Cameroon Red Cross Volunteers Stop Measles Outbreak in Its Tracks.
In the North region of Cameroon, a swift response by trained Cameroon Red Cross Society volunteers has successfully contained a measles outbreak. Thanks to their efforts, a mass vaccination campaign was launched, protecting children’s health in the long term.
The Story of Djoubeda.
7-year-old Djoubeda from Mayo-Oulo village showed symptoms of measles, prompting local volunteer Ramatou to spring into action. Ramatou, trained through the Community Epidemic and Pandemic Preparedness Programme (CP3), recognized the symptoms and reported the case to authorities using a digital surveillance tool.
Rapid Response
Within three days, the measles case was confirmed, and local health authorities launched a mass vaccination campaign. Cameroon Red Cross volunteers supported the effort by sharing trusted health information and encouraging families to vaccinate their children.
Success Story.
Thanks to the joint effort, nearly 500 children were vaccinated, and no further measles cases have been recorded since the outbreak. Dr. Laboulaye, Head of the Mayo-Oulo Health Centre, praised the Red Cross’s support, saying, “We could have recorded a lot of deaths… Thank you for your support, for all your disease prevention activities and help with the response.”
Volunteer Ramatou’s Motivation.
Ramatou’s motivation for volunteering is to save lives, ease pain, and prevent diseases from spreading. She says, “What pleases me is that people listen, volunteers work well, and the community values and appreciates our efforts.”
