Bangem (Kupe-Maneguba)- Over 300 hundreds inhabitants of the Ebamu health district in Bangem Sub Division, South West region, recently received drugs worth FCFA 3 million from a multinational non-governmental organization (NGO) known as “the Vineyard”. The multitude, including adults and children, who thronged the esplanade of the Eyandong health centre were remarkably diagnosed with similar ailments: backache, waist pain, malaria, fever, body itches and general fatigue. Few cases of contagious or infectious diseases were reported. According to the medical director of “the Vineyard” health project for Central Africa, Dr. Sigalla Prella Clever, the disease nomenclature is highly influenced by the economic activities of the local population, which mainly constitute extensive plantation agriculture. Technically aided by Mibe Samuel, bureau chief of the partnership service of the Littoral regional delegation of public health, the local population was administered ordinary painkillers and antibiotics such as maloxine, pinoxicam, coldcap, retazel, doxycyline, cotem, startrium, ibuprofen and paracetamol. A stock of injections and other complicated drugs was handed over to the management of the Eyandong health centre.

According to the Bangem health district medical officer, Dr. Enongene Paul, Bangem has remained one of the medically deprived sub divisions in the South West region, given that most of the health centres are either still partially constructed or are wholly run in private homes. Dr. Enongene cited the Nkack health centre which is still hosted by a benevolent indigene, even though it was approved as early as 2000. The acute lack of access road across the entire sub division also impedes emergency services and safe care. “It is humanly impossible to successfully evacuate complicated patients to the nearest referral hospital at Nkongsamba, located more than 100 kilometres away,” said the medical officer. “A bulldozer did open the road linking the six health districts in 2004. Since then, nothing has been done to maintain the road. The health centres also lack basic facilities such as ambulances, motorcycles and necessary clinical materials to support outreach programs such as vaccination and other vital health campaigns. Due to acute lack of trained personnel, we heavily rely on community relay workers to accomplish our mission. With its 38,000 inhabitants, Bangem really needs help!” Dr. Enongene lamented.

Addressing the health issues raised by various community representatives, Dr. Sigalla said the “Vineyard” is technically equipped and ready to work hand-in-glove with the Bangem population to cater for their health as well as alleviate poverty. The speaker lauded one of Bangem’s elite, former minister, John Ebong Ngole who made significant efforts to link the Vineyard and the Bangem health district. The Vineyard is a multinational missionary movement in Africa, Canada and America which aims to bring hope to the needy.