The Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union (CJTU), North West Chapter, has carried out a working visit to the Bamenda Regional Hospital, placing a rare spotlight on mortuary workers whose duties remain essential yet often marginalised in public discourse. The engagement, held on Wednesday, 29 April 2026, formed part of activities marking International Labour Day and World Press Freedom Day.
On arrival at the facility, CJTU members were received by the Director of the Bamenda Regional Hospital, Dr Nsame Denis, before joining staff in a coordination meeting where appreciation was extended to health workers for their service to humanity. The delegation later held a focused working session with mortuary personnel, culminating in the presentation of gifts and certificates of recognition.
Dr Nsame Denis described the mortuary as a critical clinical and medico legal unit within the health system, responsible not only for the preservation of bodies but also for supporting investigations and providing clarity in unclear deaths.
“This unit is actually a place where we keep our loved ones after they have died. We also do a lot of autopsies and work with the legal department,” he said, adding that the service requires specialised skills and sensitivity due to the nature of its work.
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He acknowledged persistent stigma surrounding mortuary services, noting that staff often require additional institutional attention and motivation.
“We always have to give some special attention to this type of work,” he said, while highlighting that standard operating procedures have been introduced to improve transparency and guide interactions with bereaved families.
The CJTU North West Chapter, in its statement issued after the visit, said the engagement was intended to strengthen solidarity with essential workers while promoting ethical journalism. The union noted that discussions with mortuary staff focused on workplace welfare, operational challenges and the responsibility of journalists in handling death related information.
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CJTU NW Chapter President, Ruth Che Wachong speaking during event
“We also discussed the importance of accurate reporting, sensitivity in the handling of death related news, and the role of ethical journalism in preventing misinformation and unnecessary public tension,” the statement read. CJTU added that the initiative reflects its “commitment to amplifying workers’ voices and defending labour rights.”
Certificates of recognition were awarded to mortuary staff in acknowledgement of what CJTU described as “essential yet often overlooked service to the community.” The union also called on authorities to improve working conditions and provide adequate tools to enhance service delivery.
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During a technical exchange with journalists, Chief Embalmer Musa Diaru pushed back against public misconceptions about mortuary work, describing it as a scientific profession rather than a place of superstition.
“Mortuary is all about science. People have psychological fears, but those who talk about mystification have never worked here,” he said, emphasising that proper procedures guide the handling of bodies from reception to preservation.
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He further explained the structured processes involved, including classification of cases and preservation methods using dry and wet environments depending on medical and physiological conditions. He noted that the facility has a capacity of about 100 bodies, with flexibility in emergencies.
According to the staff, the engagement was also an opportunity to reaffirm the human dimension of their work, often performed in silence and under public scrutiny. CJTU said the initiative underscores the need for responsible reporting practices that respect dignity while informing the public.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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