By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) and the Cameroon Red Cross (CRC) have committed to strengthening their partnership following the maiden visit of IFRC Secretary General, Jagan Chapagain to the country.
Chapagain’s two-day visit to Cameroon on Oct. 17 and 18 was heighten with discussions between him and CRC President Cécile Akame Mfoumou on ways to deepen their working relationship and mobilize greater support.
Chapagain expressed deep appreciation, stating the main purpose of his visit was to connect with the CRC, calling it a “very, very valued member of the Federation” among the 191 member societies.
Though his visit was brief, the Secretary General noted he received a comprehensive briefing and was particularly struck by the CRC’s volunteer base.
“I have just seen a few activities, but the briefing I received this morning was very comprehensive,” Chapagain said.
He highlighted the more than 105,000 volunteers across the country, emphasizing the altruistic nature of their service.
“Can you imagine 105,000 volunteers working in the community every day without expecting anything in return? That’s the most important thing… that’s the highest level of service you can think of.”
Following tours of various CRC structures, Chapagain praised the professionalism he witnessed in their operations, including the hospital and the college.
“I found them run very professionally, very well-managed, and well-executed,” he said. He added that both the college, which has high student demand, and the hospital have ambitions to strengthen and expand their services.
Chapagain affirmed that the IFRC would follow up by discussing how to mobilize support internationally and nationally to bolster the CRC, with a core objective being “maintaining the sustainability of the Cameroon Red Cross.”
On her part, CRC President Cécile Akame Mfoumou hailed Chapagain’s visit, noting it reminded the CRC that they are not alone and reflects the IFRC’s “constant attention toward its National Societies.”
Addressing the significant humanitarian challenges in the country, Cécile Akame Mfoumou stated that three million people are in urgent need of assistance in Cameroon. She stressed that while providing an effective response requires pooling efforts from all stakeholders, “the needs are greater than the resources available.”
Cécile Akame Mfoumou detailed some of the CRC’s readiness efforts, including the training of more than 800 volunteers in first aid from 2024 to 2025.
She then outlined the critical areas requiring substantial support: strengthening community preparedness for epidemics and pandemics, enhancing community engagement in disaster risk reduction, and expanding initiatives to reduce the impact of climate change.
Cécile Akame Mfoumou thank partners and urge a continued noble mission: “to alleviate human suffering, protect dignity, and build stronger communities.”
Following a warm welcome at the headquarters, Jagan Chapagain and a delegation from the Cameroon Red Cross, spearheaded by the National President, were granted two audiences. The first was at the Ministry of External Relations. Later that day, they met with the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, who lauded the activities of the Red Cross.
