Doctors Without Borders auctions operational vehicles in Cameroon amid uncertainty over future

International humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders (DWB), has fueled speculations about its final departure from Cameroon by auctioning off its operational vehicles.

The move to sell off operational vehicles is being interpreted as the final indication of DWB’s imminent pull-out from the country.

This development comes two years after the organization was compelled to cease its operations in the conflict-ridden North West and South West Regions of Cameroon.

DWB had been a crucial lifeline for vulnerable communities in these regions, providing essential healthcare services and assistance to victims of the Anglophone armed conflict.

During its operations, DWB not only offered emergency healthcare but also covered medical expenses for patients, particularly in areas where the Cameroonian government’s healthcare coverage is lacking.

The organization had established strong relationships with local communities, often being the first responders in times of medical emergencies.

In instances such as accidents on remote highways, communities would rely on DWB for immediate assistance, with DWB officials arriving promptly with ambulances and providing critical medical care.

The impact of DWB’s presence was significant, with a range of services offered, including treatment for survivors of sexual violence, mental health consultations, and surgical interventions.

In the period between 2017 and 2020 alone, DWB’s teams treated hundreds of survivors of sexual violence, conducted thousands of surgeries, and provided essential healthcare to thousands of patients, including pregnant women.

However, despite DWB’s invaluable contributions to healthcare in the region, its operations were abruptly halted due to government restrictions and harassment of its staff.

In 2020, DWB was forced to suspend operations in the North West Region, and in 2022, it withdrew from the South West due to escalating tensions and the arrest of its personnel.

“We find ourselves in an untenable position: on the one hand, our activities are required, and on the other hand, those who provide the medical services run the risk of being persecuted for doing their work,” said Sylvain Groulx, operations manager of DWB’s programmes in Central Africa.

“To fulfil our duty to our patients, we need the basic preconditions in place to allow us to carry out our activities in a safe and secure environment. DWB remains available to continue the dialogue with the authorities to resolve this issue as soon as possible so that we can resume our medical-humanitarian activities.” 

Their departure left a gap in healthcare provision in the Anglophone Regions, as government efforts have been inadequate.

Vulnerable victims of the Anglophone Crisis are now struggling to pay bills in hospitals where money is prioritised over patients’ health.

©Mimi Mefo Info