‘Because of malaria, I was very afraid of losing my baby during my pregnancy’.
– Laurine, 19, Mbana, Doumé district, East Cameroon

At the age of 19, Laurine became a mother for the first time. She lives in Mbana, a small, remote village in the East region of Cameroon. Her pregnancy was not an easy one. Like many women in her community, she had to contend with malaria, a disease that is still a real danger to pregnant women today.

A community facing isolation

Laurine belongs to the Baka people, an indigenous community who live in harmony with the forest. The Baka are renowned for their extensive knowledge of medicinal plants and their culture deeply connected to nature. But behind this cultural wealth lies a harsher reality: distance from health services, poverty and oblivion.

 

During her pregnancy, Laurine fell ill several times. But she didn’t dare go to the health centre. Too far away, too many judgements. She doesn’t speak French well, and was afraid of being stared at or misunderstood. She preferred to stay at home, hoping the situation would pass.

“I was often afraid for my baby. But I didn’t want to go to hospital. It’s far away, and I don’t speak very well.

Her partner was not informed of the risks of malaria during pregnancy. He did not encourage her to seek medical advice or to protect herself with a mosquito net.

An encounter that changed everything

In the end, it was an encounter that changed everything. A Community Health Worker (CHW) came to her village. She took the time to talk to her, to listen to her. She explained the risks to her and her baby if she went without care.

That trigger was essential. Laurine found the courage to go to the health centre, despite the distance. There, she received the preventive treatment against malaria during pregnancy (IPTp), was able to have her ante-natal consultations, and received an impregnated mosquito net free of charge.

“It was the community health worker who convinced me. Thanks to him, I was able to treat myself and protect my baby.

Today, Laurine is in good health. And so is her baby. She continues to visit the health centre and encourages other women in the village to do the same.

Discreet heroes who save lives

In the Doumé region, as in many other remote areas of Cameroon, Community Health Workers are often the only link between the local population and the health system. They go from village to village, on foot or by motorbike when they are lucky enough to have one, to provide information, screening and support.

“The villages are very remote. I do my best to cover them all, but without transport, it’s complicated. I’d like to be able to help more people.
– Doumé Community Health Worker

These men and women play an essential role in preventing malaria, particularly among pregnant women and children. They deserve more support.

Act now

Laurine’s story reminds us just how much information, proximity and listening can change a life. If other women are to have this opportunity, we urgently need to:

  • – train and recruit more community health workers,
  • – give them the resources to do their job,
  • – step up awareness campaigns in local languages,
  • – and improve access to preventive tools such as mosquito nets and malaria vaccines.

Only collective action will make it possible to reduce malaria in the long term and improve the lives of thousands of families like Laurine’s.