In a region long wracked by conflict, where the most vulnerable often suffer in silence, persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Bamenda have taken a bold step forwards being key players in reshaping humanitarian response. This shift was affirmed on Thursday, 17 July 2025, with the official launch of the Leave No One Behind Phase 4 (LNOB4) project, spearheaded by the Coordinating Unit of Associations of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD).
Participants at the project launch
The event was a resounding declaration that disability inclusion is no longer a side note in development conversations but a central pillar in shaping a just and resilient society.
In conflict zones like the North West Region of Cameroon, daily life is a test of survival for many. For PWDs, the stakes are even higher and navigating crumbling infrastructure, inaccessible shelter, and exclusion from critical emergency planning. But through initiatives like LNOB4, there is hope.
“Even in the face of economic hardship and socio-political instability, you have remained committed. Your perseverance is a testimony to the strength of our community.” Nogning Armelle A., Board Chair of CUAPWD, said during her keynote speech
The LNOB4 project, supported by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and funded through the German Humanitarian Assistance, is designed to empower Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) by placing them at the centre of humanitarian action. Running from January 2025 to March 2027, the initiative seeks to move from a “humanitarian to beneficiary” model to a “humanitarian to humanitarian” approach where PWDs are seen as first responders, not afterthoughts.
This shift is already in motion. OPD leaders, trained during previous phases of the project, now serve as expert voices in policy making and emergency response. The new phase aims to strengthen the capacity of these leaders further equipping them to collect vital data on PWDs, advocate for policy changes, and support humanitarian actors to design more inclusive interventions.
“PWDs are no longer just being helped they are helping shape the very systems that affect them Sama Chick, CUAPWD Regional Coordinator said. He proudly declared the North West Region to be one of the most structured in terms of disability organisations in the country.
The Regional Delegate of Social Affairs, Nkwate Rebecca, commended CUAPWD’s evolution. “I wish to particularly applaud CUAPWD whose tireless efforts have transformed the lives of thousands of persons with disabilities in this region,” she said highlighting government’s commitment to inclusion through expanded education and vocational training, strengthened anti-discrimination laws, and support for OPDs as co-creators of policy.
A panel discussion during the launch brought together stakeholders from the humanitarian actors, human rights advocates, and government stakeholders centred on the urgent need to make humanitarian interventions intentionally inclusive.
Che Jessica Bih, Inclusive Development Officer at CBCHS, spotlighted one often-overlooked concern: inclusive disaster risk reduction. She noted that during crises, persons with disabilities are often left behind due to a lack of proactive planning.
“We must educate communities to ensure PWDs are not forgotten during evacuations or emergencies,” she urged.
Panelists unanimously agreed that inclusion must be woven into every stage of humanitarian programming from design to implementation to evaluation. They also emphasised the need to dismantle attitudinal, policy, environmental, and communication barriers that continue to marginalise persons with disabilities.
The event brought together a broad spectrum of partners: the Ministry of Social Affairs, CBM, CBCHS, the Regional Assembly, PIC, local government officials, journalists, and UN representatives. All pledged their continued support for CUAPWD and its mission.
Journalists, including those from Hilltopvoices, were applauded for their role in amplifying the voices of the disabled community.
“Your platforms give voice to the voiceless,” Nogning Armelle said, thanking the media for keeping the issue of inclusion in the spotlight.
“The time to fully realise that right is now,” Armelle declared.
With the LNOB4 project underway, the North West’s disability community is not waiting for change, they are building it. And in doing so, they are ensuring that in times of crisis and beyond, no one is truly left behind.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77