Vitamin A Supplementation: Understanding Why Refugees Are More Receptive

“Vitamin A supplementation in Gado Refugee Camp is never less than 99 per cent!” says Arvelle Thierry Benjamin Mvondo Eyenga with a broad smile. Eyenga is the Africa Humanitarian Agency, AHA Health Supervisor for Gado Badzere Refugee Camp and other refugee settlements in the East Region of Cameroon. He attributes this feat to sustained communication, strong community mobilisation, and the commitment and assistance of the Canadian government (through Global Affairs Canada, GAC), and other partners.
“Refugees are generally more cooperative during vaccination and Vitamin A supplementation campaigns. Unlike local Cameroonians who are so stuck to their customs and traditions and easily give much importance to hearsay. Moreover, there is no single powerful channel of communication with local people. On the contrary, we pass on our messages to refugees through several channels – their community elders, president, camp management officials...” Eyenga explains.
“We don’t have cases of polio vaccine refusal. Interestingly, Vitamin A supplementation serves as bait to vaccination because the children love it so much!” explains Dr Tcheumaga Djomgue Sylvain Augustin, the District Medical Officer for Garoua Boulai. “Vaccination figures without Vitamin A supplementation are generally lower than when the two are combined,” Dr Tcheumaga adds.
“Because of regular sensitisation by UNICEF and other partners, Central African Republic, CAR refugees in Gado Badzere Camp don’t have any problems with vaccination or Vitamin A supplementation. Each time we undertake an activity, it goes smoothly! Some parents even ask for Vitamin A supplements! But we explain they are meant for children and lactating women,” concurs Elhadj Aboubakar, Head of Gado Badzere Integrated Health Centre, located in Garoua Boulai Health District.
“I have served in other parts of the country, but Gado Badzere is simply fantastic!” exclaims Elhadj Aboubakar grinning. “I am so grateful for the support of partners like the United Nations High Commission for Refugees, UNHCR, the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, the African Humanitarian Agency, AHA, Global Affairs Canada, GAC…They support us materially, technically and financially,” says Aboubakar.
“Elsewhere,” he stresses, “you don’t find such facilities. In fac...