Cameroon’s Ministry of Public Health (MINSANTE) has received a fleet of 23 new vehicles aimed at fortifying the national blood transfusion system.
Public Health Minister Dr Manouda Malachie received the Toyota land cruiser vehicles on Monday, March 11.
The offer, valued at $712,322 (approximately FCFA 427 million), was part of the government’s “Project to Strengthen the National Blood Transfusion System” in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
It aims to enhance the efficiency of blood-related operations nationwide.
The Minister pledged to ensure the newly acquired equipment is used for the desired purpose.
These vehicles, MINSANTE said in an official release, are crucial components of the ongoing effort to reinforce the National Blood Transfusion Center (NBTC) and streamline blood collection and distribution processes.
Addressing the National Blood Transfusion System team, Dr. Malachie said the vehicles will be used for public, and not private purposes.
“It is neither prestige instruments nor private property, but rather public property that the government entrusts to you to serve exclusively in the professional context,” he said.
He added: “Each of these vehicles must be equipped with a geolocation device and undergo rigorous and diligent monitoring of maintenance. Also, you will have to define a performance framework backed by an annual work plan and subject to quarterly evaluation.”
Out of the 23 brand-new Toyota Land Cruisers, three vehicles are designated for coordination purposes within the Ministry, while the remaining 20 will facilitate the operations of the NBTC across the 10 Regions of Cameroon.
The infusion of this rolling stock is expected to streamline blood product collection and distribution, making it more accessible throughout the country.
The Blood Transfusion System Strengthening Project (PRRESYNATS) is a crucial step toward mitigating the challenges associated with blood shortages, particularly as Cameroon requires an annual supply of 40,000 blood bags.
The World Health Organization (WHO) expressed gratitude for the Cameroonian government’s commitment to implementing PRRESYNATS, with representatives present during the signing ceremony.
Dr. Manaouda Malachie’s recommendations to the NBTC’s top management emphasized the importance of responsible usage, security, and efficient deployment of the equipment.
The Ministry also revealed that ongoing development projects at the Regional Blood Transfusion Centers will continue to benefit from collaboration with the IsDB.
The Director General of the CNTS, Prof Dora Mbaya, expressed gratitude to the technical and financial partners and promised Dr Manaouda Malachie the equipment would be used efficiently.
