Humanitarian reporting is one out of many niches some journalists have carved for themselves. It is for this reason that Journalists in the North West Region have paid the Regional Hospital Bamenda a friendly visit as part of their activities to mark the 30th edition of World Press Freedom Day which is to be commemorated on May 3rd.
These journalists who are from the Cameroon Association of English Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ), Cameroon Community Media Network (CCMN) and Cameroon Journalists Trade Union (CJTU), chose to visit the neonatology (nursery) to at least give a pat on the backs to these mothers who, after many months of pregnancy, still have to go for weeks, and even months, with their babies either in the Nursery or Kangaroo.
Speaking on behalf of the journalists, Nji Ignatius, President of the Cameroon Journalists Trade Union Bamenda Chapter, said these three structures came together an concerted to choose this unit of the hospital because it is very strategic. “I couldn’t hesitate when the idea came up because I have been here with my kids, and I know what the families who have babies here go through. We didn’t come with much to give them, but with a little from our hearts to tell them that we are with them in spirit. We came to encourage them that they are stronger than their physical abilities”.
Receiving these close to 30 media men and women, the Director of the Regional Hospital, Dr. Nsame Denis, on behalf of hospital management and administrators, saluted the initiative of these associations and network to visit this particular unit of the hospital. He mentioned that such a gesture can not be underestimated as these children need so much care and attention. “You as journalists are our mouthpieces reasons why there is a binding MOU with you to see that you educate the population on what happens here. There are some children there whose parents can’t even pay bills, some can’t feed themselves, and others can not go for the required surgery due to financial constraints. So we say a big ‘thank you’ to you for this kind thought. I assure you that these antiseptics and other items that you have brought will be judiciously used.”
Overjoyed, these mothers expressed gratitude. They explain that they are in a situation where they dont know what will happen the next minute and it is very challenging for them particularly with bills.
Solange and Raisa
Mother/Carer giver
The blood bank of the Regional hospital runs dry often as it serves not just the North West Region but also the West. With the current state of the Region, many more people are in need of blood. Hence, the bank is always thirsty. To this effect, five journalists opted to do a free will blood donation ???? to save the lives of those in need.
