For almost three years, the Covid 19 has been a menace to the world, Cameroon inclusive. However, lots of conspiracy theories has been surrounding this virus causing a greater percentage of the Cameroonian population to believe it is non-existent and as such not taking the preventive measures as stipulated by WHO seriously. This led to a surge in the number of Covid 19 cases and deaths in Cameroon thus the need to sensitize the Cameroonian population. On September 24, 2021, a team of four from Her Innovation Cameroon (HIC) and some volunteers led by the Executive Officer Mme. Eyabi Antoinette and Wandji Armel did a covid-19 outreach in partnership with Global Youth Mobilization (GYM) with the a mission to “Demystify the myths and skepticism about covid-19 and the vaccines”. This outreach was done at Mile 16 Buea, in the South-West region of Cameroon with particular attention given to Grace Inclusive Mental Change Academy Bilingual Nursery and Primary School, since it coincided with school resumption and kids being more vulnerable, needed more protection. The outreach targeted people between the age groups of was geared to the youths of aged 5 to 43years old.
After canvassing popular areas in Mile 16, Buea, the finally visited the school premises of Grace Inclusive Mental Change Academy Bilingual Nursery and Primary School at 11:00am and were highly welcomed by the school proprietor. There was a huge sign of preparedness and hospitality since HIC had earlier informed them of their visit. There was some exchanges between the team, the proprietor and the school staff with regards to welcome and introductions. The HIC team were then invited to a classroom where the pupils had been rallied for a discussion and sensitization concerning the myths and skepticism about covid-19 and the vaccines. The pupils were quizzed on the measures prescribed by the World Health Organization to prevent the spread of the virus and they were very collaborative and performed excellently in terms of their responses.
The pupils were encouraged to strictly adhere to these preventive measures since more than 97% of the pupils have not been vaccinated against Covid 19. The pupils were schooled on the benefits of taking the covid-19 vaccine as an individual and to the community in a wider scope. Myths such as the Covid 19 vaccine is being used as a biological weapon was dispelled.
An open ground was given to the pupils for questions and they had tons of questions. Most of the questions raised centred on procedures for taking the vaccine especially for people who have health setbacks or complications like tuberculosis. Mme Eyabi explained that before going for vaccination, individuals are advised to know their health situation and people with any sort of health complications like diabetes and cancer are advised to see a doctor and get their opinion, advice and guidance before taking the vaccine.
The discussion came to a close with a word of appreciation from the HIC team and contributions from the head teacher. The pupils equally showed their gratitude for the visit. The staffs were handed over a specially designed washing bucket, detergents and hand sanitize to effectively ward off covid-19 in the school. In addition, the HIC team shared to all present reusable face mask ensuring that they are protected at all times. The HIC team was guaranteed by the school proprietor they will follow up the pupils to ensure that these preventive measures and the donated materials will be used purposefully and efficiently.
The team left the environ of Mile 16, Buea satisfied that they had reached at least 72% of its population and knowing the goals of the outreach have been gracefully met.