Philanthropist donates to Kiyan and Mankon inhabitants

It was all joy in Kiyan, a locality in Bui Division, and Mankon town in Mezam Division both of the North West region, on 28 to 31 December 2015, when Bonkishiy Marceline, a Cameroonian-born German citizen donated blood pressure testing kits and iron supplements to the local populations.

In Kiyan on December 28th and 29th just like in Mankon on December 31st, 2014 the joy was total and the mobilization complete as the entire population received what many desribed as a precious “Christmas and New Year gift”.

Added to the gifts, Bongkishiy Marceline who is also a public health expert gave enriching health talks on prevention and management of high blood pressure and iron deficiency anemia in churches and Njangi groups in Kiyan and at the Mankon Hospital.

She drilled the population on the different ways these ailments which become public health concerns in Cameroon can be prevented.

With the help of Doctors and nurses, she carried out screening for high blood pressure on about 750 people in Kiyan on December 29 and close to 500 people in Mankon on Dec. 31st.

Iron supplements were also distributed to patients who had earlier been diagnised with iron deficiency anemia.

One of the recipients, Lavnyuy Emelda, had suffered at least four miscarriages due to iron deficiency. Another, Ghakanyuy Becky, had been diagnosed with haemoglobin deficiency.

Some of the iron supplements were also handed to authorities of the Mankon Hospital for onward distribution to patients.

Speaking to this reporter as to what motivated her to undertake such a laudable initiative, Bongkishiy Marceline explained that she was motivated first by her personal experience. She recalled how she had been diagnosed with high blood pressure and iron deficiency anemia and how she was helped out of the ailments by doctors and volunteers. “ After i regained my normal health i took upon myself to help other people especially women who are diagnosed with these ailments.

She explained that iron deficiency is one of the causes of bareness and miscarriages in women. She advised women to stop drinking concoctions and consulting tradi-practitioners, and rather consult qualified physicians. “I am here to sensitize the population especially women,” she emphasized.

Receiving the gifts at the Presbyterian Church Kiyan in the Bui presbytery, the Chairman of that congregation Mr. Yuven Francis thanked Marceline for the laudable initiative imploring her to come again if God gives her the means.

The same words of thanks were reiterated by the church pastor who Bongkishiy Marceline for her boundless magnanimity. He recalled how Marceline and her husband had sent him with some gifts to distribute to the needy in Cameroon when he visited Germany some years back.

It is worth noting that this initiative was solely funded by Bongkishiy Marceline and her husband with the help of family members and friends. She has promised to come back and do more provided she gets the means.

High blood pressure and iron deficiency anemia: A public health concern in Cameroon

High blood pressure and iron deficiency anemia are some of the principal non-communicable diseases in Cameroon and a major public health concern. Statistics from the Ministry of Public Health indicate that some 25 per cent of Cameroonians from 15 years and above suffer from high blood pressure.

The situation is more preoccupying because of the high cost of diagnosis and treatment. Most high blood patients shy away from hospital treatment and end up having strokes and at times sudden deaths.

Iron-deficiency anemia is also becoming a major public health concern in Cameroon. Although statistics of the disease in Cameroon were not readily available at press time some Doctors told us that more and more cases are diagnosed on a daily basis.

Iron-deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not have enough of the mineral iron. The human body needs iron to produce a protein called hemoglobin, which is responsible for carrying oxygen to body tissues.

In women of child-bearing age, the most common cause of iron-deficiency anemia is loss of iron in blood due to heavy menstruation or childbirth.

Iron-deficiency anemia can also be caused by a poor diet or by certain intestinal diseases that affect how the body absorbs iron. The condition is normally treated with iron supplements.

She added: “Above all since birth I have always hoped that when I will have the means I will bring smiles to people in need especially sick women....I am not saying that I have much but if one has to wait until that time that you have enough you will never help others.”

She said a balanced diet, regular exercise, reducing stress, controlling body weight, regular screening and avoiding tobacco can minimize the risk of developing high blood pressure, strokes or heart attack.