AMLEA, Striking Eagles Join Forces For Autism Awareness 5km Walk In Yaounde

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The pavement of the Manmade-Lake in the Yaoundé capital city of Cameroon, became a corridor of inclusion Saturday as the Local Employee Association of the U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, known as AMLEA, joined forces with Striking Eagles to raise awareness for autism and special needs.

**Participants posed for a family picture after the race** *(Photo: Etienne Mainimo)*

This mission was at the heart of a 5-kilometer walk and run that took place in Yaoundé on April 25. The event brought together members of the Special Olympics, community, supporters and well-wishers, among others. The gathering took place during World Autism Acceptance Month, a period dedicated to promoting inclusion, neurodiversity and community support.

Kareen Abban, a U.S. diplomat who spearheaded the activities, said the event was designed to spread the word not only about autism but also about children with other special needs. Kareen emphasized that many parents feel embarrassed or isolated when raising a child with developmental differences.

“I’m very aware that here, oftentimes, people will not take their children out of the homes.

Sometimes parents know that something is different about their child, but they don’t know where to go and seek help,” Abban said. “So that’s why we’re here today, to tell people there’s nothing to be ashamed of in having a child with special needs. Bring them out.”

**Athletes set off at the start of the race** *(Photo: Etienne Mainimo)*

Abban also stressed the importance of early intervention. “The earlier you get the child help and assistance, the more successful that child will be in living a meaningful life,” she said. She noted that the event deliberately partnered with Special Olympics, allowing participants with intellectual disabilities to walk and run alongside able-bodied attendees.

Their involvement, she said, demonstrates that inclusion leads to equal capability. “With the same kind and the right kind of attention, with the right kind of therapy, with the right kind of help and assistance, they can do exactly the same thing that we do and even more because those children are very intelligent. So that’s why this is important to run alongside and walk alongside with them.”

The President of AMLEA, Nainsah Petra Mbuyongha, said it is constitutionally aligned for the association to advocate for health-related programs, particularly those that promote physical fitness and balance among body, mind and soul. Petra noted that because April is dedicated to autism and special needs awareness, supporting the initiative was both relevant and necessary.

**Kareen Abban speaking during the race** *(Photo: Etienne Mainimo)*

“We really wish that parents with children with special needs and with children who are autistic should be bold enough or should not be ashamed to come out and seek for help, because it is not just helping the children, it is also help for the parents to be able to take care of these children.

So it is both ways,” Mbuyongha said. “And we think that from this event and from the partnership which we hope to build with the Ministry of Social Affairs, we are going to really highlight this and to magnify it in subsequent events.”

Mbuyongha acknowledged that this was the first edition of an autism-focused event for the embassy, though AMLEA has previously supported initiatives on blood donation, malaria and World Heart Day. She urged the public not to wait until mental health struggles become severe, but rather to act now by including children with special needs alongside their neurotypical peers.

Vanessa Kengne from Special Olympics, who participated in the walk and run, praised the exercise for reminding everyone that children with special needs have a place and must be included in daily activities.

During the event, prizes and trophies were awarded to standout athletes. Phaneol Shofola won the 5-kilometer running race, while Florence Épée emerged as the winner of the autism walking race.

Abinwie Ignann was crowned the winner of the autism running category. Winners took home trophies and cash prizes ranging from 25,000 to 50,000 CFA francs. A special donation was also made to Special Olympics to support its ongoing activities. The rules of the event and the security of the Autism kids was ensured by the Détachement Commander, Staff Sergeant Pressley Alston.

According to the World Health Organization, globally one in 127 people is diagnosed with autism, a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition affecting social interaction, communication and behavior. The WHO lists autism among the top 10 brain health conditions contributing to health loss worldwide.

**Children with special needs who competed in the race gather for a group photo** (Photo: Etienne Mainimo)

Richard Lombi: The Voice That Cuts Through Cabaret Noise

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The air is thick with smoke and laughter. Somewhere between the clink of beer bottles and the hum of late-night conversation, a voice cuts through the noise. It belongs to Lombi, and for a few hours each night, the cabaret becomes his cathedral.

**Richard Lombi doing what he loves: a voice that commands the room and silences the noise**

The young man from Kumba, in Cameroon’s Southwest Region, didn’t plan to become a fixture on the nightlife scene. Music, he says, found him long before he ever stepped onto a cabaret stage — but it took losing everything to finally step into the spotlight.

“I first got into music when I was 9 years old,” Richard said. “My father was a musician, too.”

That early exposure planted a seed that lay dormant for years. As a young man, Lombi set aside his musical ambitions to pursue more conventional work. But when that work disappeared, the seed began to grow. “What made me start singing is when I lost my job,” he said.

Without a paycheck and with few other options, Lombi turned to the only outlet that had ever felt like home. But finding a place to perform proved challenging. Traditional venues felt out of reach. The cabaret, however, opened its doors. “Cabaret is the only place I can show my talent,” Lombi said.

It is there, surrounded by strangers who become witnesses, that Richard discovered what truly drives him. The money matters, the exposure matters but neither compares to the moment a room full of weary souls lifts its collective spirit in response to a song.

“What keeps me motivated is when I sing and people are happy,” he said. “And I feel so happy when I’m on the stage.”

That exchange — his voice for their joy — has become the engine of his career. Unlike the formality of concert halls or the distance of recording studios, the cabaret offers something Richard treasures above all else: connection. “I like most to perform in cabaret because you meet so many people,” he said.

On any given night, those people might include off-duty soldiers, market vendors counting the day’s earnings, lovers hiding from the world, or the simply lonely. To all of them, Lombi offers the same thing — a few minutes of escape, wrapped in melody.

**Richard Lombi: The cabaret voice that commands the room and silences the noise**

But Lombi is careful not to position himself as an island. The music scene in Cameroon, he acknowledges, has room to grow. And that growth, he believes, depends on artists looking beyond their own ambitions. “When I think about the music scene in Cameroon, we just need to motivate one another,” he said.

It is a sentiment born of experience. Lombi has watched talented performers struggle in isolation, waiting for breaks that never came because no one reached back to help. He envisions something different — a community of Cameroonian artists who build rather than compete.

That vision is central to what comes next. Lombi’s plans extend far beyond the cabaret circuit. While he remains grateful for the stages that gave him a start, he is already looking toward a future that serves others as much as it serves his own dreams. “The plan for my music career is so big,” he said. “And I can say my major goal is that I have to lay a foundation.”

This is aimed using music as a tool for community development — offering young people the opportunities Richard himself lacked for so many years. It is, he admits, an ambitious goal for a man who found his footing.

But ambition, Lombi has learned, is not the enemy of patience. And on the cabaret stage, with a room full of strangers smiling back at him, he is exactly where he needs to be — for now.

In addition to his regular performances on the cabaret circuit, he is a versatile vocalist available for weddings, private galas, and corporate events.

The night is still young. Somewhere, another round of drinks is being poured. Somewhere, another conversation is beginning and somewhere, Richard Lombi is clearing his throat, ready to sing again.

Pope Leo XIV’s Visit: CAMTEL Delivers Incident-Free Telecommunications Nationwide

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

From 15 to 18 April 2026, Cameroon played host to a historic apostolic visit by Pope Leo XIV. As spiritual fervor swept from Yaoundé to Douala and Bamenda, a monumental logistical operation worked tirelessly behind the scenes. At the heart of this success was CAMTEL, the institution that proved decisive in ensuring the event’s seamless execution.

**President Paul Biya and Pope Leo XIV share a warm greeting during the historic Apostolic Visit to Cameroon**

From the earliest preparatory stages, the State’s topmost authorities, at the impetus of the President of the Republic, Paul Biya, set a clear goal: a “hitch-free visit”. A firm requirement, befitting the event and its international scale.

In this context, CAMTEL, as the State’s technical arm in the field of telecommunications, fully rose to the challenge of its strategic mission: guarantee smooth, secure, and continuous connectivity for sovereign services, international media, television channels, radio stations, digital platforms, and the strategic sites prepared for the occasion.

Early Mobilisation, Committed Leadership

Under the leadership of its General Manager, Mrs Judith Yah Sunday épse Achidi, CAMTEL organised its preparation around a dedicated task force. The mission was twofold: identify network needs, reinforce existing infrastructure, and anticipate critical risks through redundancy mechanisms.

More than technical planning, the leadership approach was equally visible in the field. The General Manager supervised operations closely, ensuring a rigorous, results-driven management style—an approach aligned with the vision promoted by President Paul Biya, aimed at positioning Cameroon as a digital reference hub in Central Africa.

Network Under Control, Incident-Free Performance

On the technical front, CAMTEL implemented robust measures, including an increase in transmission capacity, reinforced optical fibre links, optimised local connection loops, and the activation of backup solutions. These actions were coordinated through a Network Operations Centre (NOC) placed on continuous alert, with teams operating 24/7.

The outcome was unequivocal: no interruption, no failure, no incident. Operational data confirmed full network stability—no fibre cuts, no technical outage, and no malfunction detected. A performance achieved under heightened international visibility.

Men and Women Equal to the Challenge

This success also reflects expertise and dedication. Technicians, engineers, and support teams—often working out of the spotlight—remained fully mobilised with professionalism throughout the period. Their reactivity and operational mastery were instrumental to the continuity of services, demonstrating the value of CAMTEL’s ongoing strengthening of its human resources.

Excellence Built to Last

This operational achievement did not emerge in isolation. A few weeks earlier, CAMTEL supported the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Yaoundé, demonstrating its capacity to handle major international events. Earlier still—during the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)—the company’s infrastructure had already been recognised by international football stakeholders.

CAMTEL: Bedrock of Digital Sovereignty

Since its inception in 1998, CAMTEL has tirelessly enhanced its infrastructure to deliver world-class telecommunications. Its flawless performance during the Pope’s visit is not just a milestone—it is a clear validation of its expertise.

Beyond its identity as an operator, CAMTEL stands as the pillar of national digital sovereignty. By managing the vital systems that connect Cameroon to the globe, the company brings President Paul Biya’s vision of a digitally advanced nation to life.

Cameroon’s Digital Rights Standing Plummets 10 Places In Annual Ranking

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Cameroon has recorded a sharp decline in its digital rights environment, falling 10 places in a continental assessment of internet freedoms and inclusion. The 2025 Londa Report, released On April 21 at the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF26), identifies Cameroon as one of the year’s most significant decliners, highlighting a deteriorating landscape for online expression and privacy.

**Participants during the Digital Rights and Inclusion Forum (DRIF26)**

The report, authored by the pan-African non-profit Paradigm Initiative, utilizes a Digital Rights Score Index to evaluate countries based on privacy protections, freedom of expression, and access to information.

While some nations showed remarkable progress, Cameroon’s double-digit slide places it among the continent’s most concerning decliners, contrasting sharply with the stable or improving frameworks seen in Southern and Western Africa.

In addition to the ranking decline, Cameroon was featured prominently in a supplemental research report titled “Africa Facing Down: Disinformation.” The study identified the country as one of six African nations where factual information is frequently undermined by emotional and identity-based narratives.

Researchers found that activists and online influencers in Cameroon are often involved in the spread of falsehoods, with the impact of such disinformation varying across gender, age, and urban-rural divides.

Beyond the specific challenges facing Cameroon, the broader continental assessment confirmed South Africa as Africa’s leader in digital rights for the second consecutive year. Ghana, Namibia, and Senegal followed in the top rankings. Conversely, the report placed Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sudan among the bottom five performers. Botswana and Egypt were noted as the most improved, with both nations climbing more than nine spots on the index.

The three-day forum in Abidjan served as a platform for several strategic launches aimed at addressing these systemic gaps. Paradigm Initiative introduced its Digital Rights On-Demand Learning (DROL) platform, which provides free educational resources, and premiered “The Signal,” a short film dramatizing the consequences of digital exclusion for rural populations.

During the opening ceremony, Executive Director of Paradigm Initiative ‘Gbenga Sesan emphasized that the strength of a society is measured by its treatment of its most vulnerable members. “A society is only as strong as how it treats its weakest members. Yet in the area of inclusion, we must acknowledge that many have been left behind,” Sesan said.

He further urged stakeholders to move beyond assumptions of progress, stating, “We must continuously assess where we are, because we too often assume progress without truly measuring it. Only through honest evaluation and evidence can we understand the gaps and, more importantly, take meaningful action to close them. That is the responsibility we carry forward from this Forum.”

Technical experts at the event also called for the practical application of existing laws. Nnenna Nwakanma, an internet governance specialist, stressed the necessity of moving past the mere drafting of frameworks to implementing them in ways that reflect the lived realities of Africans.

Adding a legal perspective, African Union Legal Officer Meseret Melat Fassil discussed the 2023 enforcement of the Malabo Convention, noting that the delays in its implementation highlight the ongoing struggle for technology access across the continent.

The forum, supported by organizations including the Ford Foundation and Google, hosted over 400 physical attendees and featured more than 100 sessions focused on building a secure and inclusive digital future. Organizers announced that the next iteration of the event is scheduled to take place in Nigeria from April 13 to 15, 2027.

CAMTEL Champions Youth Sports As 2026 FENASSCO League A Games Open In West Region

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

More than 2,000 secondary school students from across the nation’s 10 regions have descended upon Bafoussam and Bangangte in the West Region of Cameroon for the annual Secondary School Games dubbed FENASSCO League A Games.

**CAMTEL enhances 26th FENASSCO League A Games in Bafoussam with extensive branding** *(Photo: CAMTEL)*

Prof. Nalova Lyonga, Minister of Secondary Education (MINESEC), officially launched the competition Monday, April 20, at Lycee Classique de Bafoussam. The games are taking place under the theme, “FENASSCO: Creating an inclusive environment for college students.”

The ceremony was attended by several government Ministers and local administrative officials, marking the start of a week-long celebration of youth athleticism and national unity. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the incumbent telecommunications operator, CAMTEL, maintained a high-profile presence at the opening ceremony as the official sponsor of the event.

The current edition of the games has already received widespread acclaim for its logistical execution. From the unveiling of a new FENASSCO monument to the coordination of multiple competition sites, observers have described the organization as top-notch. CAMTEL has played a pivotal role in this success by providing a comprehensive package of financial and material resources to the organizing committee.

**Prof. Nalova Lyonga during the opening ceremony of the 26th edition of FENASSCO League A Games in Bafoussam** (Photo: CAMTEL)

Beyond financial backing, the operator provided direct material support to various commissions to facilitate daily operations. CAMTEL was also instrumental in the “Blue Toilet” project, a legacy initiative that saw the construction of 12 toilets across the game sites to improve sanitation for the student-athletes. To motivate the competitors, the company has prepared a wide range of gifts for the top performers in every discipline.

The week’s festivities will culminate in the presentation of the Chantal Biya Special Prize for Excellence, which CAMTEL will award to the three best athletes of the games during the closing ceremony this weekend. As Bafoussam and Bangangte vibrate to the rhythm of the competition, the operator remains deployed on the ground to support the dreams and talents of the participants.

**Student-athletes compete for medals during the 26th edition of the FENASSCO League A Games in Bafoussam** (Photo: CAMTEL)

The partnership between MINESEC and the private sector drew specific praise from Minister Lyonga, who singled out CAMTEL and its general manager, Judith Yah Sunday epse Achidi, for their commitment.

The Minister expressed her gratitude for the operator’s loyalty, noting that the sponsorship includes not only cash but also the essential gadgets and equipment that have ensured the smooth running of the 2025 games. It promises to be an eventful week as students compete for glory with the full backing of the national telecommunications provider.

At 2026 TEDxYaoundé Event: Participants Urged To Be Resilient In Their Pursuit To Greatness & Success

By Desmond Mbua

Participants at the 2026 edition of the TEDxYaoundé event have been encouraged to remain resilient in the face of challenges encountered on the path to success. The gathering took place on Sunday, April 19, in the conference rooms of First Bank in the Hippodrome neighborhood of Yaoundé.

**Participants immortalize event with a family picture** (Photo: Desmond Mbua)

Themed “Unbreakable: Rethinking resilience,” this year’s edition drew more than 500 attendees, including students, entrepreneurs, diplomats, and thought leaders, for discussions on shifting perspectives and fostering change.

Speakers included the Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Minami Kentero, and the Resident Representative of the African Institute of Computer Science, Armand Claude Abanda, each of whom described resilience, success, and personal experience.

Speaking at the event opener, Hapsatou Nadia, organiser and license holder of TEDxYaoundé, stated the role of ideas in shaping societies and driving transformation. She said the event aims to prompt individuals and communities to reconsider difficulties and adopt solutions that enable constructive change.

The Japanese model of resilience was a focal point of the discussions. Hapsatou noted that this model, demonstrated in the face of social disasters, serves as a foundation for the year’s theme. She said: “The main aim is to encourage Cameroonians to develop similar resilience, even in the face of different local challenges. While Cameroon may not frequently experience earthquakes or tsunamis, societal, economic, and environmental pressures demand an equally strong and united response.”

“The goal is to create impact within our community,” the organiser added, explaining that the platform brings together people across generations, from young innovators to business leaders and diplomats, to exchange ideas and explore solutions.

**Participants listen keenly to speakers** *(Photo: Desmond Mbua)*

H.E. Minami Kentero cited Japan’s response to past events as a reference. He said: “From historical tragedies such as the Hiroshima and Nagasaki bombings to recurring natural disasters like earthquakes and tsunamis, Japan’s ability to rebuild and adapt has become a global reference point.” He urged participants to continue following setbacks and not to fear beginning again.

Queening up from the ambassador, Armand Claude Abanda told participants that Resilience in its full splendour is an asset to create value and boost Entrepreneurship.

The event also provided a setting for the sharing of knowledge, with speakers offering views on resilience. Organizers stated that such exchanges assist communities in understanding and addressing the challenges they encounter.

Participants Laud Initiative

Participants left visibly moved and inspired. Heaven Tchapchet attended the event, “Most of the time, we have difficulties that don’t come from society, but from us… it was important for me to see how people who have experienced those difficulties went through and changed their mindset,” she stated.

The participant recounted being particularly touched by speakers such as Jamie Steell, and Portia Mutunzi. “It gave me goosebumps… to see the way people decided to change things in their environment… It’s very inspiring.” She concluded.

RENAPROV FINANCE S.A. Opens New 30-Day Share Subscription Window

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

RENAPROV FINANCE S.A. has officially entered the second phase of its Initial Public Offering (IPO) following a robust initial turnout that saw high participation from small-scale investors.

The leading Cameroonian microfinance institution, in collaboration with its advisor Afriland Bourse et Investissement, announced the launch of this 30-day follow-up phase after successfully closing its first round. The current subscription window opened April 15 and is scheduled to run through May 15, 2026.

The expansion into the second phase comes on the heels of a successful first round that raised 1.1 billion FCFA. Data released by the institution indicates a broad base of support, with 60,000 subscribers participating so far. According to RENAPROV, the majority of these early investors are low-income earners and small-scale stakeholders.

Company officials stated that the massive turnout reflects the credibility of the institution and its focus on social-impact financial products. By opening this second window, RENAPROV aims to accommodate the continued demand from the public as it seeks to strengthen its capital base.

Headquartered in Cameroon, RENAPROV FINANCE S.A. has positioned itself as a key player in the regional microfinance sector, targeting growth through inclusive financial services. The ongoing IPO represents a significant step in the firm’s transition toward broader public ownership.

Pope Leo XIV Urges Cameroonians To Face Life’s Storms With Faith, Solidarity

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Pope Leo XIV on Saturday April 18 urged Cameroonians to confront life’s storms with courage and solidarity, drawing on the biblical account of Jesus walking on water to assure the faithful that Christ remains present amid personal and societal challenges.

**Faithful gather in prayer as Pope Leo XIV delivers the Homily in Yaoundé** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

The final mass in Yaoundé was attended by President Paul Biya and First Lady Chantal Biya, who were accompanied by a host of government officials and diplomats. The pontiff delivered the message during a final Mass at Yaoundé-Ville Airport, marking the conclusion of his four-day apostolic visit to Cameroon. Thousands gathered for the outdoor celebration as the pope prepared to depart for the next leg of his African journey.

In his homily, Leo XIV reflected on the Gospel reading from St. John, in which Jesus approaches his terrified disciples on a stormy sea at night and declares, “It is I; do not be afraid.” He noted that the evangelists each emphasize different aspects of the miracle, but all convey reassurance that Jesus does not abandon his followers in times of fear or danger.

“Faith does not spare us from tumult and tribulations,” the pope said. “At times, it can seem that fear has the upper hand. However, we know that even in these moments, Jesus does not abandon us.”

He compared the Church’s historical trials to the disciples’ struggle on the Sea of Galilee, where strong winds battered their boat. Jesus, the pope observed, does not always immediately calm the storm but enters into the danger with his people, inviting them to remain united in the same “boat.”

Pope Leo XIV extended the lesson to social and political spheres, calling for communal responses to crises involving poverty, injustice and inequality. He referenced the first reading from the Acts of the Apostles, which describes how the early Church resolved tensions over the distribution of aid to the poor by appointing deacons “full of the Spirit and of wisdom.”

The passage, he said, shows that growth brings new challenges, but prayerful discernment and shared responsibility can transform crises into opportunities for stronger community structures. Isolated individual efforts are insufficient, he added; what is needed is a collective commitment that weaves Gospel values into institutions serving the common good rather than self-interest.

“Every community has the obligation to create and sustain structures of solidarity and mutual aid,” the pope said, stressing that no one should face adversity alone. He highlighted the dignity of every person, regardless of social status, and echoed his predecessor Pope Francis in praising ordinary believers who carry forward their faith, families and work with strength.

The homily also touched on the symbolic meaning of water in Jewish tradition — evoking both chaos and divine liberation, as in the Exodus story — to underscore God’s power over forces of evil and death.

Pope Leo XIV however, expressed gratitude to Cameroon’s bishops, civil authorities, organizers and especially the sick, elderly and nuns who supported the visit through prayer. He thanked the people of Cameroon for their warm welcome and the moments of shared faith.

“People of God living and journeying in Cameroon, do not be afraid!” he said in his final words. “Remain firmly united to Christ our Lord! With the power of his Spirit, you will be the salt and light of this land!”

The pope described the Church in Cameroon as “alive, young, blessed with gifts and enthusiasm, energetic in its variety and magnificent in its harmony.” Invoking the Virgin Mary, he encouraged the faithful to let life’s “strong winds” foster growth through sharing, listening, prayer and mutual support.

The visit, which included stops in other cities such as Douala and Bamenda, comes as Cameroon grapples with ongoing challenges, including regional tensions and issues of poverty and justice. Leo XIV’s messages throughout the trip have emphasized peace, reconciliation and care for the vulnerable. The Mass preceded a formal farewell at the Yaounde Nsimalen International Airport before the pope’s departure.

Pope Leo XIV Challenges Youth to Reject Violence for Values-Based Leadership

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Pope Leo XIV on Friday April 17 challenged Cameroonians to reject despair, violence and corruption despite the nation’s abundant natural resources, urging them instead to harness their deep-seated values of faith, family, hospitality and hard work to shape a better future.

**Pope Leo** XIV in Douala (Photo: Vatican Media)

In a homily during Mass in the city of Douala, the pontiff drew on the biblical account of Jesus multiplying five barley loaves and two fish to feed a crowd of thousands. He used the miracle — recounted in the Gospel of John — to illustrate how sharing limited resources with gratitude can yield abundance, a message he tied directly to Cameroon’s realities of material want and spiritual hunger.

“Despite the richness of the land in Cameroon, many experience both material and spiritual poverty,” the pope said during his homily. He warned the faithful against the “easy gains” promised by abuse and violence, which he said only serve to harden the heart and render it insensitive to the needs of others.

The pope’s address leaned heavily on a vision of self-reliance and moral integrity. He urged the congregation, particularly the youth, not to give in to “distrust and discouragement” but to recognize that their greatest assets are not the minerals or crops beneath their feet, but their communal values.

“Do not forget that your people are even richer than this land,” Pope Leo XIV said. “Your treasure lies in your values: faith, family, hospitality, and work.”

Throughout the homily, Pope Leo XIV framed the act of sharing as a “miracle” in itself, suggesting that social and political problems are solved when resources are distributed with a “hand that gives” rather than a “hand that snatches away.”

He explicitly addressed those in positions of power, reminding social and political leaders that they bear a responsibility to seek the well-being of the people rather than personal gain.

“Be the first faces and hands that bring the bread of life to your neighbors, providing them with the food of wisdom and deliverance from all that does not nourish them, but rather obscures good desires and robs them of their dignity,” he urged.

Focusing on the future of the nation, Pope Leo XIV challenged the younger generation to become “protagonists” of their own destiny. He cautioned them against allowing their energy to be drained by corrupt practices that offer no contribution to the progress of society.

The pontiff however called on the Church in Cameroon to be a “prophetic voice” of justice and peace, urging believers to leave signs of faith that liberate the country from superstition and indifference.

“Proclaiming the Risen Jesus means leaving signs of justice in a suffering and oppressed land, signs of peace amid rivalry and corruption, signs of faith that free us from superstition and indifference,” Pope Leo XIV said.

National Malaria Control Program Reviews 2025 Achievements, Unveils 2026 Strategy

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) has celebrated the significant milestones achieved throughout 2025 while simultaneously unveiling a robust 2026 strategy dedicated to intensifying the fight against malaria and drastically reducing child mortality.

**Dr. Albert Zeh Meka, Coordinator of the NMCP briefing journalists** (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)

This strategic pivot was the focal point of a media information day that took place on April 17 in Yaounde, where the NMCP briefed the press on past successes, persistent challenges, and the comprehensive roadmap for the year ahead.

Reflecting on the progress made, Dr. Albert Zeh Meka, the Coordinator of the NMCP, noted that 2025 was a year defined by substantial progress as the overall malaria burden in Cameroon saw a marked decline.

While expressing hope to maintain this momentum and further decrease the prevalence of the disease, he highlighted that the number of severe cases dropped significantly in 2025 compared to 2024.

Dr. Zeh Meka stressed the weight of this achievement by stating, “We went below 30 percent which has never been the case in the past. It means all the efforts being done by the government are yielding fruits. We can also notice that during the year 2025 we recorded a decrease in the number of deaths by practically 37 percent.”

Data provided by the coordinator indicated that malaria-related deaths in the country, which peaked at 2,016 in 2024, fell to 1,261 in 2025. This downward trend is attributed to the strategic vision of the Minister of Public Health and the concerted efforts of the government.

Dr. Zeh Meka shared his optimism for the future, asserting, “We are confident that if we maintain the efforts by 2030 we are going to achieve our objective of elimination of malaria.”

However, the coordinator acknowledged that despite these major breakthroughs, infant mortality remains a primary concern and a formidable challenge for the program. He revealed that out of the 1,261 deaths registered in 2025, approximately 72 percent were children under the age of five.

To address this, he explained, “That’s why there are a couple of strategies which are being set up to maintain vaccination and scale up because as of now vaccination is being offered in 42 districts. So we need to scale up vaccination and increase the number of districts, increase the coverage.”

In addition to expanding immunization, the NMCP plans to bolster the distribution of preventative tools. Dr. Zeh Meka stated, “We need to maintain the availability of mosquito nets for children and one of the strategies which is being planned for the new strategies plan is distributing mosquito nets in schools. To be able to cover the children who don’t receive mosquito nets during routine activities.” This school-based distribution is designed to ensure that children, who are the most vulnerable demographic, are directly reached.

Complementing these efforts are regional interventions such as the chemo-prevention campaigns in the North and Far North Regions, which continue to play a vital role in controlling morbidity and mortality. To ensure better accountability and data-driven results, Dr. Zeh Meka added, “Also we are working on setting up a strategy to review all the cases of deaths in children to make sure each case is accounted for.”

The media information day served as a prelude to the 19th edition of World Malaria Day, scheduled for April 25. This year’s celebration will be held under the theme: “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can, Now We Must.”

According to health officials, this theme underscores the belief that total elimination is a realistic goal facilitated by advancements in medical science, including new vaccines, next-generation treated nets, and innovative treatment protocols.

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