Aminatou Hamadou: “All My Children Receive Vitamin A Regularly”

She is exemplary. Especially concerning her children. In matters of health. Mention any health, or related-activity, and she will be there for you! Because she has come to understand the goodness of good health. It is no surprise therefore that all her children – born in Cameroon – have been receiving Vitamin A supplementation. Regularly. Thanks to her openness of mind and the support of her husband.
Aminatou Hamadou is 38. Alongside her husband, the couple fled the conflict in neighbouring Central African Republic, CAR some years back. Eventually seeking protection in Gado Badzere Refugee Camp. Some 36 km on the outskirts of the border town of Garoua Boulai. In Lom and Djerem Division of Cameroon’s East Region.
“My youngest baby, Alima Sadiya, is one year-old. Since her birth, Alima has been receiving Vitamin A supplementation regularly,” explains Aminatou with a wide grin. As she gazes into the setting sun this Saturday evening of May 14, 2022. While squatting on an almost ground-level little wooden stool in front of the family hut in Gado Badzere Refugee Camp.
 “All my four children were born in Cameroon, including a set of twins. They receive Vitamin A supplementation regularly,” Aminatou notes. With an air of self-fulfilment.  According to her, Vitamin A keeps sicknesses at bay from under-fives, and helps them to grow up – healthily. “Even headaches, the child who takes Vitamin A will not experience!” Hamadou adds with conviction.
Aminatou’s neighbours have also developed the habit of bringing forth their children for vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation. “Since my husband accepts our children to be vaccinated, to take Vitamin A, to be issued birth certificates; to be taken to hospital when they fall sick, I have nothing more to demand of him!” Aminatou quips. To which hordes of neighbours and their children...