CESCA to Reduce Infant, Maternal Mortality

The population of Edea in the Sanaga Maritime Division of the Littoral Region has received free medical drugs expected to reduce death rate as a result of malaria and river blindness. Expected to benefit vulnerable populations like pregnant women and children below five years, the aim of the FCFA 10 million gifts by the Economic and Social Committee of Adie (Cesca) is to enhance medical care in support of efforts by Public Health Ministry.

To an average member of the target group, the drug donation, firmly instructed to be given out free of charge, falls in line with Cesca mission to help defray medical cost in the community mostly consisting of poor families while contributing to the development of the 17 villages of Adie in Edea.

The gifts that consisted of Paracetamol, Metronidazole, Vitamin B Complex, Ibrupropen, Multivitamine sirop, Albendazole, Paracetamol sirop, Carbocysteine, Quinine sulfate, Doxycicline and Moxicicline, Cotrimoxazole and Aspirin were donated by the village development association, Cesca, with the support of local companies and public structures. During the handing over ceremony which held at the Elog Bele palace was attended by the traditional Chief of Adie, Ndong Tchombe William, among public health officials and community members.

Elite of Elog Bele, Mathieu Mandeng, encouraged the spirit of participation in the development of Edea. "Fighting against malaria and river blindness is essential in this community where nuisance from mosquitos constitutes a major problem," the President of Cesca, Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibihe, explained. He revealed that before Cesca carries out other development efforts such as fishery, education, youth oriented programmes; more of its efforts now will be focused on improving health among vulnerable groups.

A convention for drug distribution in the area was signed between the Ministry Public Health in the Division and Cesca. Nogbe Esther, Chief of Service for Edea Health District, signed for the Ministry and Jean Ernest Ngalle Bibihe for Cesca. The association was created on April 26, 2012; launched its activities last July 21.