For many communities in Cameroon’s South-West Region, recovery is becoming visible through improved access to healthcare, clean water and safer public services. A mother seeking care at a rehabilitated health centre, a family accessing clean water closer to home, or children returning to improved learning spaces are signs of progress after years of disruption.
These changes are being driven by a partnership between the Government of Japan, the Government of Cameroon, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the implementing partner under the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North-West and South-West Regions (PPRD-NW/SW).
Through the first two phases of Japan’s support to the recovery programme, essential infrastructure affected by the crisis has been restored. In the South-West Region, over 18 integrated health centres have been rehabilitated and equipped, while 22 solar-powered boreholes have been constructed, improving access to healthcare and clean water for thousands of people.
At the Buea Town Integrated Health Center, one of the facilities reconstructed, the impact has been felt by both health workers and patients. Before rehabilitation, the facility faced challenges including limited space, poor sanitation conditions and unreliable electricity.
“We struggled with hygiene and sanitation because water was scarce. The building was not lit at night, and electricity was not consistent,” said Mrs. Mokwe Marie, Chief of Post at the Buea Town Integrated Health Center. Following the intervention, the facility was upgraded with improved consultation rooms, maternity services, laboratory facilities and better working conditions for health personnel.
For patients, the changes have restored confidence in accessing care closer to home. “But now, I feel comfortable. The care I receive here is much better, and I’m confident that my baby and I are safe,” said Ms. Martha Ngome, a postpartum mother receiving care at the facility.
The impact of the partnership also extends to communities where access to clean water was once a daily challenge. In Bonadikombo, solar-powered boreholes have reduced the long distances families travelled to fetch water.
“We suffered a lot. Our wives and daughters would leave the house before dawn just to find water,” said Ejobo Eric Ewumbue, Quarter Head of Quarter 21 in Bonadikombo.
Today, the situation has improved.
“Now, water is just a few steps away. My children no longer suffer from water-related diseases, and I don’t have to spend hours walking to get water,” said Neh Tabukong, a mother of five from Bakingili community.
Building on these achievements, Phase III of Japan’s support is ongoing and will further expand recovery efforts in health, education and water infrastructure, directly benefiting more than 682,000 people and indirectly reaching over 3.1 million people.
“Japan remains deeply committed to promoting sustainable development and strengthening resilience across Cameroon. Through this new phase of the project, we aim to restore essential services, safeguard lives, and help communities regain stability, enabling them to build a more secure and hopeful future,” said H.E. MINAMI Kentaro, Ambassador of Japan to Cameroon noted during the signing of the new phase.
By Guest writer in Buea
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