Visionary Reports

The Amicale des Femmes de Deido (AFED) has made a significant contribution to local healthcare by donating medical equipment worth over 12 million CFA francs to the Deido District Hospital.The donation was officially handed over on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, during a ceremony at the hospital esplanade. The event was chaired by the Divisional Officer for Douala I,Arnaud Heungap, alongside the traditional ruler of Deido, HRH Ekwalla Essaka.Furthermore,receiving the equipment, the Director of the Deido District Hospital, Prof.Servais Eloumou Bagnaka, expressed profound gratitude to AFED. He noted that the donation aligns with the hospital’s modernization project, which includes 236 specific actions aimed at improving managerial and clinical standards.”Our structure must rise to the challenge of the demographic explosion in Douala,” Professor Eloumou stated. “The satisfaction of the patient is our priority because, as Plato said, health is the first good. This equipment will allow us to remain at the forefront of public health while providing quality care to those who need it most.”

The Director also praised the staff for their resilience and commitment to his vision of involving the community in the hospital’s growth. “We requested the support of community-based organizations, and today we see the wonderful results of that collaboration.”The donation is specifically targeted at the hospital’s Neonatology Department, a unit that Professor Eloumou noted required urgent “re-dynamization.”The 12 million CFA donation includes:2 mobile incubators, 1 radiant warming table.2 portable phototherapy lamps.5 pediatric pulse oximeters.Ventilation masks and resuscitation bags (Ambu bags).20 suction bags.1 pediatric blood pressure monitor with multiple cuffs.15 sets of professional medical scrubs for the staffThe President of AFED, Marguerite Mbappou, explained that the funds were raised through a “gastronomic day” held in May 2025. She highlighted the association’s long-standing partnership with the hospital, which dates back to 2015.”Our members, wives of the sons of Deido from diverse backgrounds, have spared no effort to improve the living conditions of our children,” Mrs. Mbappou said. “These newborns are fragile beings who need extra care. We thank our partners, local companies, and the diaspora specifically members from the Elombo family for their generosity.”In addition,the ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the refurbished neonatal center and the distribution of gifts to nursing mothers.Closing the event, the Mayor of Douala I, Lengue Malapa, urged the medical staff to take jealous care of the new equipment. He emphasized that the longevity of these tools is essential to ensuring they continue to serve the population of Deido and the wider Douala community effectively.

By Henry Wana