 2025 – In commemoration of World Health Day 2025, HEDECS Cameroon joined forces with key partners to host a vital webinar focused on "CSO Engagement in Childhood Illness Prevention" and the annual campaign to combat maternal and neonatal mortality. The webinar, held under the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," emphasized the critical need for collaborative action to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

The virtual event, which took place on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from:

• HEDECS Cameroon

• PROVARESSC

• MYAC

• L'ONG FIS

• COFIS CSU (Moderator)

• World Health Organization (WHO)

• Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE)

The webinar served as a platform for in-depth discussions and knowledge sharing on crucial topics related to maternal, child health and well-being.

HEDECS Cameroon Highlights the Importance of Male  and Community Engagement in PMTCT

HEDECS Cameroon's Executive Director, Bolima Nancy, did a presentation on "Beyond the Clinic: Engaging Men and Communities in Supporting PMTCT, Child and Maternal Wellbeing." The presentation highlighted that maternal and child health outcomes are significantly influenced by the support systems surrounding mothers, particularly the involvement of men and the broader community.

"To achieve 'Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,' we must move beyond the clinic and actively engage men and communities," stated Bolima Nancy. 

"By fostering collaborative partnerships, addressing gender inequalities, and leveraging community resources, we can create supportive environments for mothers and children, and eliminate new HIV infections among children."

The presentation further highlighted the challenges of limited male involvement, community stigma and discrimination, inadequate community support systems, cultural and customary barriers, and unequal access to services. It also detailed the advantages of engaging men and communities, including increased breastfeeding rates, enhanced family and community support, improved adherence to prevention methods and treatment, and a reduction in neonatal infections and deaths.

Partner Presentations Address Key Childhood Health Issues

Other participating organizations also shared their expertise and insights:

• PROVARESSC presented on the importance of vaccination in preventing childhood illnesses.

• MYAC focused on Congenital Neonatal Malaria(CNP) in the context of malaria.

• L'ONG FIS addressed the critical issue of pediatric tuberculosis (TB).

The webinar was moderated by COFIS CSU, ensuring a dynamic and engaging discussion.

A Call to Action for "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures"

The World Health Day 2025 webinar served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action in ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children. HEDECS Cameroon and its partners remain committed to working collaboratively to address the challenges and create a future where every child has a healthy beginning and a hopeful future.

To get further insights on the presentation, you can download the PDF attached top this article.