Doctors Without Borders (DWB), the international medical non-governmental organisation, has announced it is negotiating with the Cameroon government to possibly resume its operations in the country.
This development was revealed by Alexis Bahati, the organisation’s mission head in Cameroon, during a recent event in Yaounde celebrating DWB’s 40th anniversary of humanitarian work worldwide.
DWB suspended its activities in Cameroon in 2022 due to security risks to its workers.
In the North West Region, their operations were halted by the regional Governor, who accused the organization of transporting ammunition to separatist fighters—an allegation DWB vehemently denied.
In the South West Region, several DWB workers were arrested and detained for months, accused by authorities of treating separatist fighters.
The suspension of DWB’s activities created a significant healthcare void in these regions, as the organization had been instrumental in providing medical services to many.
Hopeful for a Return
Alexis Bahati expressed optimism about the ongoing talks with the government.
“Doctors Without Borders is not the decider as to when our activities might resume in the North West and South West Regions, but the government is aware that we are in the country,” Bahati stated during a press conference in Yaounde.
“They are aware of our experience and capacity. When the dialogue is over and when it is possible, we will resume. At the moment, there is no plan yet, but DWB is happy with the ongoing discussions with the government,” he added.
Impact of DWB’s Previous Work
During their tenure in the Anglophone regions, DWB made significant contributions to healthcare. The organization says it conducted 150,000 outpatient consultations; 72,500 vaccinations against cholera; 52,900 malaria treatments; and 860 surgical interventions.
In 2020 alone, DWB teams in the North West Region said they treated 180 survivors of sexual violence; conducted 1,725 mental health consultations; performed 3,272 surgeries; referred 4,407 patients by ambulance, including over 1,000 women in labor; provided 42,578 consultations for common illnesses such as malaria, diarrhea, and respiratory tract infections through community health volunteers.
DWB also supported healthcare by covering hospital bills and paying nurses to care for patients.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Activities, over 3.4 million people in Cameroon currently require humanitarian aid.
The potential return of DWB could alleviate some of the healthcare challenges faced by those in conflict-affected regions.
