Government earmarks troubled spots in Anglophone Regions for Covid-19 vaccination

Following the recent arrival of the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine in Cameroon courtesy of China, the Cameroonian Government has published a list of Health Establishments in all 10 regions of the country.

Following the arrival of the vaccines in the country, many Cameroonians have remained hostile towards the Administration of the vaccine, given especially that it was gifted to Cameroon by China.

The talk of a bill to make the vaccination compulsory throughout the national territory has not gone down well with some persons who still remain very suspicious and reserved on the issues of mass vaccination campaigns.

So far, however, the vaccination will remain optional, and the Government has published an extensive list of Health Establishments that will administer the Sinopharm vaccine.

Some of the designated centers in the two troubled Anglophone regions however bring to mind the issue of feasibility of the campaign.

Many of these areas for instance have been deserted by villagers who have fled to bushes for safety.

In Bui Division for instance, the St. Elizabeth General Hospital in Shisong has been chosen as a vaccination center. Over one week ago in the said hospital, three health workers were kidnapped while on duty by separatists fighters to an undisclosed location. The hospital has also experienced sporadic violence from military and separatist fighters with members of both factions storming the health establishment at will when the need arises.

The Banso Baptist Hospital (BBH) has equally experienced several intimidation antics from the military, who sometimes storm the hospital in search of Amba Fighters on treatment.

With this brings the vital question of security of Health Personnel who will be heading to these troubled spots to administer the vaccine. How effective will the campaign and the outreach actually be? Or will it be another thought out plan that ends only on sheets?