Coronavirus Pandemic : All Doume Secondary Prison Inmates Vaccinated!

Fighting the Coronavirus pandemic in Cameroon’s prisons - for the most part - presents major challenges. Such as the lack of space to practise physical distancing. As well as congestion and the inevitable resultant filthy living conditions. These, in no negligible measure, contribute to stalling efforts by prison authorities, the government and its partners to checkmate new COVID-19 infections and the spread of the disease. In such situations, vaccination of prison inmates - just like for most categories of people - is strongly encouraged.

Message To Prison Inmates
The Secondary Prison in Doume Subdivision in the Upper Nyong Division of Cameroon’s  East Region finds itself in this situation. Nevertheless, the Social Behaviour Change, SBC Group in Doume, made up of young people - including students - has not relented in its efforts to pass on the message of protection against Coronavirus. To prison inmates. During its second visit to the prison on September 29, 2022, the team, led by Njombe Kelly Fidelie, sensitised the 14 all-male inmates on Coronavirus protection and control measures.

Everyone’s Concern
“We visited Doume Secondary Prison before to sensitise inmates because Coronavirus concerns everyone. Moreover, inmates live in a congested environment. Though the pandemic is no longer at its peak in Cameroon, like the saying goes: “Prevention is better than cure.” We must always be on the watchout and take preventive measures,” Njombe Kelly explained.  

All Inmates Vaccinated!
Following the sensitisation, one of the inmates, Beteba Theophile, stepped forward to receive his Coronavirus vaccine. Moved by his courage, the remaining 13 prisoners also received their first vaccines. “We must protect ourselves against COVID-19. We heard of the havoc the disease has caused. I understand more inmates will be joining us in the near future. I plan to encourage them to also get vaccinated against Coronavirus,” Beteba Theophile explained.  

Understanding Inmates’ Positive Response       
“The response to sensitisation in Doume Prison is so positive because we employ a three-prong approach, which comprises the offer of assistance, support and empowerment of inmates. Moreover, we relate well with the Prison Superintendent and his medical team,”  Abada Etaba Collins Bruno, Head of the Doume Social Affairs Centre explained. Abada oversees the implementation of the COVID-19 prevention and control project in the area.

Project Geographical Cover
The 12-month “Preventing and Responding to COVID-19 in Cameroon” project is financed by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID at the cost of 500,000 US dollars (about 334.5 million FCFA). With priority on urban centres, refugee and internally-displaced communities, the project covers the North West, South West and East Regions. It is implemented by the Ministry of Public Health in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF.

Project Objectives
It seeks to prevent the spread and importation of COVID-19, and to q...