International Cooperation: Supporting Local Communities, Enhancing Understanding

The government of Japan in 1965 launched an international cooperation programme to contribute to the socio-economic development and reconstruction of developing countries, and promote mutual understanding and cohabitation amongst people of different cultures. As well as put volunteering experience at the benefit of local communities and nations.

54,000 Volunteers Since 1965
Through the Japan Overseas Cooperation Volunteers, JOCV, the programme has in 57 years deployed more than 54,000 volunteers in 91 countries across the globe. Including 180 in Cameroon since October 2006 when the first set of six volunteers were sent to the country. Serving in the areas of health education and community development, JOCV volunteers have been deployed in the Centre, West, Littoral, South and East Regions. There are currently 13 Japanese volunteers in the country.

On The Ground In Cameroon
“I am a Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA volunteer nurse. I was posted to Mbalmayo Health District in the Centre Region of Cameroon in 2021 for a period of two years,” says Shiraishi Kotone. “The objective of my mission is to help build the capacity of local health and support staff, especially in the area of sensitization on maternal and infant health. We promote the use of the Maternal and Infant Health Manual, which was conceived and produced with the financial support of JICA,” explains Shiraishi.

Mbalmayo Health District
Miss Shiraishi Kotone is the second JOCV volunteer to be posted to Mbalmayo Health District. She started work in December 2021. She offers support to health workers to improve service delivery. During a media tour to Mbalmayo Health District on March 4, 2022 organized by the Japanese Embassy in Cameroon, journalists watched Kotone at work. Assisting Cameroonian healthcare workers in sensitizing nursing women who brought their babies for vaccination.

Continuous, Incremental Improvements
“I assist Cameroonian partners in improving sensitization techniques and vaccination campaigns. Every Friday, we organize sensitization sessions with women who bring their babies for vaccination to Mbalmayo Health District. I intend t...