South West Regional Health Open Days: You Are Invited!

I will continue to emphasize the need for our health to be a priority this year and beyond. Unfortunately, most people, particularly those in low and middle-income countries like Cameroon, still struggle to afford and access quality health care. As a result, the South West Regional Delegation of Public Health (RDPH) is taking action for universal health coverage (UHC) by hosting Health Open Days which will take place from March 30th to 31st, 2023 [1].

UHC is simply a means of ensuring that everyone, irrespective of where they live, or their status in life, gets access to the quality health services they need without breaking the bank [2]. Most of us can attest to the difficulties of being unable to access quality health care and pay for consultations or medications. This event starts at 9 a.m. daily and is open to the general public. Yes, you are all invited.

This event is a way to reach out to the vulnerable population, highlight the health services available in hospitals, offer free screening for some health conditions, educate the public about UHC Phase 1, register internally displaced persons (IDPs), and provide gifts to IDPs and vulnerable populations [1]. If you are not an IDP, do not dare register as one. When you take advantage of resources meant for those in dire need, they go unserved. Also, given what happened recently in Buea with the flooding incident, the South West RDPH team will need all the resources to assist the vulnerable population. Let’s all be guided and have some conscience.

Community and civil society participation are critical for UHC [2], so attend this event at the Grand Stand, Bongo Square in Buea and make your voice heard. Your health and voices matter. Do not let this opportunity pass you by without having a say. For health systems to benefit everyone, the South West RDPH team needs to hear from you all.

Help spread the word for others to attend.

References

1. Cameroon MINSANTE (2023). Poster Image

2. World Health Organization. (n.d.). Universal Health Coverage. World Health Organization. Retrieved March 23, 2023, from https://www.who.int/health-topics/universal-health-coverage#tab=tab_1

3. Image Credit: Cameroon MINSANTE