The Canadian government has provided a valuable consignment of medical equipment in a move aimed at enhancing health information management in Cameroon. The Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Her Excellency Lorraine Anderson, delivered the equipment on November 22 during an audience with the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie.
The donation, part of the Canadian Global Initiative and Vaccine Equity (CanGive) project, includes 1,900 electronic blood pressure monitors, 1,900 glucometers, 150 boxes of 50 strips, 270 tablets, and 310 smartphones. The equipment, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of FCFA, is specifically aimed at strengthening health information management and improving decision-making in health districts.
Her Excellency Lorraine Anderson emphasised that the equipment would play a crucial role in supporting the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine services, particularly for at-risk groups in the East, Far North, North West, and South West regions of Cameroon. Canada is actively partnering to enhance routine immunisation, focusing on zero-dose and undervaccinated children and unreached communities.
“As part of the #CanGIVE project, Canada is proud to have contributed $3 million, and to deliver medical and monitoring equipment, in collaboration with #WHO, to Cameroon’s Minister of Health public,” a tweet from the High Commission read.
The donation also addresses the need to reinforce immunisation services’ quality in the targeted regions, along with enhanced screening for chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension.
Expressing gratitude, Minister Manaouda Malachie thanked the Canadian government and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their continuous support in Cameroon’s health challenges. The minister highlighted that the provided equipment, including vaccination monitoring and prevention tools, aligns with the country’s new epidemiological monitoring tool.
While acknowledging Cameroon’s satisfactory response to the COVID-19 health crisis, Dr. Manaouda stressed the ongoing need for vigilance. The collaborative efforts between Canada and Cameroon aim to fortify the healthcare system and contribute to the nation’s public health goals.
