“Together for a Cameroon Without Worms”
The prevalence of schistosomiasis and intestinal worms are a major public health problem in Cameroon. School-aged children are the most adversely affected by these debilitating diseases that are responsible for high morbidity rates, retarded growth, a reduction in cognitive growth, and vulnerability to other infections.
In an effort to combat and control these diseases, the government of Cameroon has adopted an inter-sector collaboration for the implementation of regular deworming activities in all Cameroonian schools. The Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Basic Education, and the Union of United Councils and Cities have teamed up to form the collaboration. This innovative tripartite agreement will capitalize the resources of each partner and include vital education and water & sanitation activities.
Already, the partnership has mobilized the resources from the Global Network, WHO, UNICEF, Children Without Worms, Johnson & Johnson and Merck KGaA, to launch the official national campaign for de-worming of school-age children in May 2009. The campaign targeted all 10 regions of Cameroon and a total of 4 million school age children in 13,000 schools.
The signing of the tripartite agreement by the Minister of Public, the Minister of Basic Education, and the President of the Union of United Councils and Cities of Cameroon
The campaign successfully dewormed a total of 5,957,122 children. In each district, directors of schools and health personnel were trained and educated and deworming materials were widely distributed. The children of Cameroon can now look towards healthier and more successful futures.